Mr. Abbassi is the General Manager and CEO of the “World-Class” Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). The Los Angeles Convention Center is one of the most efficiently designed and technologically advanced facilities in the world. Host to over 2.5 million visitors and 400 events per year, the Convention Center is an enterprise funded economic engine, representing Los Angeles worldwide and generating close to $1 Billion in net economic activity annually.

Previous to this appointment, Mr. Abbassi served in the capacity of LACC’s Executive Assistant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer overseeing all the operational aspects and revenue centers of over $28 M at the 54 acre, 4.1 million sq ft of built space. Pouria closely collaborates with principals with the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Sports and Entertainment District project (LA Live) and other economic developments in the South Park area of downtown Los Angeles in terms of coordinating and phasing of activities and the overall ambitious programs in promoting Los Angeles.

He leads a large team of full, part time and contract staff in show operations, event services and management, sales and marketing, Telecommunications / Internet/Data/Network, electrical, craft shops, parking, building maintenance, infrastructure improvements, custodial, administrative support functions and full scale food, beverage and catering services.

Prior to joining the LACC, Pouria served as the Sr. Technology Analyst for the City Administrative Office (CAO) of the City of Los Angeles conducting cost/benefit analysis and reviewing the budgeting, financing and implementation of over $100 million of information technology related projects. Mr. Abbassi’s experience also includes project engineering, debt financing, environmental analysis and research and development in the implementation of the Automated Recycling, Refuse and Yard Trimming Curbside Collection programs while serving in various capacities in the Department of Public Works of the City of Los Angeles.

While in the private sector, Pouria was involved in statistical analysis of moving source emissions, conducted engineering project management for underground fuel storage tanks’ removal and installations and did significant research in low temperature engineering. He has several publications in the areas of cryogenics engineering and high temperature superconductivity and is a multiple recipient of research and performance awards.

Mr. Abbassi is a graduate of the UCLA School of Engineering and Anderson School of Management, Executive Management program. He is also a registered professional mechanical engineer in the State of California. Mr. Abbassi, a 24 year Los Angeles City resident lives in Tarzana with his wife and two children.