Washington Convention and Sports Authority names new director

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority announced the addition of a new director of convention management. In this new role, the director will be responsible for the Authority’s overall management of the show management, exhibitions, event coordination and meeting set-up.

Joyce Watson, who earned her Certified Meeting Professional credential in 1997, comes to the Authority with more than two decades of experience in convention management and customer service.

“We are excited to have someone like Joyce, with a wealth of experience in hospitality and convention services management, joining our team,” said Samuel R. Thomas Jr., senior vice president and general manager of the Authority’s convention center operations. “Joyce is a welcome addition to our event management staff and I am confident that she will play a significant role as we continue to position Washington, DC as the premier convention destination.”

Prior to joining the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, she spent nearly three years at the Miami Beach Convention Center where she was responsible for the building’s service operations, event coordination and meeting planning.

Watson, who earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of California in San Diego, also spent four years as director of event services for the Georgia R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, a 1.2 million square-foot facility. While there, Watson was tasked with overseeing the logistical operations including event management, catering, housekeeping, technology and telecommunications. She also spent 15 years at the San Diego Convention Center.

“I look forward to becoming part of the event management team at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center,” said Watson. “The Convention Center has a strong reputation in the meetings and convention industry and I am committed to helping further strengthen the Center’s performance.”