.floatimg-left-hort { float:left; } .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 12px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 12px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 12px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} Since taking over as general manager of Global Spectrum’s operations at the Iowa Events Center in 2006, Matt Homan has been busy getting the business into the black.

In three out of his four years, he helped the Iowa Events Center earn a profit, and has expanded convention sales by almost $2.5 million.

“I think getting the buildings to pretty close to a break-even model and essentially making money in our second year was a huge accomplishment for me,” Homan said. “With three convention centers and one arena, that’s a tough thing to do, but we’ve found a formula that fits and works well.”

Homan cited his work helping to change the culture and message of the Iowa Events Center as one of the reasons for its recent success.

“We have to make sure that (event organizers) know that we are not successful unless they are successful and that our first focus is toward their event,” Homan said. “It is really just establishing those relationships and really setting a new tone throughout our staff and throughout all of our shows.”

Homan has also worked for the expansion of Hy-Vee Hall to allow for more convention space and sales. The remodel will begin in October, he said.

Homan is also hopeful that the Events Center management team can work in plans for a new hotel at the location.

“I think that with the amount of events, and not just that we are doing here but the amount of events downtown and citywide, hotel space is certainly being stretched,” he said. “I think another 400-plus-room hotel in downtown Des Moines is certainly needed for both competition and for our market to grow and sustain.”

Homan has also been involved in Meals From the Heartland, joined the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors, and serves as a board member for the Des Moines Area Sports Commission and Des Moines Arts Committee.

“I think it was just me diving in and trying to be a part of the community and really having the community embrace me and welcome me in,” said Homan about his success. “It is just being a part of things and being as much a part of the community as the facilities are, and I think that is what has helped me get to this place now.”