VenueConnect 2025

Paul Barnes
Deputy Director – Chief Operations Officer
Austin Convention Center Department


PAUL BARNES Deputy Director – Chief Operations Officer Austin Convention Center Department Paul Barnes has been the Deputy Director – Chief Operations Officer since 2017. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the Austin Convention Center (ACC), Palmer Event Center (PEC), the Austin Convention Center and three parking garages. Barnes oversees nine divisions at ACCD, including Building Operations, Event and Exhibitor Services, Sales, Security, Marketing/Public Information, IT, Parking, and Food and Beverage. In 2008, he joined the department as the Assistant Director responsible for Sales, Marketing, and Events. Barnes has over 35 years of experience in Meetings and Hospitality. Paul hails from New Orleans, where he began his career at The Royal Sonesta Hotel in operations and later Sales, becoming Director of Sales before transferring to The Chateau Sonesta Hotel New Orleans as Director of Sales and Marketing. He credits these years as building the foundation for what would later evolve into his current role, laying groundwork for the Austin Convention Center’s reputation for outstanding customer service and attendee experiences. Barnes is a University of Southwestern Louisiana graduate who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. His extensive experience and strong credentials have been vital to the continued growth and success of the ACC and PEC, helping ensure that these city facilities continue to retain and capture convention and trade show businesses that economically benefit the City of Austin.

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