ANAHEIM — Mindy Abel, the new deputy director of the Anaheim Convention Center, brings 35 years of industry experience to her new role and will oversee sales and services — as well as lead all front-of-house, client-facing departments. Abel comes to the center after spending 26 years as a senior leader at Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization for Anaheim.
It’s an unparalleled time to join one of the top convention venues in the country, as the industry continues to be pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic. So, Abel has made one of her first priorities the safety and security of her customers — and everyone who walks through the center’s doors.
“Ensuring measures, protocols, developing cleaning teams and providing the right environment to support face-to-face events, in a safe and secure setting, has never been more important,” Abel said. “Meeting the gold standard with the GBAC accreditation is one step to let guests know their health and welfare while visiting us in Anaheim is crucial to getting back to business with in-person events.”
There’s also exciting news on the horizon for the destination that will impact convention-goers. ocV!BE, a $3 billion, 115-acre mixed-use development surrounding the Honda Center, is in the planning stages and expected to open in 2024. Also recently announced is the proposal for Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home to Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels. “Both projects will add dining, entertainment and sports to our city for years to come,” Abel said.
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Meanwhile, she has high hopes for the coming year. “My hope for 2021 is to welcome live events back to the Anaheim Convention Center! Learning and working together with our groups as we adjust and grow to incorporate a variety of options, including new ways to produce in-person events, will be key. Content, event flow and timing, use of outdoor spaces — there are so many innovative ways to get back to business.”
Abel takes over the role from Joaquin Quesada, who retired from his position in July. The Anaheim Convention Center has been temporarily closed since March due to the coronavirus crisis but is expected to open in phases later this year and into 2021, in accordance with state guidance.
Reach Mindy Abel at (714) 765-8950 or mabel2@anaheim.net.
