Vandenberg is honored at convention center retirement party

As the center’s general manager since 2005, Vandenberg oversaw the day-to-day management of the convention center that includes administration, marketing, sales, operations, fiscal responsibility and approval of facility contracts.

He announced his retirement this spring.

Vandenberg said it was “tough when you walk away.”

“I think it’s a process you go through whenever you leave,” he said. “ I call it ‘good relationships.’ You build relationships with staff, you’ve got relationships with the public and with the friends and the building. And it’s tough when you walk away. It’s not an easy thing to leave something that you developed over the years. It’s an emotional time. It’s exciting to start the new chapter.”

He and his wife, JoAnn, will return to Southern California.

“We are back in our Southern California home that we’ve owned since before we ever moved up here,” he said. “The intent was always to go back at some stage because of our extended family. My wife and I have seven kids between us and 16 grandkids and three great grandkids. They’re going to keep me busy.”

Vandenberg led the center’s $15 million renovation in 2018, paid for by an increase in visitor room tax. Renovations and upgrades to ballrooms, offices, the lobby, lighting, storage and more are among the major changes unveiled, as the facility expanded by 55,000 square feet, or 20%.

The project was noted for coming in on-time and under budget, largely due to Vandenberg’s stewardship and collaboration with convention center staff and commissioners, contractors, management team and city partners.

He managed the center during pandemic restrictions and has booked groups for the next 10 years.

Owen, who had served as CEO of the Seaside Chamber of Commerce since 2016, was selected as executive director after a national search process.

“I told Brian it’s like guiding a ship,” Vandenberg said. “Looking ahead and making sure the waters clear and if you see any danger signs, you fix them before it happens. And just to stay on course, I know it’s a cliche, but it’s a reality of the position. You’re more or less the captain and you’re guiding the ship and making sure it’s sailing smoothly.”

Owen will have the option of continuing the path it’s on, Vandenberg said. “Or maybe you might see something different with a different set of eyes looking at the building.”

Vandenberg said he leaves with mixed emotions.

“It just makes me feel really good to have all the friends who have come by and said goodbye,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s not forever and I’ll plan to come back at least once or twice a year and visit with folks in the building. But it’s got some mixed emotions. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity to work in this great city.”