Global Spectrum to Operate Northwest GA Trade Center

The NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center Authority Board has selected Global Spectrum, a leader in the public assembly management field and a subsidiary of internationally recognized sports and entertainment leader Comcast-Spectacor, to operate the NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, GA, effective on Thursday, January 1, 2009. Global Spectrum, which earlier this year completed a thorough operations audit of the trade center, was selected unanimously by the Board to operate the center.

Global Spectrum, of Philadelphia, PA, operates more than 75 convention centers, arenas and stadiums throughout North America. The company also operates a stadium in Singapore and an arena in Split, Croatia. In making their selection, Board members said they believe Global Spectrum's experience can help the trade center improve its operations and the firm's nationwide contacts can help it bring in new business.

"Global Spectrum is an outstanding company with an incredible track record and a high-level of customer satisfaction which is so important in our industry," said Board Chairman Harvey Neal.

As a subsidiary of Comcast-Spectacor, Global Spectrum is able to utilize synergistic opportunities with other Comcast-Spectacor entities to benefit the NorthWest Georgia Trade Center. These companies include Front Row Marketing Services, a specialist in selling ancillary income; Ovations Food Services, a leader in providing high-quality, outstanding fresh food and catering needs; and New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing company.

"We are looking forward to working with the NorthWest Georgia Trade Center Authority Board in providing our high level of customer service and marketing ability to maximize opportunities for both the facility and the community," said Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page. "This is a terrific opportunity for our company to make an impact on the region by bringing arena-oriented events to the Convention Center, in addition to meetings, parties and other social-type events.

"With the inclusion of some of our sister companies, we will maximize opportunities to enhance the customer experience and provide the ultimate entertainment experience for every patron during every visit to the Convention Center," added Page.

The NorthWest Georgia Trade Center features a 40,500 sq. ft. exhibit hall that converts into a 5,000 seat entertainment arena with superior acoustical design. It also boasts a 10,800 sq. ft. ballroom, one of the largest in Georgia. In addition there is a full-service learning center with conference and meeting rooms with built-in multi-media equipment, including wireless internet access throughout the facility.

Global Spectrum is the fastest growing public assembly facility management company in the world with more than 70 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Comcast-Spectacor holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League; the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association; Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, a regional sports programming network; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider; New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities; and Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company.