New No. 2 for McCormick Place

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 8/7/2006

The former executive director of the Minneapolis Convention Center has become assistant general manager of Chicago's McCormick Place.

Anthony Lopez takes the position previously held by David R. Causton, who is now the general manager of McCormick Place. Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority owns and operates both McCormick and Navy Pier. Lopez will assist Causton in the overall management of the facility, as well as the McCormick Place West expansion.

Lopez played a lead role in the Minneapolis facility's 700,000 square foot expansion, completed in 2002.

Causton said Lopez's background in public facility management will make him an invaluable team member. He said he was particularly looking forward to having someone with experience in completing a large-scale expansion project who could help facilitate the West Building opening next year.

In Minneapolis, Lopez also reorganized the facility, establishing a guest services department, business center, and event security, Internet, and wireless services.

Lopez left Minneapolis because he felt McCormick Place, as the largest convention center in the country, offered a unique opportunity, he said.