The Lynnwood Convention Center had its best year in 2010. Lynnwood’s 55,000-square-foot center grossed $2 million in revenue, a 10 percent increase over 2009.
The center hosted a wide range of events, from consumer shows to weddings. In 2010, 80,000 people attended 447 events.
Under the direction of Kelvin Moore as general manager, the center has dealt with the recession by looking for new ways to do business. Moore credits listening to customers and eco initiatives that enable the center to save money and reduce waste.
Moore estimates that the center’s impact on the local economy is about $17.3 million.
• Q: How long have you been in your industry?
• A: I’ve been in the entertainment-hospitality-venue management industry for about 20 years.
• Q: What convinced you that this was the career for you?
• A: I realized I wanted to be in the live events industry while working at Sea World of Texas in San Antonio as an audio technician in 1991. I was asked to assist on the production crew for one of the concerts that season … and I was hooked. That’s when I figured out how I would be able to match my love of music and live events with my desire to be a business leader. Over the course of the years, I’ve worked in theme parks, multipurpose stadiums, theaters, fairgrounds and convention centers.
• Q: What does it take to blend your passion with your livelihood?
• A: Actually, I think that being able to make a living doing what you love to do doesn’t really require much else in the way of motivation. I love what I do. And the one thing I continue to remind myself is how fortunate I am to get to do what I love … and I get paid for it. Not everyone is that fortunate.
• Q: What are the crucial elements for success for your business?
• A: I often tell students who are considering a career in hospitality, event production or venue management that this is not an industry for those seeking a 9 a.m.-to-5 p.m., Monday-to-Friday lifestyle.
In our industry, we work when others play. That means working long hours, nights, weekends and many holidays. So a crucial element of success is to understand what the industry requires and making it conducive to your lifestyle, and making sure that you are committed before jumping in. Once you’ve made the commitment, then it really is about hard work, learning all that you can every day, and taking advantage of the opportunities afforded you.
• Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how did you meet it?
• A: Early in my career, my biggest challenge was recognizing the importance of patience. Ultimately, time and experience taught me the lessons that youth and inexperience could not.
• Q: What motivates you?
• A: At this point in my career, I am motivated mainly by the ability to make a difference. It is important to me to know that I am making a significant impact on the success of the company. But it is equally important to me to be able to give back to the community and to those who need a hand up.
• Q: Do you have a core business or personal philosophy?
• A: Yes. “Each one, teach one.” There have been some very kind folks who assisted me in my personal and career development over the years… each of them made a significant impact on me as a person and as a professional. I think it is important to always try to find ways to give back. I take pride in the fact that I’ve played a part in molding two current facility general managers and many others in various positions within the industry around the country.
• Q: What personal abilities do you think in needed to excel in this business?
• A: For me, the ability to focus on details while never losing sight of the big picture has been crucial.
• Q: When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
• A: My wife and I enjoy listening to live music. Jazz Alley and Tula’s are a couple of our favorite spots. We also love to get out and enjoy the outdoors whether hiking or just taking walks.
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