For this month’s Smart City Spotlight, we sat down with Nathan Reeves, Operations Manager at the Colorado Convention Center. Nathan brings a rich blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a genuine passion for supporting both his team and the events that come through the building. After beginning his career in the electrical and IT fields, he eventually found his place at Smart City Networks, where he has been an integral part of the Denver operation since the center reopened in 2021 after COVID.
Nathan’s role puts him at the heart of day-to-day activity at one of the busiest convention centers in the country. He is deeply involved in preparing for events, supporting clients, and making sure his team has what they need to succeed. His appreciation for collaboration, communication, and strong processes shows up in everything he does.
In our conversation, Nathan reflected on his professional journey, the responsibilities of leading an operations team, and the environment that makes the Colorado Convention Center such a dynamic place to work. He also shared a few insights into his team culture and what inspires him both on and off the show floor. Stick to the end to also learn a fun fact about Nathan’s musical prowess! Nathan Reeves, this is your Spotlight!
Hi Nathan! Let’s start with your background. Can you tell us a little about your journey and how you became an Operations Manager at Colorado Convention Center?
N: I started in IT in 1999 after working as an electrician. I went to college for Information Technology and found a passion for all things technology. I worked as a help desk supervisor for a major cable company in the Midwest, and it was there that I realized how much I enjoy helping and mentoring others. With over 100 employees on the call center floor, I can assure you there was never a dull day. I then took the skills I had learned into academia, working for two private colleges in my home state of Iowa and one here in the Denver area. It has been a journey to get to where I am at, my family and I are truly grateful that I found a home with Smart City, I look forward to the future.
What does a typical day look like for you?
N: Walking the floor, meeting with clients, configuring equipment, and making sure my team has everything they need to be successful.
What role does Smart City Networks play in putting together successful events at the Colorado Convention Center?
N: Smart City is the beating heart of the convention center, not only do we provide internal IT support to the center itself, but virtually every exhibitor or event requires some form of service from us to be successful.
Do you have a favorite or rewarding part of your job? Why?
N: Mentoring my team from ‘jobs’ to ‘careers’. Helping them on the path to success and developing their own story is the most rewarding part of my job.
Do you have a favorite event so far? Why
N: The RV show, every year my wife stops me from buying one.
What do you think sets the Colorado Convention Center apart when it comes to event execution?
N: Refined processes and methodologies. Beyond our amazing customer support, we have a system in place that allows us to manage multiple concurrent events with varied timelines and expectations.
How would you describe the working relationship between Smart City Networks and the Colorado Convention Center?
N: Smart City is a true partner to the Colorado Convention Center; we work closely with all of the permanent tenants and center employees to ensure events consistently run smoothly and without issue. I believe that positive personal relationships with staff across departments keep the lines of communication open.
How would you describe your team culture within your center?
N: Driven and Collaborative. As a whole, we are a well-oiled machine that executes on a daily basis….and we like to have fun.
Overall, are there any skills you’ve developed here that have surprised you?
N: Working closely with Debbie Olivas I’ve learned how to manage all types of clients for all types of events. My background focuses more on the IT side of things, so developing those customer service and negotiating skills has been wonderful.
Are there any lessons you’ve learned here that you think are valuable for others starting in a similar role?
N: Take it one show at a time.
And lastly, what’s something fun that people might not know about you?
N: Music is my passion, I play a variety of instruments, and some would say my second home is Red Rocks amphitheater. I grew up in Iowa with a few of the band members in the heavy metal band Slipknot.
We want to thank Nathan Reeves for taking the time to reflect on his journey with our company! To read more Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!
