Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.’s Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center has named Craig Thompson convention sales director for the venue that is on track to open in fall 2013.

Thompson has more than 15 years of local and regional tradeshow industry experience and will be responsible for recruiting nonmedical trade shows and conventions to Cleveland MMCC, including initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with industry tenants, prospects and associations.

Thompson will work closely with Anthony Prusak, Cleveland MMCC director of convention sales, who will continue to coordinate recruitment of healthcare industry trade shows and conventions, and under the direction of Brian Casey, vice president and general manager.
"Craig Thompson brings more than 15 years of convention center and trade show industry sales and special events experience," Casey said.

He added, "During his successful tenure at the I-X Center, Craig has also proven to be successful in selling Cleveland as a tradeshow and convention destination. His sales experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, will be valuable assets for our team as we continue to expand our sales efforts nearing the fall 2013 opening date."

Thompson joined the Cleveland Med Mart after he previously worked as national sales manager at the International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland for the past eight years.

At the I-X Center, Thompson was a member of multiple show production teams and focused his sales efforts on trade shows and corporate events, including recruiting trade shows, negotiating contracts, generating proposals and working closely with the Cleveland Airport Hotel Group.

Prior to joining the I-X Center, Thompson served as associate director of special events at the Cleveland Museum of Art and director of events at SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo.

"Within the trades how and convention industry, Cleveland MMCC is already on the radar as a future destination location, and I am delighted to join the team and expand our sales opportunities as we gear up for the opening of the facility," Thompson said.