For Immediate Release
February 25, 2010
SMG, the Worldwide Leader in Convention and Entertainment Management, and the Board of the Convention Center District Authority for Puerto Rico have reached agreements for continued management of both the Coliseó de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot and the Puerto Rico Convention Center. SMG will continue to provided day-to-day operational services for the largest and most technologically advanced meeting facility in the Caribbean as well as the consecutive Prime Site Award-winning Arena. The Coliseo and the Convention Center are widely regarded as two of the most popular and successful infrastructure projects of the government of Puerto Rico.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said of the renewal, “the faith shown by the Convention Center District Authority in SMG's ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of these premiere venues is very gratifying. SMG's continued partnership with the Convention Center District Authority of Puerto Rico is a source of great pride for us.”
The Coliseo agreement will now include responsibility for food and beverage management encompassing concessions, catering in 26 private suites, party suites and sky boxes, and special events. Major attractions at the Coliseo over the past year have included Celine Dion, WWE Smackdown, Backstreet Boys, Andrea Bocelli, AC/DC, Harlem Globetrotters, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Il Divo, Ringling Brothers Circus, Kenny G, and ESPN's NCAA college Basketball Puerto Rico Tip Off, as well as multiple performances by the Jonas Brothers, Ruben Blades and reggaeton superstars Wisin and Yandel.
SMG has provided full management services for the Puerto Rico Convention Center since its opening in 2005. The staff of the Puerto Rico Convention Center is now also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the entire Convention Center District as well as operation of the award winning Ficus Café.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center has recently hosted a strong schedule of international conventions including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Le Cumbre Travel Expo, the Association of Latin American Pediatricians (ALAPE).
SMG's development efforts in Puerto Rico and neighboring areas are led by VP of Development Jochi Davila. Our facilities are managed by two dedicated General Managers Wesley Cullen (Coliseo) and Blarys Segarra (PRCC). Jochi, Blarys and Wesley previously served in increasingly important management roles for SMG before being promoted to their current senior positions. Jochi, as the Coliseo's first Director of Marketing and later Assistant General Manager. Blarys was Director of Finance and Assistant General Manager at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Both were part of SMG's opening teams at the Coliseo. Wesley had previously served as Director of Events and Assistant General Manager at the Coliseo.
Of the Current staff, Thom Connors, Senior Regional General Manager for SMG, has said, “The success of our management team in Puerto Rico is a testimony to SMG's confidence in and commitment to the next generation of managers who will lead the company into the future and new regions around the world. Jochi, Wesley and Blarys have proven to be able leaders not only at their facilities but in the community and local industry as well.”
