July 31: Orange County Convention Center's Exec. Dir. Mark Tester: The Plans & Impact of the Convention Center

Mark Tester is the Orange County Convention Center's (OCCC) Executive Director. Since joining the OCCC in 2020, he has successfully led the Center through its COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery, ushered in record-breaking attendance and economic impact for the region, and embarked on a $560-million Grand Concourse expansion project for the North-South Building.

He is responsible for the overall operations, planning, engagement, and activities at the OCCC, while ensuring its positive economic impact for the community.

Tester previously held the position of Austin Convention Center Director, an enterprise department of the City of Austin, Texas. He led all aspects of the Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center in addition to being on the Executive Committee of Visit Austin and President of Austin Convention Enterprises - the board that oversees the City-financed 800-room Hilton Austin.

Prior to Austin, Tester spent 13 years working in the Chicago convention community holding senior positions at both the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (now Choose Chicago) and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the owner and manager at that time of McCormick Place.

Tester grew up in the convention industry. His father operated destination marketing organizations and later, conventions and trade shows. Tester earned a B.A. in Communication from Purdue University and enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters, and granddaughters.