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In
January 2012, Houston First unveiled a new 2025 master plan for the convention center that called for expansion to the north and south of the building along with at least one additional convention center hotel. Houston First entered into an agreement with RIDA Development Corporation to develop a
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In June 2014, Houston First and the
Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau officially joined forces as a single, clear voice for the City of Houston. The alignment was designed to create a central, one-stop organization for promoting Houston as a prime convention and tourism destination.
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said the consolidation was undertaken to create operational efficiencies and to take advantage of “business practices that will make it easier to maintain and improve the GRB and ensure it stays in cutting-edge condition.”
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Houston First represents the consolidation of the former City of
Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department and the Houston Convention Center Hotel Corporation. Houston First was established by
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in
February 2017. The master 2025 plan also called for the boulevard in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center to be converted into a pedestrian plaza. The new Avenida Plaza opened on December 16, 2016.
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to succeed Ric Campo in July 2016. Mincberg is CEO of
Houston-based Flagship Properties Corporation. Brenda Bazan is president and chief executive officer of the organization.
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In addition to the downtown convention center and the 1,200-room Hilton
Americas, properties falling under the management of Houston First include
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is a local government corporation that operates performing arts and convention facilities in
Houston, the largest city in U.S. state of
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Construction of the connected
Marriott Marquis was completed in December 2016, just in time for Houston to host
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Today, Houston First serves as the official destination marketing organization for
Houston.
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320:"Government corporation to run Houston’s convention, events venues," Houston Chronicle.
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148:(Houston's mayor appoints and City Council confirms Houston First's board members.)
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After
Houston City Council approved the creation of Houston First, Mayor
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Paul Puente, Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council
278:"Houston officials will unveil sweeping plan for 'Convention District'"
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Roksan Okan-Vick, senior vice president - regional product development
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John Gonzalez, senior vice president and general manager - facilities
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47:. Houston First also owns the city's largest hotel, the 1,200-room
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and several other smaller park and performing arts facilities.
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Luther Villagomez, chief operating officer - convention center
355:"President & Executive Staff | Houston First Corporation"
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Tom Segesta, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel - Houston
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David Mincberg, chairman, Flagship Properties Corporation
292:"Prospects and pitfalls of a new Convention District"
306:"Government corporation to run Houston conventions"
264:"Government corporation to run Houston conventions"
331:"Board of Directors | Houston First Corporation"
186:Gerald Womack, Womack Development and Investment
59:on June 1, 2011, and launched on July 1, 2011.
242:Karen Williams, senior vice president, finance
221:Holly Clapham-Rosenow, chief marketing officer
218:Alfred Cervantes, senior vice president - film
80:near the north end of the convention center.
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224:Jorge Franz, senior vice president - tourism
162:Elizabeth Gonzales Brock, CenterPoint Energy
215:Paul Casso, vice president of event service
131:chairs Houston First's Board of Directors.
194:City Council Advisory Members (Non-Voting)
236:John Solis, senior vice president - sales
159:Alex Brennan-Martin, Brennan's of Houston
156:Sofia Adrogué, Diamond & McCarthy LLP
168:Desrye M. Morgan, Wells Fargo Securities
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171:Reginald L. Martin Jr., Executive Chef
245:Frank Wilson, chief financial officer
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212:Michael Heckman, president & CEO
407:Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
106:Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
41:Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
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422:Theater District Parks and Plazas
392:George R. Brown Convention Center
174:Ryan Martin, LDR Investment Group
33:George R. Brown Convention Center
447:Organizations based in Houston
230:Lisa Hargrove, general counsel
189:Jay Zeidman, Altitude Ventures
183:Bobby Singh, Isani Consultants
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165:Nicki Keenan, Landry's, Inc.
112:, Theater District Parking,
202:Robert Gallegos, District I
118:Talento Bilingue de Houston
96:Assets and Responsibilities
31:. These venues include the
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437:Local government in Texas
382:Houston First Corporation
25:Houston First Corporation
417:Theater District Parking
116:, Root Memorial Square,
397:Hilton Americas-Houston
199:Dave Martin, District E
412:Miller Outdoor Theatre
402:Wortham Theater Center
110:Miller Outdoor Theatre
102:Wortham Theater Center
45:Miller Outdoor Theatre
37:Wortham Theater Center
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442:Government of Houston
114:Sesquicentennial Park
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359:www.houstonfirst.com
335:www.houstonfirst.com
57:Houston City Council
51:Americas-Houston.
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20:Houston First logo
294:. 7 January 2012.
280:. 2 January 2012.
135:by Houston Mayor
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362:. Retrieved
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338:. Retrieved
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308:. June 2011.
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266:. June 2011.
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207:Senior Staff
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76:1,000-room
431:Categories
364:2018-12-28
340:2018-12-28
250:References
124:Governance
43:, and the
63:History
49:Hilton
29:Texas
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