Laura Alexander, General Manager of the Owensboro Convention Center and Sportscenter, is leaving after 10 years at the helm. She has been named as Vice President of Convention Center Sales and Operations at Lexington’s Central Bank Center.
During her 10 years in Owensboro, she increased the gross profit and bottom-line revenue year-over-year for both buildings, including creating 35 self-promoted events that generated over $500,000 in annual gross revenue. She also negotiated over $1.9 million in building sponsorship income.
“Laura has been a tremendous asset to the Owensboro Convention Center and the city over the last 10 years,” said Tim Ross, City of Owensboro’s Director of Public Events. “Her vision and drive to reestablish Owensboro as a regional convention and meeting destination when we first opened the facility have proven successful with the multitude of groups that now bring their meeting to Owensboro.”
Alexander is a previous Generation Next recipient by Venues Now Magazine — an award given to young professionals who have made a difference in sports, music, conventions, family shows, and festivals. She is also a graduate of the International Association of Venue Management (IAVM) Venue Management School.
She also received the first Greater Owensboro Chamber Young Professional of the Year award in 2014 for the design and development of providing free wi-fi to the revitalized Smothers Park. Additionally, she served on the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was a board member of Friday After 5.
The Central Bank Center is managed and operated by Oak View Group Facilities. Oak View Group recently acquired Spectra, the provider of venue management services at the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter.
