Steel Will Be Retiring on March 10 After 13 Years as Chief Executive Officer of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is excited to announce the rooftop farm is now officially known as ‘Steel Farm’ in honor of chief executive officer Alan Steel, who will be retiring next month. Steel has been chief executive officer for the last 13 years – guiding Javits Center through the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, the unknown of the Covid-19 pandemic and the excitement of the North Javits expansion.

“I’m honored to have my family name on at the Javits Center farm,” said Steel. “Before the Industrial revolution, my family were farmers on the border of England and Scotland, and as a gardener myself, the farm has always held a special place in my heart. As a living demonstration of how sustainable initiatives can be beneficial for the environment and the bottom line. I hope whenever an employee strolls through Steel Farm or eats produce grown there, they remember all the amazing work we carried out together during my 13-year tenure.”

The Steel Farm is on the North Javits rooftop and opened in 2021 as part of the Javits expansion. The farm spans one-acre and grows more than 50 diverse crops throughout the year. The produce is used by Javits Center’s in-house catering team, Cultivated, for a true farm-to-table experience. In 2024, Cultivated used over 80% of the produce generated by the farm for their catering operations. Unused produce is donated to a local organization addressing food insecurity or composted to be used on the farm. Steel Farm is managed by Brooklyn Grange.

Alan Steel was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which runs the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, in February 2012. Under Steel ‘s leadership, 1n 2021, the Javits Center completed a historic expansion project that added more than 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art space.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Steel played a pivotal role in the design, construction and operation of the nation’s largest field hospital and vaccination center. During his tenure, Steel also led the completion of a comprehensive renovation and operational overhaul at the Javits Center that included significant investments in energy efficiency, security and technology. As a result, the convention center has emerged as a nationwide model of sustainability, partnering with research institutions and community groups to study and reinforce the building’s positive impact on the local environment.

Prior to the Javits Center, Steel spent more than 30 years as an event management executive. He is the former President of George Little Management (GLM), a major producer of trade shows in the United States and Canada. Before joining GLM in 1982, Steel worked for more than 15 years with the British government in several trade-related positions at the Department of Trade and Industry in London, the British Consulate in Chicago and the British Trade Development Office in New York.

Steel has received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from NYC Tourism + Conventions as well as recognition from the International Association of Exhibitors and Events (IAEE), New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), The American Society of Civil Engineers, Sing for Hope and New Yorkers for Parks. An avid environmentalist, Steel currently serves on the Executive Committee for NYC Tourism + Conventions, as well as on the Advisory Council for NYC Bird Alliance, Board of Directors New Yorkers for Parks and the Board of Trustees for The Climate Museum. Steel has also been appointed to the New York New Jersey Host Committee for the 2026FIFA World Cup.

Alan Steel will be succeeded by Joyce Leveston, who will assume the role of chief executive officer on March 10, 2025.

The Exhibitions Industry Collective is pleased to announce the launch of a nationwide workforce development initiative aimed at introducing students and young professionals to exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the exhibitions and events sector. This initiative seeks to address the workforce gap by collaborating with schools, universities, and educational institutions to enhance awareness of careers in event planning, logistics, marketing, and more.

The exhibition and events industry is a vital economic driver that connects businesses, fosters innovation, and creates jobs across various sectors. The Exhibitions Industry Collective is committed to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this fast-paced field through informative presentations, mentorship opportunities, and industry resources.

The future of our industry depends on educating and inspiring emerging professionals. By directly engaging with students, we can showcase the diverse career paths available and provide a clear roadmap for entering the industry.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE INITIATIVE:

• Educational Presentations: Professionals from the industry will visit schools and universities to provide insights into careers in exhibitions and events.
• Resource Toolkit: Participants will receive a complete toolkit that includes a PowerPoint presentation, speaking notes, email communications, speaker training and FAQs, and key messaging points to ensure a consistent message.
• Social Media Engagement: Attendees and presenters are encouraged to share their experiences by using designated hashtags and tagging the participating industry associations.
• Impact Tracking: A reporting system will evaluate outreach success by collecting data on the number of students reached and their level of interest in industry careers.

