New GM at Northwest Georgia Trade Center
Global Spectrum, operators of the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center, today named Shashank Gairola, a four-year Global Spectrum employee, as the new General Manager of the Center, according to Regional Vice President Dave Anderson. Gairola had been Global Spectrum's interim General Manager with the Authority since January 1, 2009, when the company took over management of the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center.
Global Spectrum was awarded the management contract for the Center after completing a thorough operations audit of the Center in 2008. Global Spectrum, based in Philadelphia, PA, operates more than 80 convention centers, arenas and stadiums throughout North America.
"We have been extremely impressed with Global Spectrum," said Board Chairman Harvey Neal. "Since they took over management of the Center, Shashank has shown quality leadership and an incredible amount of dedication to surpassing all of our expectations for Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. We're very excited for his appointment as full-time General Manager."
Prior to relocating to Dalton, GA, Gairola was the Assistant General Manager of the Global Spectrum-managed Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. He was also the Assistant General Manager for the Liacouras Center at Temple University, another Global Spectrum-managed facility. Gairola began his public assembly facility management career at Global Spectrum's flagship arena, the Wachovia Center, in Philadelphia, PA, as an Event Manager. He graduated from Temple University in May of 2005 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
"Shashank has quickly developed a plan for the Trade Center, as well as becoming heavily involved within the community," said Global Spectrum Regional Vice President Dave Anderson. "Shashank will be a tremendous asset to the Trade Center, to the Authority and to the community. We're proud of his efforts and glad that he is now the full-time General Manager at the Trade Center."
The Northwest Georgia Trade Center features a 40,500sq. ft. entertainment and exhibit hall with superior acoustical design and capacity for up to 4,000 guests. 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 80 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.
