Gerald T. McQueen Leaving Top Post at New York's Javits Center
November 16, 2011
After 16 years at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, 14 of which were at the helm and two as inspector general, Gerald T. McQueen will be stepping down.
He will stay in his post as president and CEO until a successor is found, according to venue officials.
During his tenure at the Javits Center, McQueen helped transform it from a place plagued by corruption and racketeering to a venue with a stable work force, well-maintained building and capable management team.
“I regret leaving an institution that has been such a large part of my professional life, but secure in the knowledge that the reforms we have instituted during my time here have transformed the center into an institution that fulfills is mission with integrity, whose customers are well-served and whose employees enjoy a fair workplace and fulfilling work,” McQueen said.
He added, “I will always feel a part of this wonderful place.”
McQueen also oversaw a decade-long effort to have the center expanded, which was completed last year with the addition of Javits Center North, and a renovation to the main building is underway and set to be completed by the end of 2013.
In addition, he promoted diversity in the workforce and ensured that employees were treated with dignity and respect, according to Javits officials. He also enforced ethics requirements that held everyone, from the board of directors to the lowest paid worker, accountable.
“Jerry has had a great run at the Javits Convention Center,” said Javits Board Chairman Carl H. Loewenson, Jr.
He added, “He played a critical role in getting organized crime out of the center, and under Jerry’s leadership, the center has, for many years, been one of the few convention centers in the country that covers its expenses.”
The Javits Center hosted 18 events on the 2010 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list, with the New York International Gift Fair summer edition being the largest, with 2,800 exhibitors and nearly 50,000 attendees on a 534,000 net square foot showfloor.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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