Meet The Team

Trisha Tatro is the Director of the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD). She previously served as the Assistant Director since 2018.

As Assistant Director, her duties included administration over Facility Operations, Sustainability, Capital Improvement Projects, Event Utilities, Building Maintenance and Parking Operation departments, both at the Austin Convention Center (ACC) and the Palmer Events Center (PEC).

Tatro managed the $74 million Capital Improvement Project budget for the Austin Convention Center Department that includes the Marshalling Yard and Warehouse design projects and the exterior restoration of the Castleman Bull House. Another successful project led by Tatro was a joint effort in completing the walkways that now connect the Hilton and Fairmont Hotels to the convention center.

Tatro joined the department in 2002 as an intern while working on her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin. Since she has moved up the ladder as an Event Coordinator, Senior Event Coordinator, Event Coordinator Supervisor, Events Services Manager, Convention Facility Manager and as the ACCD Assistant Director.

Paul Barnes has been the Deputy Director – Chief Operations Officer since 2017. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the Austin Convention Center (ACC), Palmer Events Center (PEC), and three parking garages.

Barnes oversees six divisions at ACCD including Building Operations, Event and Exhibitor Services, Sales, Security, Marketing/Public Information and IT, as well as all Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and special projects allocated to the department.

He joined the department in 2008, as the Convention Facility Manager.

Overall, Barnes has over 30 years of experience in the meeting and convention industry and hails from New Orleans where he attained decades of experience in the hospitality industry.

Barnes is a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

His extensive experience and strong credentials have been vital to the continued growth and success of the ACC and PEC, helping ensure that these city facilities continue to retain and capture convention and trade show businesses that economically benefit the City of Austin.