LTC 308-2008 Miami Beach Convention Center General Manager2COE tdCY 26 PM 2~ 55
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC#308-2008 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager ~\
DATE: November 26, 2008 J
SUBJECT: Miami Beach Convention Center General Manager
This Letter to Commission (LTC) is to inform you that Global Spectrum named Robert
Balsam, Jr., as the General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Mr. Balsam is
a highly respected and well-known, 30-year veteran of the public assembly facility
management industry. He most recently served Global Spectrum as Assistant General
Manager at the Duke Energy (Convention) Center in Cincinnati, OH, and brings proven and
successful experience in administration, operations and the booking and implementation of
events at convention centers throughout the United States, to Miami Beach. He joined
Global Spectrum in 2007 in Cincinnati as Director of Sales, working with the Cincinnati
Convention 8 Visitors Bureau in developing and implementing numerous successful sales
sfrategies for long-term convention, corporate and tradeshow business.
Prior to joining Global Spectrum, Balsam was Director of Sales at the George R. Brown
Convention Center in Houston, TX, from 2004 until 2007. He also served as Senior Event
Manager and Guest Services Manager for the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego,
CA, from 2001 until 2004; Convention Manager at the Freeman Companies/Sullivan
Transfer Company in Dallas, TX, from 1992 until 2001; Assistant Manager of Operations for
the Albert Thomas Convention Center in Houston, TX, from 1983 until 1999; and Event
Coordinator at the Astrodome in Houston, TX from 1978 until 1983. Attached is a copy of
his resume for your reference.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.
c: Hilda Fernandez, Assistant City Manager
Max Sklar, Tourism and Cultural Development Director
Tom Mobley, Interim General Manager, Miami Beach Convention Center
Eric Bayne, General Manager, Centerplate
obert 1. Balsam Jr.
984 Apple Blossom Lane. Milford, Ohio 45150
Cell: 513-550-0680 Work: 513-419-1302 emaiP bbalsam@duke-energycenter.com
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A talented, highty motivated leader, manager, and visionary with the demonstrated ability to direct
a variety of complex tasks simultaneously. Consistently able to recognize opportunities and
transform apparent challenges into productive results. Interacts effectively with staff at all levels,
and maintains a professional appearance, arikude, and commitment. Recognized as decisive,
persistent, competitive, and positive with a high degree of integrity, attention to detail, and loyaky.
Inspires confidence, trust, and rapport.
AREAS OF PROFICIENCY
~ Sales and Marketing ~ Labor Negotiations
~ Customer Service ~ Training and Development
~ Team MotivationlDevelopment ~ Networking
~ Problem Analysis/Resolution ~ Budgets
Duke Energy Convention Center/Cincinnati, Ohio 2007-Present
Assistant General Manager
• Evaluate and revise existing Policies and Procedures, rental contract and, in conjunction with the
Cincinnati CVB. Booking Guidelines.
• Supervise and provide guidance to the Operations. Maintenance, HousekeepinglSet-up,
Sales/Marketinq and Event Manaeement staffs-
Event Managers with the
insure contract compliance and proper ancillary and equipment
Director of Safes
• Work with the Cincinnati CVB to develop and implement sales strategies for new long-term
convention, corporate and tradeshow business.
• Work with the DECC sales staff to develop new short-term business strategies.
• Supervise the Marketing Manager with the development of marketing collateral, sales information,
press releases, webpage updates
• Develop travel for industry trade shows, sales missions for four (4) Sales Managers and one (1)
Marketing Manager in conjunction with Cincinnati CVB and hotel partners.
• Prepare and maintain all sales pace reports, budget reports, lost business reports and monitor TAP
reports and PWC industry comparisons.
• Utilized Ungerboeck Events Booking Management System.
George R. Brown Convention CenterlHouston, Texas 20042007
Director of Sales
• Develop and supervise a Sales team consisting of four (4) Sales Managers. Contract Administrator.
Booking Supervisor, two (2) Sales Assistants and Administrative Assistant.
• Work with the Director of Marketing to develop collateral for industry trade publications and sales
kits.
• Work with the Houston CVB VP of Sales to develop strategies for new convention, corporate and
tradeshow business.
• Assist the General Manager with the development and implementation of the contract between the
City and the CVB.
San Diego Convention CenterlSan Diego, Cal"rfornia 2001-2004
Senior Event Manager
• Act as liaison between clients and the San Diego Convention Center in regards to logistics for
events.
• Worked with the exclusive F&B, data/telecommunications and preferred AN providers during all
events held in the facility.
. Provided all event logistics using the ConCentRICS software system.
Guest Services Manager
• Day to day operation of guest services and security division.
• Hire and supervise three (3) Administrative staff, eight (l3) Shift Supervisors and 109+ full and
part-time staff.
• Control 2.1 million dollar budget for department.
The Freeman CompanleslSullivan Transfer Company 1992-2001
Dallas, TexaslSan Diego California
Convention Manager
• Act as liaison between associations andlor exhibitors in the coordination of freight transportation,
unloading, loading and set-up of exhibits.
• Worked with facility Event Managers, van line operators/owners, over the road and air freight
carriers.
• Opened and continued day to day operation of Sullivan Transfer San Diego operation, to include
working with the Teamster Local Business Agent in the hiring of five (5) full-time members and
Office Manager.
• Worked with several GSC drayage Managers in the re-negotiation of a three (3) year labor
agreement with the Teamster Local.
Albert Thomas Convention CenterlGeorge R. Brown Convention Center 1983-1999
Houston, Texas
Assistant Manager OperaUons/Event Manager
• Act as liaison behveen clients and the Albert Thomas Convention Center and Jones Hall for
The Performing Arts including, the Houston Ballet, Opera and Symphony.
• Worked with stagehands, exclusive in-house F&B, electrical, and telecommunication providers.
• Promoted to Assistant Manager Operations and oversaw the Event Management Department,
Engineering Department and Housekeeping/Set-up Departments.
Astrodome/Astrohall Stadium CorporationlHouston, Texas 1978-1983
Event Coordinator
• Act as liaison between clients and the Astrodome, Astrohall and Astroarena.
• Worked with exclusive in-house F&B, electrical, and telecommunications providers.
• Worked with the NFL Houston Oilers and MLB Houston Astros on special event logistics.
Computer Proficiency
• ConCentRICS,
• UngerboecklEBMS
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook),
Active Industry Memberships:
• PCMA, MPI, ASAE, IAEM, ASME, IAAM