Matt Pizzuti

About Matt Pizzuti

Closing in on 36 years of experience in the hospitality industry with a hotel front desk background moved into sales and now am Deputy Director for the Oregon Convention Center. In my present position I am directing a very successful group and work very closely with Travel Portland to sell our destination. I am also responsible for the customer experience at the Oregon Convention Center and working with the Operations, Food and Beverage and Event Services Teams.My definition of customer service is find, retain and grow the right customer and has been a focus and goal of mine for many years.My professional goals are to continue to grow the awareness and public profile of Portland, Oregon as a fantastic destination for meetings and conventions. And that the Oregon Convention Center is the best center to do business with. That OCC provides unparalleled service and a beautifully maintained facility with many green features.My booking philosophy is to work with each customer to make their event the best it can be. You never know who may attend or what other events may come from your efforts.Specialties: Green meetings, sustainability, sales, marketing, destinations, facilities, space, exhibits, Portland, Oregon, food and beverage, conventions, meetings, banquets, convention centers, branding, public relations, United States and travel.

Experience

1. Interim Executive Director

   Oregon Convention Center

   Oct 2016 — Present · Portland, OR, US

   Stepped seamlessly into the shoes of the Executive Director to lead the team in development of the annual budget, planned for a 35 million dollar renovation project and capital improvements and established a clear set of future goals and objectives.

Education

• Oregon State University

  BS, Physical Education K-12

  1977 — 1981

• Oregon State University

  Health and Physical Education/Fitness

  1976 — 1981

Skills

• Tourism
• Banquets
• Hotel Management
• Budgets
• Yield Management
• Event Planning
• Hotels
• Contract Negotiation
• Marketing Strategy
• Hospitality
• Customer Satisfaction
• Leisure
• Hotel Booking
• Catering
• Pre-Opening
• Public Relations
• Destination Marketing
• Hospitality Management
• Trade Shows
• Opening Hotels
• Sales
• Revenue Analysis
• Marketing
• Resorts
• Corporate Events
• Onq
• Hospitality Industry
• Leadership
• Event Management
• Meeting Planning
• Menu Development
• Restaurants
• Sponsorship
• Food & Beverage
• Customer Service
• Sales Management
• Front Office
• Leisure Travel
• Rooms Division
• Incentives