Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about the RSCVA and the duties of your position.
Joe Kelley: The RSCVA is the primary agency supporting convention and tourism business for the Reno-Tahoe region. I am responsible for the operation and management of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, and the operation, management and sales of the Reno Events Center, National Bowling Stadium, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and Wildcreek Golf Course.
NNBW: How did you enter this profession?
Kelley: My father was a police officer in Fort Worth, where off-duty police officers commonly participate in special events for extra income. He was in charge of the officers that routinely worked the local arena and helped me get a job in food services. As arenas and convention centers evolved, management of the facility and the food and beverage service began to operate as one cohesive unit, and I developed relationships with key managers. When an opportunity became available on the facility management side, I convinced management that my experience working events made me the perfect candidate to coordinate the facility side of special events and conventions.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Kelley: Treat people with respect. You'll get a lot more cooperation and a lot more accomplished with that strategy.
NNBW: How have the RSCVA's strategies changed since the recession?
Kelley: Better question is, "What hasn't changed?" The RSCVA has, unfortunately, had to reduce its workforce in recent years, and asking employees to keep the same level of customer service and production while reducing staff imposes challenges for everyone.
As far as strategies, our sales staff has focused its efforts on putting business in our facilities, in particular the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. We're having success at the National Bowling Stadium. Nowhere does the RSCVA have a greater or more direct impact on our stakeholders and this community than when we have business in our Convention Center and the National Bowling Stadium.
NNBW: What makes you most proud about what you do?
Kelley: Being part of an industry that is so critical to our community and having a positive impact on that industry. Also, in a different way, when you see the kids at "Yo Gabba Gabba" or the Reno Rodeo or even the older kids at a Justin Bieber concert, and you see how happy they are, that can make you feel pretty darn good too.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Kelley: Vending popcorn and peanuts at the arena in Fort Worth when I was 9 years old.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Kelley: Golf pro but you've obviously never seen my game.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Kelley: Be prepared to work a lot of hours, nights, weekends and holidays. We work when other people want to play.
NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?
Kelley: When I was 21, the food service company I worked for had the Louisiana Superdome as an account. The company sent me to New Orleans for a week to help prepare for and work a Rolling Stones concert. They put me up in the Hyatt across the street from the dome, and I was in New Orleans all week working "The Stones." My friends thought I had the greatest job in the world. I did, too.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Kelley: Golf and hanging with my friends and, especially, my daughters. I also enjoy weekend getaways to San Francisco and Chicago.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Kelley: I would have started playing golf at 6 and not 36 years old.
NNBW: What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Kelley: Being a part of the downsizing that took place here weighed very heavy on me. Having to tell people who are doing a good job that, through no fault of their own, they're losing their job is pure hell.
NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?
Kelley: Bowl in the National Bowling Stadium almost anytime I want.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?
Kelley: I needed a job and the RSCVA made me an offer to manage the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. The easy answer, for all of us, is the quality of life. The climate, the outdoors, Lake Tahoe, no traffic, no bugs, good schools, etc ... However, above all that is our friends. My daughters and I have been blessed with a lot of good fortune, and the friends we have here are on top of that list.
The basics:
Name: Joe Kelley, vice president facilities, Reno Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority
How long have you been in this job? 4 years as VP Facilities, 14 years with the RSCVA
Last book read? "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
The best movie ever? Any Jason Bourne movie
Spouse, kids or pets? I have three daughters: Katie, Kelsey and Courtney; a son-in-law, John; and a new grandson, James.
