San Diego, Calif. (February 19, 2026) — San Diego Convention Center Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CVE, announced today that he is retiring in 2026 after ten years in the role. His retirement will take place following the selection of a new CEO and a successful transition period.
Under Rippetoe’s leadership, SDCC's team navigated significant and historic moments, including serving as an emergency shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening for event activity in 2021, and achieving a series of record-setting years in economic impact. Fiscal year 2025 was among those record years, with events hosted at the San Diego Convention Center generating approximately $38 million in tax revenues for the City of San Diego and an estimated $1.6 billion in regional impact.
“Rip Rippetoe has led the San Diego Convention Center through an extraordinary era, guiding it from the challenges of the pandemic to record-setting growth,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “His steady leadership has helped make the Convention Center one of the nation’s premier event destinations and a powerful economic engine for our city. San Diego is better because of his decade of service.”
During his tenure, Rippetoe also strengthened community partnerships, boosted SDCC’s reputation, and supported the development of a nationally recognized, award-winning team. EXHIBITOR Magazine recently recognized SDCC with a 2026 Center of Excellence Award, placing SDCC among the top three convention centers in North America for Best Customer Service and On-Site Support. Rippetoe and team received many additional honors during the past decade, including the 2017 IAVM Venue Excellence Award and the 2022 Global Meetings Industry Day Award from Meeting Professionals International, San Diego. In a 2023 ranking, The Wall Street Journal placed SDCC among the nation’s top five convention centers.
“Leading the San Diego Convention Center has been a true privilege and a highlight of my 45-year career in the industry,” Rippetoe said. “We have one of the very best teams in the business, composed of professional and dedicated staff across all functions and levels of the organization. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am committed to supporting a smooth transition for the next CEO.”
In support of San Diego communities, Rippetoe serves on the Boards of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Regional EDC, and Sports San Diego. He is the Immediate Past Chair and Board Member Emeritus of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Under his leadership, the SDCC team has been acknowledged for its community contributions, including earning the Ronald Kendrick Memorial Award for Regional Collaboration from LEAD San Diego, the Vic Kops Humanitarian Award from the Downtown San Diego Partnership, and the Advocate for the Homeless Award from CalTravel. These recognitions reflect Rippetoe’s commitment to civic engagement and regional partnerships.
As a national leader in the tourism and events industry, Rippetoe serves as a Board Member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and an Advisor for both the San Diego County Lodging Association and San Diego Tourism Authority. From 2020-2021, Rip served as Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Board of Directors, and he was a Founding Board Member of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance.
"We truly appreciate Rip’s decade of admirable leadership and community engagement in San Diego,” said the Corporation's Board Chair Will Rodriguez-Kennedy. “The Convention Center’s next chapter will be a time of growth and innovation, offering our next CEO an exciting opportunity to help chart its path into the future.”
The Board of Directors will oversee the succession process, working in partnership with an executive search firm to identify and select the next CEO. During the next several months, Rippetoe and the Board will ensure a seamless transition and maintain full continuity of events and projects.
Images for Media Use
Download a high-resolution photo of Rip Rippetoe.
About the San Diego Convention Center
Located along the San Diego Bay and steps from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Convention Center is the region’s premier gathering place, hosting conventions that create economic benefits and jobs for the San Diego region, paid for by outside visitors to the destination. The San Diego Convention Center Corporation is a public benefit corporation created by the City of San Diego to exclusively manage, market, and operate the waterfront facility.
Media Contact
Maren Dougherty, San Diego Convention Center
