MIAMI (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Global Spectrum, operators of the Miami Beach Convention Center, have named Robert Balsam, Jr., a 30-year veteran of the public assembly facility management industry, as the convention center’s new General Manager.
Balsam, who most recently served Global Spectrum as Assistant General Manager at the Duke Energy (Convention) Center in Cincinnati, OH, brings experience in administration, operations and the booking and implementation of events at convention centers throughout the United States, to Miami Beach. He joined Global Spectrum in 2007 in Cincinnati as Director of Sales, working with the Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau in developing and implementing numerous successful sales strategies for long-term convention, corporate and tradeshow business.
“Bob is a highly respected convention center operator with a proven and effective track record,” said John Page, Chief Operating Officer for Global Spectrum. “He is extremely well versed in sales and marketing, customer service, labor negotiations, managing budgets and networking. He consistently maximizes his resources and opportunities for the benefit of the client, the customer, and the community. As the new operators of the Miami Beach Convention Center, we look forward to the tremendous impact Bob will have on the region, as well as the convention center industry.”
Prior to joining Global Spectrum, Balsam was Director of Sales at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, from 2004 until 2007. He also served as Senior Event Manager and Guest Services Manager for the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA, from 2001 until 2004; Convention Manager at the Freeman Companies/Sullivan Transfer Company in Dallas, TX, from 1992 until 2001; Assistant Manager of Operations for the Albert Thomas Convention Center in Houston, TX, from 1983 until 1999; and Event Coordinator at the Astrodome in Houston, TX from 1978 until 1983.
Global Spectrum currently operates three facilities in South Florida, including the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, FL, the James L. Knight Center, and the BankUnited Center on the campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. The company will utilize the synergies and resources of these two facilities, along with the more than 75 throughout North America to maximize opportunities for the Miami Beach Convention Center. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
