For this Smart City Spotlight, we spoke to Necayla Lowery, the newly appointed General Manager at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Having stepped into the General Manager role at the start of 2026, Necayla is leading one of Smart City Networks’ most high-profile venues, where events regularly take place on a national and global stage.
In our conversation, Necayla reflected on the transition from customer-focused leadership to overseeing the full business ecosystem at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. She shared insights on building strong relationships with clients, leading a team in one of the most dynamic event markets in the country, and the importance of representation and mentorship as a woman in leadership during Women’s History Month.
Necayla Lowery, this is your Spotlight!
Hi Necayla! You stepped into the General Manager role in January. What has the transition been like moving from Customer Sales & Service Manager to GM?
N: Stepping into the General Manager role in January has been both energizing and eye opening. My previous role in Customer Sales & Service gave me a strong foundation, especially in understanding the customer journey, and how frontline experiences impact overall business performance. The biggest shift has been broadening my perspective from one major function to owning the full business ecosystem. As a CSS manager, my focus was largely on customer experience strategy, and ensuring our teams delivered the expected outcomes. As GM, the lens widens: I’m now balancing customer experience with financial performance, cross‑department alignment, and long‑term strategic positioning.
Having worked closely with clients in your previous role, how has that experience shaped the way you approach leadership now?
N: My experience working closely with clients has fundamentally shaped the way I lead today. When you spend years hearing directly from customers, understanding their goals, their pressures, and what success looks like from their perspective, you learn very quickly that leadership is ultimately about creating value for people, not just managing processes.
Can you take us back and tell us a little about your journey and how you started with Smart City Networks?
N: Working in the convention center since 2010, I had a chance to know the Smart City team for quite some time prior to joining. I love the fast-paced environment and really wanted to spend more direct time with our customers. It was a natural transition in 2014 to join the team and dive into the telecommunications side of event planning. In 2016 I took time to focus on my growing family, while still holding this industry close to my heart. In 2024, nearly 10 years to the date, our operations manager Mike Newton reached out and the rest as they say is history. Glad to be back of service to an incredible team, at an amazing organization.
What motivates you to do this work every day?
N: My team truly motivates me to do this work every day. Watching this incredible group maximize every opportunity to serve our clients and make a meaningful impact keeps me inspired. This team has truly given me such buy-in and went with my vision for the future, I can’t be anything but grateful.
What role does Smart City play in putting together successful events at Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
N: Smart City is often front in center at many of the events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Being a venue in the nation’s capital automatically places us on the world stage for events like the Presidential Inaugural Balls, NATO, 2027 NFL Draft and many more. We are responsible for a secure and robust network that often has very technical requirements. We engage assistance from our corporate NOC, equipment from other centers and a deep respect for the phrase “make or break”.
Do you have a favorite or rewarding part of your job? Why?
N: The best moment I had was our first annual holiday celebration in 2025. Our team was so happy to not only be recognized but given the opportunity to socialize and enjoy time with each other. It was so rewarding to see all of the hard work and dedication celebrated.
What do you enjoy most about working with customers?
N: I truly believe in “a promise made, is a promise kept”. In this industry, you build lasting relationships through transparency and results. I most enjoy meeting and exceeding the customers’ expectations through consistency and service.
Do you have a favorite event? Why?
N: PCMA is always one of my favorite events of the year. It’s an incredible opportunity to see the innovation happening across our industry and to connect with the leaders driving meaningful impact. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who truly understand the work that goes on behind the scenes.
How would you describe your team culture within your center?
N: Impact Oriented, we are a culture that’s gaining momentum through team growth, built on innovation, trust, and a shared focus on delivering meaningful results for our clients
Overall, Are there any skills you’ve developed here that have surprised you?
N: Composure under pressure- this skill is invaluable in the live events industry. The ability to remain calm and focused to ensure clear and direct decisions has really been a skill that has served me both professionally and personally.
March is significant because it’s Women’s History Month so we’re emphasizing our women leaders. What does being a woman in a leadership role within our industry mean to you?
N: Being a woman in a leadership role within our industry means embracing both responsibility and opportunity. It’s about showing up with confidence, clarity, and compassion in all spaces. It means leading not because of gender, but with an awareness that representation matters and that when women succeed visibly, others see what’s possible for themselves. Most importantly, it means creating pathways. For the next woman who steps into a tough meeting. For the next talented colleague who wonders if she’s ready for that promotion. For future leaders who deserve to grow in a culture where they are also represented.
To me, it’s both a privilege and a commitment: to lead well, to lift others, and to help shape an industry where leadership reflects the richness and diversity of the people within it.
Has there been women in your career who have influenced or shaped your leadership journey?
N: Yes, many of the leaders who have recommended me for positions or worked to elevate me in my journey have been women. My mother has been the biggest influence on how my leadership journey has grown and been strengthened. As an ICU nurse of over 30 years, she embodied what accountability, honesty, passion and detail meant. These characteristics are things I take with me wherever I go.
What advice would you give to women in hospitality or technology who aspire to leadership roles?
N: Own your expertise, even if you don’t feel ready. Build your network along with your resume because both are important in this industry. Keep learning and adapting, if it feels uncomfortable, that means that growth is happening. And finally, find a mentor and work to create growth strategies while investing in yourself.
And lastly, what’s something fun that people might not know about you?
N: I love Karaoke, one of my favorite things to do is go to karaoke with my friends and have great sushi and sing my heart out.
We want to thank Necayla Lowery for taking the time to reflect on her journey with our company! To read more Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!
