SMG Hires Claude Molinari as Assistant General Manager at Cobo Center, Detroit

Jan 6, 2011

Detroit, MI – Thom Connors, SMG regional vice president and general manager of Cobo Center, announced that Claude Molinari has joined the Cobo Center staff as its new assistant general manager. Molinari comes to the Cobo Center from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he served as assistant general manager since 2005. During his tenure at the DLCC, Molinari oversaw budgeting, forecasting and financing, and implemented award winning safety, security and crisis management programs. He also spearheaded significant new business development by playing a key role in assisting with major events in Pittsburg including the MLB All-Star Game, Bass Masters Fishing Tournament, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals and the G20 Summit.

“Claude is SMG’s expert operations specialist with prior experience running our exhibitor services company and opening the first LEED certified Green Convention Center in the US,” said Connors. “We are pleased to welcome him to our team because we know his enthusiasm and skill will lead us into a new era of community collaboration and thriving event services at Cobo Center.”

The year old Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) has developed a strategic plan to  renovate and develop the Cobo Center as one of the nation’s leading meeting exhibition venues. Molinari will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and business development of Cobo Center. He will administer green practices and apply for Gold Certified LEED status, negotiate with local trade unions, develop business contingency, facility safety and emergency plans, and assure that the annual budget goals are achieved.

About Cobo Center: With 700,000 square feet of exhibit space, Cobo Center boasts one of the largest contiguous
exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 19th largest convention center in the country. 

About SMG: Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities
including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and convention, congress and exhibition centers. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 11 million square feet of exhibition space. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides construction and design consulting, pre-opening services, venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming.
Visit www.smgworld.com for more information. 

Contact:
Mary Klida, Cobo Center Detroit
313-877-8701
mklida@cobocenter.com