To further amplify the impact, the audience can scan a QR code to take a brief survey and provide feedback on the presentation. This will ensure continuous improvement of outreach efforts.  To access the full set of resources, including presentations, speaking notes, and key messaging points, visit exhibitionsindustryawareness.com/workforce-initiative.

About the Exhibitions Industry Collective
The Exhibitions Industry Collective is a collaboration of leading industry organizations, including ECA, EDPA, ESCA, IAEE, IAVM, and SISO. Together, these organizations are committed to nurturing talent, promoting workforce development, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the exhibitions and events industry.

About the U.S. Exhibitions Industry
The U.S. exhibitions industry contributes more than 90 billion dollars to the U.S. GDP annually (stat courtesy of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research – CEIR) and provides employment opportunities in event planning, show production, logistics, venue management, and technology. As demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, the Exhibitions Industry Collective is committed to ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further details, please contact: info@exhibitionsindustryawareness.com

Wendy Zajack, PhD, Faculty Director & Associate Professor of the Practice, Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, will be presenting “Multigenerational Communication” at SES 2025.

With over 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, media relations, and internal communications, Dr. Wendy Zajack thrives on making complex topics easy to understand, exciting, and relevant to broad audiences. Wendy is a faculty director and associate professor of the practice for a master’s level Integrated Marketing Communications and the Design Management Communications program at the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. She is an active blogger and enjoys speaking at industry conferences and universities about the power of branding and communications, personal branding, salary negotiation, business marketing trends, the importance of ethics, online education, and education technology as well as educating millennials and Gen Zs.

Read on for our Q&A with Wendy.

What can SES 2025 attendees expect to learn at your session?

I plan to explore one of my favorite topics, multi-generational communication in the workplace. Communication is always a challenging part of life, but once you add generational differences to the mix things really can get complicated. In my session we will talk about the different communication styles of each generation, but also how they may be alike as well. We all bring our generational (and cultural) ideas about what good communication looks like, but like love languages, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. This will be an interactive session where we will workshop real-world problems we are having and work together to find solutions that work.

In your 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, media relations, and internal communications, what have you found to be the most important aspect of communicating in the workplace?

I  have always believed this, but now more than ever … in today’s over-scheduled, time-challenged, distracted world … you have to communicate more than you think you do. You need to work harder to get the attention of anyone—even your employees—so repeating the message multiple times, in multiple ways matters. I have often said to executives even though you might be saying something for the 10th time it may be the first time someone you are saying it to is hearing it. We need to be clear, concise, and constant 🙂 

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Stay curious. The older I have become the more I have leaned into this. I find that the more you explore the more you want to continue to learn and the more you are interested in. 

What’s the last book you read?

I love reading and yes while I do read on my Kindle—I prefer paper. The last fiction book I read was “The Ferryman” by Justin Cronin and the last non-fiction book I read was “Revenge of the Tipping Point” by Malcom Gladwell. I read every night before bed—it is the best way to calm down my extremely messy brain.

Please join us at SES 2025!

When: April 6-9, 2025

Where: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

“Multigenerational Communication”
Wednesday, April 9  |  1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Not yet registered? Visit ses.iavm.org today!

The devastating flooding across Kentucky and surrounding areas has impacted many communities, and we want to express our deepest concern and heartfelt support for all our members affected by this disaster. Our thoughts are with you, your families, communities and teams.

The disruption and uncertainty caused by such catastrophic events are unimaginable, and we want you to know that you are not alone. If you need help, resources, or connections, please reach out to us. We are here to connect you with the assistance you need or provide any guidance during this difficult time.

To support those affected, we are compiling a list of venues that can offer critical resources such as shelter, staging areas, supplies, or other support services. If your facility is able to contribute, we kindly ask you to complete this form. This list will be shared with affected areas and relevant agencies (CISA/DHS, FEMA, and others) to ensure the most effective relief and recovery efforts. Your participation in these relief efforts will play a vital role in supporting emergency response teams and aiding recovery in the hardest-hit areas.

