Podcast: Why Convention Centers Are Becoming Town Squares (Episode 50)

Host: David Adler
Guest: Steve Goodling

In this episode of GatherGeeks, David Adler, C.E.O. of BizBash, sits down with Steve Goodling, the president and C.E.O. of the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, before BizBash’s Southern California Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Goodling discusses the future of convention centers; how venues bring people together for a common goal; why venue improvements can transform a city’s economic health and sense of community; and why it’s important to create customized, personality-filled meeting spaces. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in charge of booking—or running—meeting rooms, convention centers, and other gathering spaces.

Sponsored by Digitell. Running time 17:29.

In This Episode: 

• Roundtable Discussion [02:28]: how the 1960s-era Pacific Arena was transformed into a modern ballroom; why it’s crucial to remember that taxpayers own these spaces; how he finds inspiration and unexpected touches to add personality to design

Further Reading:

• BizBash's venue coverage: bizbash.com/venues