New assistant general manager hired at Cobo Center

Thom Connors, SMG regional vice president and general manager of Cobo Center, recently announced that Claude Molinari has joined the Cobo Center staff as its new assistant general manager.


“Claude is SMG’s expert operations specialist with prior experience running our exhibitor services company and opening the first LEED-certified Green Convention Center in the U.S.,” said Connors. “We are pleased to welcome him to our team because we know his enthusiasm and skill will lead us into a new era of community collaboration and thriving event services at Cobo Center.”

Molinari comes to the Cobo Center from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he served as assistant general manager since 2005.

During his tenure at the DLCC, Molinari oversaw budgeting, forecasting and financing, as well as implementing award-winning safety, security and crisis management programs. He also spearheaded significant new business development by playing a key role in assisting with major events in Pittsburg including the MLB All-Star Game, Bass Masters Fishing Tournament, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals and the G20 Summit.

The year-old Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) has developed a strategic plan to renovate and develop the Cobo Center as one of the nation’s leading meeting exhibition venues. Molinari will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and business development of Cobo Center. He will administer green practices and apply for Gold Certified LEED status, negotiate with local trade unions, develop business contingency, facility safety and emergency plans, and assure that the annual budget goals are achieved.