Stay safe, and please do not hesitate to reach out for support. We are here for you, and we will continue to provide updates and assistance as needed.

Andrew Marshall, Co-Founder, Co-Owner, Executive Coach, Model Leader, will be presenting “Leading in the Age of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help or Hinder Your Emotional Intelligence” at SES 2025.

Marshall is a Harvard Business Review (HBR)-published, International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified executive coach (PCC), and co-founder of Model Leader, a leadership development firm dedicated to developing leaders who lift society. He has worked with thousands of leaders across sectors, from aspiring supervisors to C-suite executives managing multi-billion dollar budgets. Previously, he founded and led the Public Service Leadership Institute at the Partnership for Public Service, which develops thousands of federal leaders annually to strengthen senior government leadership. In addition to his work with Model Leader, he serves on the faculty for the White House Leadership Development Program, the Partnership for Public Service’s AI Federal Leadership Program, and the LOFT Fellowship Program.

A thought leader in leadership development, Marshall has given keynotes, designed leadership models and 360 assessments, led executive retreats, and published with HBR and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the topic of leadership. His clients appreciate his optimism, action-oriented approach, and commitment to their success. He has coached and facilitated leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including senior leaders at federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and mission-driven organizations. Andrew holds a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University and is certified in multiple leadership assessment tools, including EQ-I 2.0/EQ360 and Strength Deployment Inventory.

Read on for our Q&A with Andrew.

What can SES 2025 attendees expect to learn at your session?

At our session, attendees will learn how to leverage AI as a powerful leadership tool while staying true to their human values. Specifically, they will:

• Discover practical ways to integrate AI for efficiency and creativity without losing the human touch.
• Explore the balance between Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence (AI + EI) to lead with both data-driven insight and empathy.
• Gain actionable strategies to use AI ethically and responsibly, ensuring technology supports human connection and decision-making.

By the end of the session, leaders will feel empowered and equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI with confidence and integrity.

Is it possible to teach machines ethics, empathy, or compassion?

Machines can be programmed to simulate ethical reasoning, empathy, or compassion, but they don’t truly experience these human qualities. Here’s why:

AI can be designed to follow ethical guidelines or make decisions based on pre-set moral frameworks. However, it lacks moral agency and can’t understand the nuance behind ethical dilemmas. AI can recognize and respond to human emotions using algorithms (like emotion AI), but it doesn’t feel empathy or compassion. It processes data patterns rather than experiencing emotional connections.

How vital do you think understanding and embracing AI will be for the future of venues and venue executives?

Understanding and embracing AI will be absolutely vital for the future of venues and venue executives. Here’s why:

• Enhanced Customer Experience: AI can personalize guest experiences, from tailored event recommendations to seamless ticketing and crowd management. 
• Operational Efficiency: AI can streamline operations by optimizing staffing, automating routine tasks, and managing energy use—reducing costs and improving sustainability.
• Data-Driven Decisions: AI’s advanced analytics can provide deep insights into audience behavior, helping executives make informed strategic decisions that maximize revenue and engagement.
• Safety and Security: AI-powered surveillance and predictive analytics can enhance safety measures, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.
• Competitive Advantage: Venues that effectively adopt AI will lead the industry, attracting top talent, partners, and events by demonstrating innovation and efficiency.

The Bottom Line: AI is not just a trend—it’s a transformational tool that will redefine the future of venues. Executives who understand and embrace AI will lead with insight, agility, and impact, setting the standard for the industry.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Work should include a combination of adding meaning to the world, mastering new skills, and having fun. 

What’s the last book you read? 

“My Lucky Life” by Dick Van Dyke and “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt

Please join us at SES 2025!

When: April 6-9, 2025

Where: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

“Leading in the Age of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help or Hinder Your Emotional Intelligence”

Monday, April 7  |  9:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Not yet registered? Visit ses.iavm.org today!