Many of you already know D’Avonie Greco. This isn’t her first time at the Salem Convention Center, in fact she’s really coming home. Avonie has been part of the SCC family since she was in high school, when she would stop by to visit her mom, the much-beloved Theresa Greco, our former Director of Catering and a member of SCC’s opening team 21 years ago. Back then, D’Avonie could often be found helping her mom around the office, making packets, and even greeting clients at the front desk from time to time. Little did she know that those early experiences would spark a lifelong passion for the meetings and events industry! Where It All Began D’Avonie grew up in Eugene before moving to Keizer, where she graduated from McNary High School. When she turned 18, she officially joined the SCC team, working on our banquets team. She also spent time working at our in-house restaurant, Bentley’s.During those early days at SCC, D’Avonie loved learning all the ins and outs of banquet operations. One of her favorite parts of the job was getting to know the wide variety of clients and industries that hold their meetings and events at the Convention Center.She especially enjoyed being in the meeting rooms during presentations. Why? Because she was always learning something new. Whether it was a business presentation, industry conference or special event, there was always something interesting happening on stage. A New Chapter and a Few More Event Adventures After her time working in banquets at SCC, D’Avonie headed to California, where she attended Sacramento State and earned a Certificate in Event Planning.After college with a new enthusiasm for the events world, she returned to the Willamette Valley and put her skills to work. She spent a total of 12 years in management at Wild Pear Restaurant and Catering and also coordinated events at Zenith Vineyard.Throughout those years, she continued building her experience, strengthening her love for hospitality and developing the skills that would eventually bring her right back to where it all started. Talk About Coming Full Circle! D’Avonie didn’t realize it at the time, but the career values her mom instilled in her from a young age would stay with her.Just like her mom, she discovered that same special spark for hospitality and events and now she has come full circle, returning to the Salem Convention Center as an Event Specialist.It’s especially meaningful that she is back at a place her mom loved so much. We couldn’t be happier to have D’Avonie back as part of the SCC team! When She’s Not at SCC… When she’s not busy helping create memorable meetings and events, D’Avonie loves to travel and seek out fun experiences, especially when family and friends can join in the adventure.One of her favorite ways to spend her free time is exploring Oregon’s local wineries. Her favorite Oregon wines include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, which is pretty convenient when you live and work right in the heart of Oregon wine country! Her Favorite Part of the Job? For D’Avonie, it’s all about being part of someone’s best day.Whether it’s a wedding, meeting, quinceañera, or special celebration, she loves helping create the moments and experiences that people will remember long after the event is over.So, the next time you see D’Avonie in the office or walking around the building checking in on an event, be sure to say hello and give her a warm welcome!She already knows so many of you and is excited to meet the rest.We’re thrilled to have her back and we can’t wait to see all the memorable events she’ll help bring to life!
