Alan Steel Named President and CEO of New York's Javits Center
February 26, 2012
Alan Steel, a 30-year veteran of the trade show industry, has been named president and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
Steel is replacing Gerald T. McQueen, the center’s leader for the past 14 years, who resigned in October and stayed in his post until a successor was found.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the various constituencies which interact with the Javits Center,” Steel said.
He added, “It's obviously an interesting time here. My primary goals will be to make a real difference to the customer experience and to address issues and opportunities related to recent announcements concerning the building's future."
Steel joined George Little Management nearly 30 years ago and knows the Javits Center well, with GLM’s flagship gift show, the New York International Gift Fair, being a mainstay in the building.
He started at GLM in 1982 and oversaw not only corporate strategic planning and direction for the company's shows, including the National Stationery Show and SURTEX, but also was active in developing domestic and international markets for the company.
Before GLM, Steelworked for more than 15 years with the British government in a number of trade-related positions at theDepartment of Trade and Industry in London, theBritish Consulate in Chicagoand theBritish Trade Development Office in New York.
Last year, Daily Mail and General Trust, dmg world media's parent company, sold GLM to Providence Equity Partners, led by former Canon Communications’ CEO Charles McCurdy, and after a transition period, Steel left the company.
Steel is joining Javits at a time when the center’s future has been questioned after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a plan involving a private Malaysian company financing the build of a massive center near the Aqueduct Race Track.
As part of that plan, there have been calls to tear down the Javits Center, which sits on valuable development land.
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 a job that has been such a large part of my professional life", McQueen said. "But secure in the knowledge that Alan Steel can continue Javits' mission of providing excellent customer service and economic impact to the city and state of New York.”
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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