ASM GLOBAL NAMES KATHY BART GENERAL MANAGER AT WACO CONVENTION CENTER
(WACO, Texas – Nov. 7, 2024) — ASM Global, the world’s No. 1 development full-service venue and live events company, has named Kathy Bart as the new general manager of Waco Convention Center in Waco, Texas. Bart is a former executive at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a regional director of sales for ASM Global.
Leveraging ASM Global’s unmatched expertise and comprehensive service, Bart will lead the company’s efforts in elevating the Waco Convention Center guest experience and operations, unlocking new opportunities to attract innovative programming and new events, and fostering connections to the Waco community.
In making the announcement, Dan Hoffend, executive vice president, convention centers, ASM Global, said, “Kathy is a talented leader with extensive experience in convention center management, event services and hospitality. I’m confident that her dedication and passion for our industry will be invaluable assets in bringing Waco Convention Center to a new level as well as positioning Waco as a premier event destination.”
In her role as director of sales and event services for DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Bart was responsible for growing and managing local, regional and national business at the convention center as well as collaborating with the local entities and stakeholders to execute events ranging from public shows to large annual association conventions.
“We are excited to welcome Kathy Bart to Waco and look forward to the positive impact ASM Global will bring to our convention center,” said Lisa Blackmon, assistant city manager for the City of Waco. “Kathy’s leadership and expertise, along with the world-class capabilities of ASM Global, will elevate Waco Convention Center and ensure it remains a premier venue. We look forward to seeing how her leadership and the experience ASM Global brings will drive even greater success for Waco as a key destination in Texas."
Bart is an active member of the Michigan Society of Association Executives and is a current board president of the Convention Sales Professionals International where she has been a longtime member. Bart shares her expertise with the next generation of event leaders in the Hospitality Program at Grand Valley State University and has facilitated on-site student learning opportunities at DeVos Place Convention Center. She was the CSPI Shawn Corwin Myland Award nominee in 2020 and was named “Best Supplier” in Michigan Meetings + Events magazine’s 2020 Hall of Fame.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Waco Convention Center,” Bart said. “Building on the center’s commitment to excellence and community engagement, I look forward to working together to elevate this venue to new heights and drive meaningful economic impact for the City of Waco and the region.”