AEX Convention Services has made a strategic move by appointing Mike Goodwin as the new Vice President of Operational Excellence. This position underscores the company's commitment to enhancing operational performance and integrative processes within the events industry.
Mike Goodwin brings over thirty years of rich experience in the tradeshow sector, having navigated various facets of operations including warehouse management, sales, client relations, and comprehensive general management. His diverse background encompasses senior roles in national contracting companies, consulting, and contributions to key industry associations like ESCA, TSCA, and PESCA. This breadth of experience positions him uniquely to address the operational complexities that AEX handles on a daily basis.
Brad Hutchings, the Chief Operations Officer of AEX, expressed enthusiasm about Goodwin’s appointment, noting that his profound understanding of operational challenges will facilitate better alignment across AEX's teams and services. “Mike's experience is both deep and broad, and he understands the operational challenges and opportunities from every angle,” Hutchings stated. His role will focus on accelerating AEX's existing initiatives aimed at improving consistency across branches, thereby maintaining high standards of service that clients expect.
As VP of Operational Excellence, Goodwin’s responsibilities will encompass overseeing training programs, implementing cutting-edge technology, and establishing quality metrics designed to ensure uniform service delivery from AEX across all markets. Kristin Christensen, Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the importance of this role for AEX’s ambitions of growth and enhanced customer experiences, stating, "As we continue scaling AEX's growth and delivering more immersive, high-touch experiences for our clients, operational excellence is critical. Mike's role is central to ensuring our operations deliver not just efficiency, but the level of quality, service, and professionalism that our customers associate with the AEX brand."
Goodwin commented on his new position uniquely, saying, "I've always believed that operational excellence is built by people, not processes alone. I'm excited to join a team that's committed to both – and eager to help take AEX's national operations to the next level." He will be working primarily from the Washington DC/Baltimore area, collaborating closely with branch leaders and onsite teams, especially focusing on factors like workforce optimization and operational excellence at client touchpoints.
AEX Convention Services has been at the forefront of the general service contracting industry for more than three decades. Initially a family-owned enterprise at the historic New York Coliseum, AEX has since expanded its reach nationwide. The company is renowned for its 'Personal Advantage' approach, emphasizing personalized service, high-quality standards, and innovative solutions to enhance the overall event experience.
One of the hallmark offerings of AEX is its SpaceScapes™ methodology, which enhances event experiences by integrating sophisticated physical space planning with atmospheric elements and experiential components. This innovative approach has allowed AEX to elevate events of varying complexities and sizes.
As AEX continues on its trajectory of growth and innovation, the appointment of Mike Goodwin as VP of Operational Excellence signifies a robust commitment to operational efficiency and client satisfaction in the ever-evolving events landscape. To learn more about AEX Convention Services and its offerings, visit
aexservices.com.