Now that seemingly every large city with even a
speck of meetings appeal has its own convention center, small
cities are building facilities of their own in hopes of feasting on
a slice of the convention pie.
With the growing glut of convention space, these new facilities
will have to focus heavily on marketing and service, says David
Bobo, general manager of the new Greater Tacoma (Wash.) Convention
and Trade Center. “If these centers think they can sit back and
open the doors and rake in the money, they’ve got another thing
coming,” he notes.
Following is a sampling of the newest and most highly
anticipated centers. Only time will tell if they become cash cows
for their cities.
Alaska Civic and Convention Center
Anchorage, Alaska
(907) 276-4118; www.anchorage.net
Exhibit space: 50,000 square feet
Meeting space: 11,000 square feet (plus a
30,000-square-foot ballroom)
When it opens: Pending funding, opening is set for
late 2008.
Why it might succeed: This isn’t Anchorage’s first
foray into conventions. The smaller Egan Center is next to the site
of the planned convention center and does a fine business.
Albany CountyConvention
Center
Albany, N.Y.
(800) 258-3582; www.albany.org
Exhibit space: 85,000 square feet
Meeting space: 20,000 to 25,000 square feet (plus
a 15,000- to 20,000-square-foot ballroom)
When it opens: Not for a while. Next year, it is
expected that Gov. George Pataki will sign a bill providing for a
state commission that will appoint people to oversee development of
the center.
Why it might succeed: Two feasibility studies have
been done, one pre-9/11 and the other this May, both suggesting
that a convention center in New York’s capital city will bring in a
healthy dose of government groups, state associations and consumer
shows.
Ardmore Convention Center
Ardmore, Okla.
(580) 226-2862; www.ardmore.org
Exhibit space: 25,000 square feet
Meeting space: 2,500 square feet
When it opened: August 2004
Why it might succeed: Ardmore is halfway between
Oklahoma City and Dallas and thus offers a convenient meeting place
for state associations and local corporations that don’t want to
drive 100 miles. Already business is strong, says Marty Auten,
convention center manager, and extensive marketing efforts haven’t
even begun.
Bayfront Convention Center
Erie, Pa.
(814) 453-7117
www.bayfrontconventioncenter.com
Exhibit space: 30,000 square feet
Meeting space: 15,000 square feet (plus a
13,500-square-foot ballroom)
When it opens: May 2007
Why it might succeed: “This area isn’t the Rust
Belt people seem to believe,” says Kevin R. Molloy, general manager
of the Bayfront Convention Center. Molloy feels confident that the
center with the help of a city that’s swiftly becoming more
attendee-friendly will earn a spot on the rotation of the major
state associations. Meetings from local hospitals, religious
associations and sports groups should fill out the roster.
NOT GROWING, BUT STILL GLOWING
So many convention centers are new or expanding these days, it’s tempting to think the ones that aren’t doubling in size might be left behind in the dust of construction. But even without any grand-opening fanfare, the facilities profiled below remain vibrant, vital places that keep adapting to changing times.
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America’s Center in St. Louis (502,000 square feet of exhibit space, 160,000 square feet of meeting space) hasn’t had any major construction since a 1995 expansion, but you’d never know it, says Carole Moody, president of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. That’s because each year, the city, county and state donate a combined $4 million to keep the center and adjacent stadium in top shape. Among coming enhancements: The entire building will be equipped with wireless Internet access.
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The Atlantic City Convention Center (500,000 square feet of exhibit space, 109,000 square feet of meeting space) is big enough as is. Instead of tinkering with the center, the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority is improving the surrounding neighborhood, as witness the recent opening of The Walk, a row of outlet stores that connects the center to the Boardwalk.
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The Los Angeles Convention Center, above (720,000 square feet of exhibit space, 150,000 square feet of meeting space), hasn’t expanded since 1993, but plans are afoot to build a headquarters hotel and create new entertainment options nearby in the coming years. And the facility itself is constantly being renovated. “If you forgo maintenance for two or three years, there’s no chance of keeping up,” notes Pouria Abbassi, assistant general manager for the facility. - J.V.
Branson Landing
Branson, Mo.
(417) 334-4084
www.bransonlanding.com
Exhibit space: 55,000 square feet
Meeting space: 32,000 square feet (plus a
20,000-square-foot ballroom)
When it opens: April 2006
Why it might succeed: The city already is a
successful tourism destination and can draw a large drive market,
since it’s located centrally in the United States. The convention
center will be just one component of a $300 million hotel, condo,
retail and marina development.
Capital City Convention Center
Jackson, Miss.
(800) 354-7695; www.visitjackson.com
Exhibit space: 90,000 square feet
Meeting space: 6,000 square feet (plus 30,000
square feet at a neighboring training center, to be built as
well)
When it opens: Jackson residents approved the $61
million convention center on Election Day in November. A committee
will now plan the project, which should break ground by 2008.
Why it might succeed: Jackson is one of the few
sizable Southern cities left without a convention center. The city
is loaded with restaurants (about 400) and museums and has its own
international airport. Estimates say the center will rake in $37
million per year in convention rentals and visitor spending.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Columbia, S.C.
(800) 264-4884; www.columbiacvb.com
Exhibit space: 24,700 square feet
Meeting space: 15,145 square feet (plus a
17,200-square-foot ballroom)
When it opened: September 2004
Why it might succeed: Columbia lies at the
intersection of three interstate highways, and the bureau is hoping
that will attract meeting-goers within 350 miles, including those
from associations in the D.C. area. The city is an affordable one
and will seek meetings in the SMERF (social, military, education,
religious, fraternal) market as well. There’s plenty to see here,
too, including the Columbia Museum of Art and the Riverbanks Zoo
and Garden.
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center
Tacoma, Wash.
(888) 227-3705
www.tacomaconventioncenter.com
Exhibit space: 51,000 square feet
Meeting space: 25,000 square feet
When it opened: November 2004
Why it might succeed: Tacoma’s center is off to a
good start, with business at the regional, state and national
levels. General manager David Bobo is focusing on creating a
service level that will impress planners enough to return time and
again. Also, the center is high-tech and aesthetically appealing,
offering both mountain and water views.
Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pa.
(717) 399-7630; www.lccca.com
Exhibit space: 45,800 square feet
Meeting space: 18,000 square feet
When it opens: Fall 2007
Why it might succeed: Lancaster is in the center
of the charming and rustic Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Since it’s
within easy driving distance of major Pennsylvania cities including
Harrisburg, the capital, 45 minutes away it can draw both state
associations and government meetings.
Raleigh Convention Center
Raleigh, N.C.
(800) 849-8499
www.raleigh-nc.org/livablestreets
Exhibit space: 150,000 square feet
Meeting space: 30,000 square feet (plus a
32,000-square-foot ballroom)
When it opens: Late 2007 or early 2008
Why it might succeed: The Raleigh center will
benefit from the social business booked for the old center, which
is next door and will become a 400-room hotel when the new facility
goes up. Plus, its capability for meetings will open up a new
market for Raleigh.