“Working In The City” is The San Diego Sun’s feature Q&A series with downtown San Diego business operators. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who work here. This is the 34th in an ongoing series.
Company name: San Diego Convention Center
What happens here: We host events that bring visitors and business to San Diego. Those visitors spend money in our hotels, restaurants, shops and neighborhoods, which supports local jobs, generates tax revenue and creates economic activity for our city and region.
I am: Mardeen Mattix, President and CEO. While I’m new to this role, I have worked at the San Diego Convention Center for nearly 28 years. I started in event management, where I learned the business from the show floor, and later grew through roles in sales, accounting, finance, and executive leadership. That experience deepened my operational knowledge and gave me a strong understanding of our industry, which helps me connect our work to the broader tourism economy.
Over the years: I have helped lead the organization through record-breaking years, the conversion of our facility into a shelter and immigration support site during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the strong recovery that followed. Today, I am focused on continuing to grow the business (including an expansion) while strengthening our regional impact to ensure the convention center remains a vital economic engine for San Diego.
How long have you worked downtown: 28 years
What’s new at work: A citizen-led tax initiative (Measure C) is moving forward after years of delay. This finally gives us an opportunity to modernize the convention center and plan for a future expansion to protect the economic impact and grow business for the future.
Best aspects of working downtown: Working on the waterfront, in a city with incredible energy, walkability, restaurants, entertainment and a strong sense of community.
Regular customers: Too many to name!
Most surprising part of working downtown: We are in a major city, but it can feel like a small town. Relationships matter and networking is critical.
Funniest downtown work memory: During my first Comic-Con, Lou Ferrigno offered to take a picture with me, but I had no idea who he was. I turned to my coworker and said, “He looks just like the Incredible Hulk.”
Big-event bumps: We never take for granted that we host one of the best-known conventions in the world: Comic-Con. But we’re just as proud to host international medical meetings and technology conventions where scientific breakthroughs happen. For example, we welcomed the American Association of Cancer Research this spring and we’ll host Anesthesiology this fall. These events bring significant economic benefits while advancing life-changing research.
Homelessness: Homelessness is a complex challenge. While leading with compassion, keeping downtown safe, clean, and welcoming is essential for everyone who lives, works or visits here. Gaslamp businesses often tell us that they love the energy our events bring because a vibrant, active downtown provides a more comfortable environment for their staff and guests. Invested public resources need clear performance measures to understand if approaches are working.
How can the city be more business friendly: The city should reinvest in the tourism and hospitality industries that serve as economic engines, generating the visitor tax revenues it relies on to fund essential public services. Engaging businesses as partners will help San Diego remain competitive and financially strong.
Favorite downtown business that isn’t yours: Petco Park
Best advice for running a downtown SD business: Build strong relationships with the city and work with business partners to help downtown thrive. SDSun
