Greg O’Dell knows how to throw a party. As the CEO of Events DC, O’Dell has been planning events for his clients all over the DC area since the company’s birth. Events DC has managed many different events and is always ready to tackle a new challenge.
O’Dell claims that constructing a successful event requires a team that knows how to plan and execute. “I am a strong believer in empowering my team rather than micro-managing them,” said O’Dell.
WashingtonExec recently talked to him about Events DC and his career.
WashingtonExec: Where did the idea to create Events DC come from?
Greg O’Dell: After the merger of the Washington Convention Center Authority and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, it became clear that we needed a brand that could support the organization’s newly expanded mission. Simply put, the “Washington Convention and Sports Authority” didn’t effectively convey to our clients, prospective customers or stakeholders the full breadth of services that we bring to the marketplace. Also, we made a conscious decision to create a uniform, city-wide branding platform for the destination as a whole. Although in the past our separate agencies were primarily focused on their respective venues, Events DC has the opportunity to lay claim to something much bigger: generating even greater economic and community benefits for the residents and businesses of the District of Columbia by creating the premier events experience in Washington, DC.
WashingtonExec: One could only imagine that creating a “perfect” event for a client must be stressful. How do you handle the pressure?
Greg O’Dell: The first step is having the right team in place and ensuring that everyone is focused on the proper level of planning to ensure success. This planning includes drawing on our past experiences and lessons learned to make sure we are improving and not making the same mistakes. One’s potential is only as good as the current team, and teamwork is at the heart of great achievement.
It’s also important to be proactive in keeping your core stakeholders engaged. Our mantra is communicate early and often!
Maintain a game face at all times – what you do behind the closed door of your office is one thing, but ensuring that the team knows the leader has a level head – especially during times of intense pressure – is important because the leader sets the tone for everyone.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise – I hit the basketball court when I can and take on outdoor activities to get fresh air and clear my mind.
WashingtonExec: As the President and CEO, what can you say about the importance of teamwork within the company?
Greg O’Dell: In terms of leading an organization, I am a strong believer in empowering my team rather than micro-managing them; I encourage people to make their own decisions, with the realization that we sometimes make mistakes, but that we must also learn from our missteps and improve our operation as a result.
Throughout my career, whether I’ve been a member of a team or the leader, I’ve found that communication and accountability are the keys to creating a sense of ownership and teamwork both at all levels of the organization and between a team and its core group of stakeholders and constituents.
WashingtonExec: What are you most proud of during you time as Events DC’s President and CEO?
Greg O’Dell: I have had the privilege and unique distinction of leading Events DC and both of its predecessor organizations, the Washington Convention Center Authority and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission. Without a doubt, playing a key role in two of the city’s most important economic development projects – the on-time, on-budget construction of Nationals Park and our November 2010 groundbreaking for the new Marriott Marquis – has made me proud to serve our city’s residents. The pride comes from not only knowing this work will keep the city’s economy moving forward, but also from the fact that these projects have and will create jobs for District residents and generate millions of dollars’ worth of economic activity for our small and minority-owned businesses.
I am also extremely proud of our new Events DC brand. This was an important milestone for the events experience in our city. Our powerful new brand embodies the fully integrated organization we’ve become – we will attract more events, deepen our community impact and generate unprecedented economic activity in the District. This new brand reflects our true identity as the one-stop source in Washington, DC for world-class venues and event services.
WashingtonExec: What is the key to success working in Washington, DC?
Greg O’Dell: Despite the fact that Washington, DC is the power seat of our nation, it is still a small town. As a result, being able to cultivate relationships can be quite effective and contribute to your success. However, it is also very humbling and keeps you grounded – every encounter, everyone you meet could potentially be your next customer, strategic partner or key stakeholder. So, it is critical to approach all relationships with the same level of respect and attention they deserve.