CLEARWATER, FL (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) –Global Spectrum named Regional Vice President Barry Strafacci, a 25-year veteran of the convention and exposition center management business, as the new general manager of the Harborview Center in Clearwater, FL.
Strafacci, who has operated convention facilities in the United States and Asia, will continue his responsibilities as a Global Spectrum regional vice president working on special projects, including overseeing the design, construction and opening of new convention centers and exposition facilities for the company. He will also oversee all day-to-day operations of the Harborview Center, where he served as the convention center's first general manager in l996.
"Barry is the one of the most recognized leaders in managing convention centers," said Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page. "We're very fortunate that he will be able to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Harborview Center while at the same time lend his expertise and experiences to the continued growth of our company."
Straffaci succeeds former General Manager Isabelle Blainey, who was named the company's new national director of Sales.
Strafacci, a Global Spectrum employee for 13 years, began his career in the public sector as senior policy and budget advisor for the Kentucky Governor's Office of Planning and Management. After affecting policy at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Board, which is responsible for the operation of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Freedom Hall Arena, Broadbent arena and Cardinal Stadium and the Commonwealth Convention Center in Louisville, KY, Strafacci was named as vice president of the combined facilities. During his tenure, he expanded the Kentucky Fair and Exhibition Center to over 1-million-square feet of exhibit space.
He has been responsible for designing, staffing, purchasing furniture, fixtures and equipment, labor relations, grand opening activities and the day-to-day management for the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL; the Cashman Center in Las Vegas, NV; Harborview Center, Clearwater, FL; James L. Knight Center and Miami Convention Center, Miami, FL; Pueblo Convention Center, Pueblo, CO; Putra World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, KY.
Strafacci is a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) serving as Chairman of the Convention Centers/Exhibit Halls Committee (2005-2007), International Association of Exposition Managers (IAEM) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He has been an adjunct instructor in Convention Sales and Service in the Hospitality curriculum at Shieller University in Florida.
