Anaheim Convention Center Appoints New Executive Director

Thomas Morton Q & A

Thomas Morton was recently appointed as Convention Center, Sports and Entertainment Executive Director.  Morton comes to Anaheim from Albuquerque, N.M., where he was General Manager for the Albuquerque Convention Center.

In his new role Morton he will oversee operations of the Anaheim Convention Center and City's contractual relationships with the companies managing Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Honda Center and The Grove of Anaheim.

Anaheim Convention Center
Executive Director Tom Morton

The following is a brief Q & A with Tom Morton as he begins his new role:

A/OCVCB: You were originally from Southern California, but haven't lived here in several years, what changes to the area surprise you the most?

Morton: I'm excited to see the continued investment and growth of the Anaheim Resort area. The Anaheim Convention Center is a phenomenal facility and we are fortunate to have an outstanding hotel community surrounding this venue and new entertainment and dining offerings at the Anaheim Gardenwalk.

A/OCVCB: In your new capacity how do you view Anaheim's role as a leading meeting destination?

Morton: We are one of the leading convention and meeting destinations in the world. We will continue to position ourselves in this regard and work to exceed our clients and guests expectations.  

A/OCVCB: What selling points do you think meeting planners should know about Anaheim and the Convention Center?

Morton: The Anaheim Convention Center and the resort campus provide one of the best meeting planner packages in the country.  We have the largest convention center on the west coast, a dedicated staff, thousands of hotel rooms within walking distance and a wide array of restaurant, retail and nightlife amenities.

A/OCVCB: How do you envision the Anaheim Convention Center will expand in the future?

Morton: We are currently working through the next phase of expansion for the Convention Center. This would include an additional 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. This flex-space can be used as exhibit space, ballroom space or breakout meeting space. Additionally with this expansion, we envision additional hotel properties and additional restaurant and retail establishments.  

A/OCVCB: Are there any immediate or long-term changes that you intend to make at the ACC or sports facilities?

Morton: My goal is to enable continued success for all of Anaheim's facilities under the Convention, Sports & Entertainment umbrella. Whether that is future Convention Center expansion, additional professional sports franchises or continued product development.

A/OCVCB: What do you expect of the 2010 All-Star game? Any special plans to make this event a success?

Morton: We have great partners in the Angels and will work together with Major League Baseball to show visitors to our City "the Anaheim Way".