Ohio’s Greater Columbus Convention Center is a cherished second home to Joseph Shaw, director of event management and parking. In fact, he has spent most of his days here for nearly 40 years.

“I started with the security department in 1980, two months prior to the opening of the Ohio Center, the city’s original event venue,” notes Shaw, who was born and raised in Columbus. “Over time, my responsibilities grew and, with the opening of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in 1993, I transitioned to the event-coordination department and started getting more hands-on with the planning processes.”

Shaw now oversees seven event managers and two coordinators, along with the teams that operate under each arm of the event division. For every event, Shaw is the gracious host, meticulously preparing so that every detail seems effortless when the plan is put in motion. When the doors open, he’s on hand to make sure his guests are cared for and to share the spirit of Columbus with visitors.

“Joe’s unmatched generosity and personal, historical perspective are the first qualities people notice,” says Jennifer Davis, marketing and communications manager for the facility. “He’s a walking, talking, teaching machine.”

 “I become part of each planner’s team while their affair is being designed and carried out,” Shaw says. “I try to make myself as available to them as possible to ensure a smooth process. That’s always my approach.”

His workday might last for 13 or 14 hours, but any glitch or challenge should be invisible to the client. “Our attendees see only the finished product, what exists when they open the door to the trade show,” says Davis. “Yet there are so many times Joe has put out fires. He’s saved the day before the doors ever opened. He’s one of those people who go all-in for our visitors without ever expecting any recognition.”

Like any fine home, the center has made improvements over time. During a $140 million expansion in 2017 that added nearly 100,000 square feet of space for conventions, visitors and vendors, Shaw personally guided some 140 planners around the facility while the work progressed. “For me, it was important to talk and walk each planner through the process,” he says. “They needed to know that my team and I were going to be there to bring their event to life no matter the circumstances.”

“He really wanted to ensure everyone was on the same page,” Davis says. “He always takes the time to consider how each client operates and works tirelessly to best provide for them. Crafting an event with Joe is like planning something with a friend — it’s astonishing how much our clients value what he has to say. He truly becomes a part of their event family.”

For events that took place during the construction, Shaw and his team created makeshift meeting spaces as needed, using portable walls, drapes and lighting.