New Pennsylvania Convention Center Director of Event Services Gabriella “Bella” DiSilvestro is bringing more than 10 years of high-impact event management, venue operations and brand development to her new position at the venue, where she was promoted from the position of senior event manager.
We reached out to DiSilvestro to gather some key tips for meeting planners on how to effectively maintain partnerships. In her new role, DiSilvestro will be responsible for leading strategic planning, budget management and event execution. As the head of her department, she will oversee a team of seven event management professionals.
“Her ability to seamlessly coordinate logistics, collaborate across departments, partner effectively with union trades, and cultivate strong relationships with clients and vendors has elevated the standard of service we deliver at the Pennsylvania Convention Center,” said Tony Hodgins, regional general manager of venue management firm, Legends Global, in a press release. “We look forward to seeing the immeasurable contributions she will make in her new role.”
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The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a full union building, which DiSilvestro says makes it unique. She has experience working with five major unions: Teamsters, laborers, electricians and stagehands.
Her job is to bridge the gap between unions in their building to the events department. She collaborates with the two groups to find out... “what is the information that they need. If we have a show that's moving in, in two weeks, what is it that you guys need to know that you can better plan and operate logistically,” she said.
Tips for Planners Working With Unions
DiSilvestro advised planners to be as transparent as possible when working with unions at convention venues.
“Being able to start these conversations early and adjust production schedules, which adjust the hours, can definitely help budgeting,” she said.
DiSilvestro emphasized the importance of having every expert under one roof. One goal she has for herself in her new role is to better establish the convention center as partners both internally and externally.
“Right now, we're in great standing with all of our partners,” she said.
Read about more moves and appointments in the meetings industry.
