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Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority
FALL 2023 IN REVIEW
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Welcome to the 2023 Fall In Review Edition of the MCCFA Quarterly Newsletter! | |
Stay in-the-know on happenings with the transformation of the Dayton Convention Center and future projects with our quarterly newsletter. Read industry-related news and information, learn about the MCCFA, and more. Thank you for your support!
- Pam Plageman, Executive Director & CEO
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"Innovation Taking Flight” – Dayton Convention Center Project in Motion | |
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The momentum continues at the Dayton Convention Center! This $40 million project is coming to life as the structural steel frames have been installed for the third floor event terrace and new entry vestibule. Our new “front door” in progress stretches the entire city block, from Jefferson to Main, and will include a park-like setting with beautiful landscaping, granite seating, color changing LED lights and an irrigation system. As guests take in the new scenery, check emails, or listen to live music from the Levitt Pavilion, the experience will be transformational. Completion expected mid-2024.
Escalator modernization in progress – final inspections for the first set of escalators in progress and pending final report, should be ready by end of November. The second set should be completed by the end of December 2023.
Third floor meeting rooms – renovation complete!
Restroom renovations – 80% complete!
VIP Suite renovation in progress – a brand-new VIP suite/flex space transformation has begun!
Gem City Ballroom – completely gutted and abated, renovations have begun!
Kitchen coolers and freezer replacement – 90% complete!
Bring on the new DCC! Thank you to the MCCFA Board of Directors for making this work possible and to our local business community leaders who advocate and support our mission!
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Dayton Convention Center 50th Anniversary Celebration | |
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Over 200 guests gathered at the Dayton Convention Center on November 1st to help celebrate its 50-year anniversary and to learn more about what is in store for the future. While this was a celebration for the center’s 50th anniversary, it was also to preview the progress of the more than $40 million in renovations and the future of the DCC.
Government leaders and industry representatives attended, including large and small business, nonprofit, education, arts, health care, hospitality and entertainment, military and defense, and manufacturing. Speakers and special guests included City Commissioner Christopher Shaw, County Commissioners Lieberman, Rice and Dodge, Regina Holman representing Congressman Mike Turner, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce President Chris Kershner, Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau President/CEO Jacquie Powell, LWC Principal Architect/Designer John Fabelo, Messer Construction, MCCFA Board Chairperson Mike Stevens and members of the MCCFA Board of Directors, ASM Global’s Executive Team, and MCCFA Executive Director/CEO Pam Plageman. Commendations were presented by the Office of Secretary of State Frank LaRose and State Representative Andrea White on behalf of the local state delegation.
The program highlighted a progressive culinary experience while guests viewed the renovations that will return the center to a premier facility for conventions, meetings, and events. An exceptional guest journey can be expected from the timeless finishes, upgraded HVAC, restrooms, and escalators, and elevated services in culinary, Mills James audio visual and sales/event management offered by ASM Global’ s professional management team.
The Dayton Convention Center remains open for business during the renovations, meeting the needs of the community and returning clients. Its goal is to position itself as a venue-of-choice in the region, while collaborating with other Ohio venues from the CCC+D corridor.
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Continued work on our third floor VIP Suite... framing the walls and ceiling preparation for a complete renovation of this space. | | |
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The new masonry wall for the East service corridor is near completion and will allow staff to properly service the entire hall/ballroom from behind the scenes. | | |
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The Gem City Ballroom has been abated and demoed to allow for a complete transformation. New ceilings with color-changing technology, wall treatments, doors and acoustical carpet are just the beginning. | |
Welcome Michael King, New DCC General Manager | |
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Michael King has 30 years of venue management, foodservice operations, and transportation/logistics experience. Prior to DCC, he was the general manager at McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. He has held senior leadership roles with premier hospitality and service groups including ARAMARK, Levy Restaurants, Sodexo Live, and Greyhound Lines, and founded and operated a boutique sports catering, consulting, and management recruiting company. Michael served in the United States Army. He has a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Central Florida and completed advanced leadership development programs through the Wharton Business School’s and Villanova University’s corporate learning initiatives. Michael is married to his wife, Kim, and is a father to two sons.
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Kevin Weckesser is an original member of the MCCFA Board of Directors, appointed in 2020.
Kevin is a Partner and President of Brixey & Meyer, a fast-growing regional CPA and business advisory firm with offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Kevin is a Chaminade Julienne High School and University of Dayton graduate with 25+ years of experience in public accounting, including 13 years with Ernst & Young. In addition to his board role with the MCCFA, Kevin currently serves on the board of trustees for Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley and Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School and is a past board chair for both the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and Muse Machine.
Kevin’s term with the Board of Directors ends at the end of this year so he may pursue other worthwhile community-focused opportunities. Kevin served with distinction as a Board member and member of the Finance Committee, and the MCCFA will remain forever grateful for his service.
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Supporting Our Community Partners | |
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Pam and Teri visited the new Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton led by Rita Cyr and viewed the plans that support families during some of their most challenging times! If you aren't supporting the RMHC, there are so many ways to get involved - learn more here: https://rmhcdayton.org. But first, stop by McD's and don't forget to ask them to round up to support!
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Pam and Teri served at Miami Valley Meals during the Thanksgiving season and worked next to their amazing staff while preparing to-go meals for local food banks.
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Pam attended the Clothes That Work On the Move annual fundraiser at Sinclair College on October 26th. Clothes That Work is a grassroots non-profit that has been providing professional clothing, image counseling and training for job seekers in Montgomery County since 1998. More than 38,000 men, women, and independent teens have benefited from the services provided by Clothes That Work. | |
Pam Plageman, Paul Gruner, and Amy Schrimpf of the MCCFA Board of Directors, attended the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce annual City2City conference in Tampa, Florida in October, sponsored by CareSource. Together with 20 local business leaders, the group experienced how Tampa Bay thrives in their downtown district. The group heard from Tampa leaders on how doing business in Tampa benefits Dayton. Tours and economic development education in areas such as the Riverfront Development District, Tampa Affordable Housing Project, Tampa Bay Medical District, Tampa’s Start Up Hub, Diversity and Inclusion, and Miliary Bay USA, Tampa Convention Center operation, were just some of the benefits from the visit. | |
Progress | Hospitality | Growth | |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
CONVENTION FACILITIES AUTHORITY
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