Rodriguez Manages a Facility that Has Been the Epicenter for New Growth for McAllen
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Texas Border Business–
Omar Rodriguez is the general manager for the McAllen Convention Center since April 13, 2007; he is a well-trained executive that has taken the lead since he was first named to his current position.
He was born in McAllen, Texas. To parents B.R. “Poppy” and Nelia Rodriguez and graduated from the University of Texas Pan American in 2006. Omar is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish.
Omar decided to stay here because he loves McAllen and now he is responsible for a jewel, possibly among the most important assets that a City can have, a convention center.
He told Texas Border Business in Exclusivity, “I’m an ambassador of the City to promote all the goodness and benefits of the City. I’m not just a manager of a building, but also a protector of the City’s image.”
He is dedicated and committed to success, or as he says ‘consistently providing high quality to all who live, work and visit the McAllen.”
He said that he does this with integrity, accountability, and commitment. “You might say this is our first role, what we manage is our second role.”
The McAllen Convention Center is a venue that has no competition, it has 172,000 Sq. Ft., the Ballroom is 10,412 Sq. Ft., the Exhibit Hall is 60,817 Sq. Ft., and the Meeting Rooms are approximately 15,077 Sq. Ft., and features a total of 20 breakout rooms.
The facility was designed to entertain different events and has the adaptability to hold small, medium and large events all at one time that makes it a unique venue. “We’re pretty much a one-stop shop – we have the meeting space, event planners, catering, Audio/Visual equipment, shipping & handling, convention decorating, etc.,” he said
The McAllen Convention Center is now holding more than 450 events a year, which has given Omar and his staff the experience and expertise to advise clients on how to deliver the best experience to their attendees.
According to him, the convention holds events that bring people together for important engagements, like annual gatherings, a place to launch a new strategy, learn new technologies, or introduce their product. Or be the venue to celebrate one of life’s milestones – bringing families together to celebrate new beginnings, life’s accomplishments or an introduction to society.
“Even in today’s age of the Internet and instant communication, people still need to meet face to face.” Omar also said, “That’s where we come in and provide an environment that is conducive to successful business and meetings.”
Omar started working for the City in 1986 at the Parks & Recreation Department. He recalls his office faced the undeveloped land that would become the Convention Center District. In some ways, Omar believes that the Convention Center symbolizes McAllen’s determination to do the right thing and lead the way. What’s exciting for him is being a part of this City and the great things that are being accomplished. “These projects will stand the test of time for many generations to enjoy and benefit,” he said.
How they sell the services becomes the responsibility of two teams. He said that the McAllen Chamber of Commerce is contracted by the City to attract and sell the services for Conventions. The Convention Center staff focuses on filling the rest of the dates not occupied by conventions. He pointed out that the chamber’s responsibility is to attract and sell to regional and local meeting planners and promoters. “We handle bringing in consumer shows, regional conferences, local meetings, socials, concerts and sporting events,” he said.
Omar says that in managing a facility like this one, potential customers typically shop around the state for meeting venues, and confirms that when it becomes a local decision, it comes down to service. “We don’t just open the doors when you book our venue; we’re here to understand your needs and provide solutions for the best outcome for your event.”
Omar has it perfectly clear in his mind that the facility he manages is part of an economic development; convention centers as a purpose are built as economic engines for their communities. They support the hospitality industry by attracting visitors to McAllen that will stay in hotels, eat at the local restaurants, and shop the local stores. “Our Convention Center has been the epicenter for new growth in the southwest corridor of our city. As you travel the Expressway between 29th Street and Taylor Road, you can see the explosion of new retail, restaurants, and hotels that have been developed since 2007. All of this, in some ways is a result of McAllen setting up the infrastructure to support the Convention Center and attract these types of developments to the area.”
About Omar:
He is married to Carla for eight years and they have twin boys, Dante and Derek that according to him, it’s like having four.
His first job with the City was while he was a student at Texas A & M University studying Environmental Design. Larry Pressler hired him to inventory the Parks & Recreation Department’s irrigation system during the summer.
Larry kept bringing him back during school breaks to design conceptual spaces for park projects which he was proposing for funding, such as the “Sunken Gardens” at Botanical Garden and Bill Schupp Park, the Hike & Bike trails along Business 83, Bicentennial, and 2nd Street, River Walk conversion of Rado Drain, Landscape Beautification of 2nd Street Overpass and Main Street Overpass and many more. While working with the Parks & Recreation Department, Omar was also involved with the many events and programs that were developed during this period.
His father B.R. “Poppy” Rodriguez was McAllen ISD’s Athletic Director for 33 years and he and Omar have always shared a love for sports. Nelia, his mother was an early childhood educator at Pharr San Juan Alamo (PSJA).
Publisher’s Comments
Response: McAllen has a history of understanding the economic importance of the hospitality industry. In its earliest days, the citizens opened their homes to the National Guard troops that were sent to protect the border during the Mexican Revolution.
Soon thereafter, the McAllen Hotel Association was established to attract investors for what would become the Casa de Palmas. Years later, McAllen built the Civic Center on 10th Street, which would become host to conventions and travel caravans for over 30 years.
This also led the hotel building boom of the 60’s and 70’s, which saw the rise of Sheraton, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Holidome. In the late 80’s, City leaders began the discussion of a new Convention Center that would be much larger and would spur development on the west side of the city.
By referendum, the voters of McAllen selected the Ware Road location and the doors opened for the $62 million dollar project in March of 2007 with no debt.
The cost of the project was covered with years of savings started by the late Mayor Othal Brand and the sale of land, which became Palms Crossings shopping stores.
The McAllen Convention Center has held over 2,500 events with over 1.8 million attendees, attracted over 112 conventions, conferences, and tradeshows. All these events have attracted visitors from all over North America with over 160 consumer shows for the general public such as the Home & Garden Show, Texas Hunter & Sportsmen’s Show, Wedding & Quinceañeras Show, and more. It also has become the favorite venue for concerts, sports such as Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Cheerleading.
The McAllen Convention Center uses NO local tax. It is supported 100% by the operations of the Center plus out-of-town guests, who pay the Hotel/Motel Tax. TBB
