Austin Connors, CEM, has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years with leadership experience in convention centers and theaters as well as fundraising, restaurant, and nonprofit management. Currently, he serves as General Manager of the Cox Business Convention Center managed by Oak View Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the pandemic, Austin earned his Master of Arts in Hospitality Management from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management.
Austin’s passion for the meetings and events industry stems from his youth in theatre performing and producing, which he continued in college with a degree in Classical Studies, focusing on the origins of Western civilization and the “bread and circuses” of Ancient Greece and Rome. Today, he is excited about the continued evolution of the meetings industry, focusing on localized, experiential engagement in facilities.
Here, Austin shares how he has benefited from gaining the CEM qualification and how he applies the tools learned to his current industry role.
How has the CEM qualification helped you in your career?
The CEM qualification demonstrates my commitment to the exhibitions and events industry. As my career continues to develop in the venue business, this qualification helps to visualise how my role relates to those who run venues.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
The events industry is constantly evolving, as we have seen recently with COVID and now the increasing use of AI. The CEM Learning Program is uniquely positioned to remain fluid as the industry evolves, continually providing a foundation of knowledge in the exhibitions and events sector and keeping members up to date with new knowledge as it enters our industry.
What made you want to earn the CEM designation?
As a venue operator, I have to be actively involved in the planning of events and exhibitions. The CEM Learning Programme helps provide direct knowledge and public recognition that I am focused on the execution and success of exhibitions held in the venues I operate.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Education is fundamental to our industry – we go through it every day, whether experiencing a new show or a new challenge at work. The CEM Learning Program provides practical tools to help shape this experience and offers new perspectives on the strategies needed to run successful events and collaborate with others in the industry.
How did you start working in this industry?
I am a second generation industry professional – my father, Thom Connors, retired from SMG about seven years ago, and I grew up mostly running around empty showrooms, stadiums and theaters. I started my career in the food service industry managing a restaurant, then moved into the theater industry doing fundraising, patron management and theater front of house operations. I officially entered the events and exhibitions industry as the Event Manager for the Tucson Convention Center complex.
How have you used the knowledge gained from qualifying as a CEM to make a difference in your performances or when working with clients?
The economic impact of the cities we serve is very important and is the fundamental reason why we are in the events industry. Being able to discuss their respective economic impacts with clients and event planners helps our show organizers better represent their importance to the region. This understanding also helps the communities we serve better understand the importance of convention centers and the events industry, as well as the role we play in the tourism and hospitality industries.
What did you do or implement after getting the CEM?
I started as the General Manager of the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and worked with our team to elevate our service offerings and presence in the travel and hospitality community.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was a professional stage actor for about three or four years as a child, and before I was old enough to drive, I accumulated enough credits to join the Actors’ Equity Association.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.