Spectra, the providers of venue management and food services and hospitality to the Owensboro Convention Center and the Owensboro Sportscenter is pleased to announce the promotion of Laura Alexander to the position of general manager.
Alexander, a graduate of Western Kentucky University, started her career with Spectra as director of sales and marketing in 2012 at the Owensboro Convention Center prior to its opening. Since January of 2017, she has held dual roles of assistant general manager and director of sales and marketing and has lead the staff as interim general manager since March. In her new role as general manager, she will be responsible for the overall management and staff of both facilities.
“Laura has been an essential and committed part of the Center’s team since its beginning,” says Dean Dennis, former general manager and vice president of Spectra. “She has done an outstanding job of promoting and selling the Center and the Sportscenter and we are confident that she will provide the leadership necessary for continued success of the facilities and the city of Owensboro.”
“I’m pleased that our partner Spectra has selected Laura Alexander as general manager of the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter,” says Nate Pagan, city manager with the city of Owensboro, KY. “With her background in the hospitality industry and service as assistant general manager, Laura has the knowledge and experience to lead and maximize the economic impact of both facilities. As an Owensboro native, Laura knows the community well, and should provide stability to the position.”
Alexander is a “2016 Venues Today Generation Next” award recipient which honors young professionals who make a difference in sports, music, conventions, family shows and festivals. She is also a graduate of the International Association of Venue Managers Venue Management School, regarded as one of the best professional education programs available for venue managers.
Western Kentucky’s premier meeting space, the Owensboro Convention Center, is a full-service meeting facility overlooking the scenic Ohio River in revitalized downtown Owensboro, KY. The multi-purpose center boasts just under 102,000 sq. ft. of available space, including a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, 8,900+ sq. ft. pier outside over the scenic Ohio River, and additional ballroom, meeting, and pre-function space. For more info, visit www.OwensboroCenter.com.
The Sportscenter, one of Owensboro’s most historic buildings, opened in 1949. It is a multi-purpose 5,000 seat arena that hosts graduations, concerts, sporting events, tradeshows, meetings and receptions. The Owensboro Sportscenter is home to the Kentucky Thoroughbreds of the NAPB, Division II Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers Men’s and Women’s Basketball of the Great Midwest Atlantic Conference and the Owensboro Catholic High School Aces Basketball. For more info, visit www.OwensboroSportscenter.com.
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: venue management, food services and hospitality, and partnerships. For more info, visit www.SpectraExperiences.com.
