GWCC Promotes Zimmerman to GM
By Michael Hart -- Tradeshow Week, 9/20/2004
Mark Zimmerman, who began his career at the Georgia World Congress Center 20 years ago, has been named general manager of the Atlanta facility.
Zimmerman, currently GWCC assistant general manager, will replace John Smith, who is retiring to continue as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration. Smith has been general manager for the last 15 years, and has worked at GWCC since 1981.
With the exception of three years spent as assistant general manager of the Cobb Galleria, Zimmerman has worked at GWCC since 1984, beginning as a concessions supervisor and rising through the ranks. Over the years, he has filled key positions during high-profile events like the 1988 Democratic Natl. Convention, the 1966 Olympic Games and the 2000 Super Bowl.
The GWCC, the fourth-largest convention center in the United States, recently has been the site of Tradeshow Week 200 shows like the Intl. Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair, CTIA Wireless 2004, Medtrade and SUPERCOMM.
Despite some previous success at landing substantial tradeshows, Zimmerman said he plans to make attracting even more of them one of his priorities.
"We're looking at going after more market share for Atlanta," he said.
Zimmerman said he considers GWCC a "national player" whose competitors are Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando and New Orleans.
He also said he expects to emulate the example of his predecessor Smith, who spent 15 years as general manager.
"I plan to be here a long time," Zimmerman said. "We've always had a lot of continuity in our management. That way, when customers come back, there's someone who remembers them from before."
