New Caney, Texas – The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) and venue‑management firm Oak View Group have appointed Melanie Granado as the general manager of the soon‑to‑open Caney Pines Convention Center. The announcement, released on September 16, highlights Granado’s extensive background in convention sales, hospitality and strategic planning.
Granado’s experience prepares her for the role
Granado most recently served as assistant general manager at the Oak View Group‑managed Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi. Prior to that she was sales manager for Visit Corpus Christi and director of sales at the Ortiz Center, also in Corpus Christi. Greg O’Dell, president of venue management for Oak View Group, praised her as “an outstanding, results‑driven professional with tremendous experience in convention sales, hospitality and strategic planning.”
Responsibilities and vision for Caney Pines
In her new position, Granado will oversee day‑to‑day operations, including scheduling, operations, finance, advertising, sponsorship and hospitality. She told the press, “It’s truly an exciting time in New Caney, and I’m excited to step into the role of general manager at Caney Pines Convention Center. The convention center will be a true catalyst for connection and growth throughout the region: a place where businesses, organizations and community members can come together to share ideas and build partnerships.”
Community impact and economic promise
EMCID President and CEO Frank McCrady added, “We look forward to working closely with Melanie and leaning on her incredible insight and expertise as we prepare to open Caney Pines Convention Center. This project is about building lasting opportunity for the community, and we’re grateful to partner with Oak View Group as we prepare to welcome the world to New Caney and East Montgomery County.”
The 210,070‑square‑foot facility will be the third‑largest convention center in the Houston area and the seventh‑largest in Texas, according to the release. Scheduled to open in December within Valley Ranch’s Entertainment District, the center is expected to host weddings, graduation ceremonies, business meetings, trade shows and youth sports tournaments. Bookings for 2027 are already underway, signaling strong demand from regional organizers.
Why this matters for local families and businesses
For families, the new venue promises a local option for large gatherings, reducing the need to travel to Houston for major events. For businesses, the center offers a platform to attract out‑of‑town conferences and trade shows, which can generate hotel stays, restaurant traffic and ancillary spending that benefits the entire East Montgomery County economy.
Local officials see the convention center as a cornerstone of the broader development plan for Valley Ranch, which includes entertainment, dining and retail components designed to create a vibrant, family‑friendly destination. The partnership with Oak View Group, a nationally recognized venue operator, adds credibility and operational expertise that should help the center achieve its projected economic impact.
Looking ahead
With Granado at the helm, the Caney Pines Convention Center is positioned to become a regional hub for meetings and events, supporting both community cohesion and economic growth. The facility’s opening this December will mark a significant milestone for New Caney and the surrounding East Montgomery County area.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
