NEW YORK CITY — On March 10, 2025, Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP, officially became CEO of Javits Center.
Leveston is the venue’s first female CEO and will spearhead its mission to drive economic development in New York City, attract prominent events and lead progress in sustainability, security and technology.
She was previously Senior Vice President of Convention Centers at Oak View Group and succeeds Alan Steel, who served as CEO at Javits Center for more than a decade.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) caught up with Leveston to learn about her new role, plans for the venue and advice for up-and-coming professionals.
ANDREW: What attracted you to Javits Center?
JOYCE: Javits Center is one of the premier convention venues in North America. I have known Alan Steel for years and worked with him and his team to assist with solutions in convention and association meeting standards when they were preparing for the expansion several years ago … When several industry leaders along with the search firm reached out about this role, they felt I was a natural fit.
For me, the innovation, the advancement in security, the farm-to-table experience and the commitment to sustainability only made the opportunity more appealing. The idea that I could develop a vision and marketing strategy to “re-introduce” the world to the new Javits on the Hudson was very exciting.
ANDREW: What do you plan to achieve in this new role?
JOYCE: My goal for this team is to raise the bar. A lot of the work has already been done and it’s an amazing facility, but I want to make sure that everyone in the industry — from meeting planners and show organizers to third-party event companies — understand the jewel that is the Javits Center.
I plan to change that narrative and invite the world to experience the excellence we already know we can achieve. I intend to reshape the perspective of “who” and “what” Javits Center is and can be: an international destination of innovation where the world gathers, complete with a stunning waterfront view.
ANDREW: How does it feel to be the first female CEO at Javits Center?
JOYCE: It feels great to know that my thirty-five years of experience in facility and venue management is respected and seen. Yes, I happen to be a woman, but I was chosen to lead this team because I am a professional leader with tremendous experience in my craft.
I recognize that this is a significant moment for representation and it gives me great joy in knowing that I am paving the way for others who look like me.
Related. Alan Steel to Retire from Javits Center After Historic Tenure as President and CEO
ANDREW: What brought you to the events industry?
JOYCE: As a new Navy wife in San Diego, I watched the San Diego Convention Center being built for over two years. I insisted my financial advisor at UCSD [University of California San Diego] help me secure an interview at the venue and the rest is history.
Although the magic of seeing the convention center being built started the journey, it was truly the people — my mentors, sponsors, employees and colleagues — that inspired me to stay in the industry of service.
ANDREW: What do you enjoy about this field?
JOYCE: The people are hands down the best part of working in this industry. No day is ever the same. We are always reinventing ourselves and the opportunity to innovate is amazing, but the resilience of the people is what I love most!
ANDREW: What career milestones do you believe helped you prepare for this role?
JOYCE: I have had amazing success in my career. Without a doubt, my sixteen years working at the San Diego Convention Center truly shaped my attitude and belief in the service industry.
There have been a couple of other key milestones as well. When I transitioned to D.C., I worked closely with the White House and State Departments to host some high-profile people and events, such as the State of Women Summit and presidential inaugurations.
The work I did at the George R. Brown Convention Center to support the community in Houston by creating shelter and providing support services for people to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina was another pivotal moment. Placing human life and dignity over capital gain changed the way I live my life and confirmed that my passion for people is my purpose.
ANDREW: Do you have any mentors or colleagues that you wish to call out?
JOYCE: Yes, I’m proud to say I do and thank you for asking so I can share my gratitude!
First, I would like to call out Carol Wallace in San Diego [President and CEO at San Diego Theatres and former President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation]. She saw things in me I didn’t see in myself. She gave me the inspiration to be exceptional in my career and a blueprint to follow. She made sure I was seen and gave me a platform to participate and add value.
I would also like to shout out several early leaders that have supported my journey: Tom Mobley, Ric Booth [General Manager at Oak View Group], John Page [Senior Vice President at Oak View Group], David Gibbons [former Executive Director at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, where Leveston worked as General Manager], Samuel Thomas [Senior Vice President and General Manager for Oak View Group at McCormick Place] and Greg O’Dell [President of Venue Management at Oak View Group].
Each of these leaders played a significant part in my journey that led to this major milestone in my career. I am so grateful to them for believing I was a seed that they could water.
Related. Young Professionals Corner “Hidden Heroes” Spotlight No. 1: Show and Facility Trade Members
ANDREW: What advice would you give to young or up-and-coming professionals?
JOYCE: Find a mentor whom you admire and respect, then focus on cultivating those same attributes that inspired you to choose them as a mentor.
Collaborate with your friends, be willing to learn from others and network with many, but, most importantly, always believe in yourself. Lastly, give yourself grace to be great!
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
JOYCE: I might be the first, but I don’t intend to be the last. If I can offer any advice to my fellow leaders, please make room for others at the table, whether in the boardroom or at the pre-conference meeting.
We all have something to share and should be given the opportunity to participate, because listening to different perspectives is how we achieve greatness.
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