Construction crews are working feverishly to finalize the parking lot, carpeting, and finishing touches. Equipment for the new facility has been ordered and was delivered during November along with the relocation of the
Las Cruces Convention Center staff.
Tom Agius has been brought on as executive chef and brings years of experience ranging from fine dining to university dining. Agius will manage the kitchen operation as well as be the key creator of the culinary experience guests will enjoy. He began his culinary career in high school in Detroit, MI and continued through the Culinary Institute of America, Napa Valley, CA. Agius most recently was the executive chef at Sierra Del Rio Golf Course in Elephant Butte, NM.
Barry Zenk was recently hired by the Las Cruces Convention Center to serve as the director of Catering and Events. Zenk, a veteran of the hospitality and food service industry, has spent the majority of his career in the Detroit, Michigan market. In his new role, Barry will oversee the planning and execution of events through his management of the operations and catering departments at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Michael Nolen has been named Operations manager and will be involved with the execution of events, housekeeping, and maintenance of the facility. Nolen has most recently worked with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Freeman Media Group traveling the Southwest for shows. Shows include the Super Bowl XLII, Rolling Stones concert, and the Offshore Technologies Conference.
Felipe Garcia joins the Las Cruces Convention Center team as an Event manager. Garcia spent this last summer working with the Convention Center staff as an intern through
New Mexico State University’s Hotel Restaurant Tourism Management School’s [HRTM]. He has joined the team to be an integral part the planning and execution of our client’s events. The event management position works with clients from the time the contract is signed through the execution of the event.
The convention center staff has been working hard at finalizing events to kickoff the opening of the facility in December 2010. The first large event to be held at the facility is the La Casa Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th. Proceeds from the event help fund their mission of eradicating domestic violence in Southern New Mexico.
Other open-to-the-public events include: Las Cruces Art Fair - March 26 - 27, 2011 Pete V. Domenici Institute for Public Policy - August 31 - September 1, 2011 Big Boy Toy Show - October 14-15, 2011 For more information about booking your meeting at the Las Cruces Convention Center, contact
Las Cruces CVB Convention Sales Manager Rochelle Miller-Hernandez at (575) 541-2169 or meetings@meetinlascruces.com.