New Convention Space Supporters View the Economy as a Reason to Build, Rather Than an Excuse Not To - Trade Show Executive
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S PECI A L R E P O RT
Trade Show Executive's
New Convention Space Supporters View the Economy
as a Reason to Build, Rather Than an Excuse Not To
RENEE DIIULIO, senior editor
THERE IS NO DENYING convention Executive’s Monthly Dashboard of Trade center web sites, online news stations
construction has been slow. A look at the Show Metrics] and even YouTube; a search for clips on
last two editions of Trade Show Execu- Not surprisingly, with such convention center expansion yields just
tive’s Semi-Annual Pardon Our Dust shows philosophical differences among sides, over 300 hits.
that commitment to new space has been the discussions about such projects take Of course, even during a space race
difficult to secure. Few new projects were longer. To try to avoid this and help (and we are not in such a situation at
undertaken, and construction figures build early support, the process behind present), construction of such magnitude
dropped to new lows. convention center growth is changing. does not occur overnight. This edition of
But some space supporters are starting Announcements are becoming Pardon Our Dust has not seen a significant
to push harder, using the economy as a grander — consider New York Gover- difference in numbers of projects, though
reason to build rather than an excuse not nor Andrew Cuomo’s vision to build they are up slightly. The report details
to. It’s an old argument but one that has the nation’s largest convention center in information on projects underway at
grown more appealing with a stagnating Queens, NY — and arguments are taken 10 North American convention centers
economy. At the same time, trade shows directly to the public. Videos extolling (the same as in October) and lists 23
are back in a growth mode, with some the virtues of venues and the advantages additional venues considering new space
reaching record highs [See Trade Show of new space can be found on convention (22 in October), either through expansion
44 April 2012 | Trade Show Executive
Construction Calendar
Of the 13 convention centers with construction
tructition on
ojects
the calendar, five will complete their projects ts this
this
an
year, four in the first half. Five centers plann to finish
or fresh builds. On the construction in 2013, two will wrap up construction in n 2015
calendar, three centers — the Baton wever,
and one will open its doors in 2018. However,
Rouge River Center (LA); Kalahari with 23 venues in the proposal stages for or
Convention Center in Sandusky, OH; new projects, the calendar may fill out by
and St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention our next report in October.
Center (MN) — have already opened
doors on new space this year.
1ST QUARTER 2012
Breaking Ground Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA†
The years 2012 and 2013 are the busiest
on the calendar, with five centers plan- Kalahari Convention Center, Sandusky, OH†
ning to complete construction in each of St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, MN†
these years. Then things slow down con-
siderably. Proposed projects will likely fi ll
it out once again, but if approved, they 2ND QUARTER 2012
can be expected to open at later dates,
past Detroit’s 2015 planned completion Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, MD
of the expansion/renovation to Cobo
Center. Few can be expected to get
4TH QUARTER 2012
shovels in the ground quickly.
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
The years 2012 and 2013
1ST QUARTER 2013
are the busiest on the
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
calendar, with five centers
Nashville Medical Trade Center, Nashville, TN*
planning to complete
construction. Then things 2ND QUARTER 2013
slow down considerably. Music City Center, Nashville, TN*
Proposed projects will likely
3RD QUARTER 2013
fill it out once again, but
Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center, Cleveland, OH*
they can be expected to
open at later dates. 4TH QUARTER 2013
San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA
Obstacles vary, but each has its unique
challenges that require time to overcome.
Despite the hype, the discussion regard- 1ST QUARTER 2015
ing Governor Cuomo’s proposal is just
starting, and though a new center may be Renaissance Colorado Springs North, Colorado Springs, CO*
financed by private money, there will be
some government commitment neces-
2ND QUARTER 2015
sary, requiring approvals. The proposed
expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Cobo Convention Center, Detroit, MI
Center is currently linked to a stadium
proposal tied to the city’s acquisition of
an NFL team (with varying predictions 3RD QUARTER 2018
for success). And other centers, such as
Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK*
the San Diego Convention Center, con-
tinue to finesse designs and financing. † Project completed * New builds
Continued on next page
www.TradeShowExecutive.com | April 2012 45
Considering Construction
Building new convention space today — whether brand new or an expansion of existing
space — is no easy task. Even when findings from a feasibility study favor new space,
and tenant growth warrants it, the economics may be difficult. And then there are politics Continued from page 45
which can create obstacles that become insurmountable. Yet sometimes, that forces The Northern Kentucky Convention
proponents to sharpen their pencils to build a more convincing case. The net effect is Center, which currently offers 46,200
sometimes a better showcase. The 23 venues listed here have begun the process with square feet of exhibit space and 13,288
high hopes for a bigger and better center. Which will make it through the growing pains? square feet of meeting space, would like
Trade Show Executive will continue to monitor the market, with our next report in October. to add about 20,000 square feet of ball-
room/flex space adjacent to the exhibit
hall and 14 to 20 meeting rooms measur-
DISCUSSION
ing roughly 1,300 square feet each. The
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum & Exposition Center, Fort Wayne, IN goal is to complete the as-yet-unapproved
project by 2017, 2019 at the latest to be
Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI able to secure shows.
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA The venue currently averages approxi-
mately 160 events annually but loses shows
Frontier Airlines Center, Milwaukee, WI that outgrow the available space, according
Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN to Gretchen Landrum, executive director
of the center. In a podcast aired by Strategic
Queens Convention Center, Queens, NY* Advisors, LLC, she discussed the positive
economic impact that comes with increased
Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, AZ
convention business, an argument echoed
by many supporters of proposed builds.
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Reasons to Build
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD In a video looking ahead to what industry
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX watchers expect to be a successful bid for
expansion of the Winnipeg Convention
Centre, a former president of the center
FINANCING recalls how the original development of
the venue helped to clean up and revital-
Bismarck Civic Center, Bismarck, ND
ize the city.
Gaylord Colorado Resort & Conference Center, Aurora, CO* When announcing his intent to make
New York the number one convention
Gaylord Mesa, Mesa, AZ (project on hold)* site in the nation during his 2012 State of
Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, KY the State address, Governor Cuomo said,
“This will bring to New York the largest
Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, CA events, driving demand for hotel rooms
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
and restaurant meals and creating tax
revenues and jobs, jobs, jobs.”
Noting that convention space
LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL expansion, particularly at the Jacob K.
Javits Center, has been talked about for
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA years in New York, he said, “But today is
Fox Cities Convention Center, Appleton, WI* different, because today I propose we do
something about it.”
KI Convention Center, Green Bay, WI As the economy brightens, many more
may take up the similar but well-worn
Legends Bay Casino-Resort-Spa, Sparks, NV*
argument: build it and visitors will come.
New York State Convention Center, Albany, NY* Trade Show Executive will continue to
watch and report on the happenings in
this market. Read the next edition of
DESIGN/SITE SELECTION Pardon Our Dust in October.
Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Reach Gretchen Landrum at (859) 261-1500
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
A or glandrum@nkycc.com; Klaus Lahr, president
and CEO, Winnipeg Convention Centre, at
Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
nada (204) 957-4501, klausl@wcc.mb.ca
* New builds
Trade Show Executive
Pardon Our Dust – CONVENTION CENTERS
Pre-Construction Post-Construction Phase / Expected
Exhibition Facility by Location Key Features Management
Exhibit & Meeting Space Exhibit & Meeting Space Completion Date
CALIFORNIA
Anaheim
Anaheim Convention Center Prime Exhibit Space: Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Expansion will add Tom Morton, Executive Director,
800 W. Katella Ave. 813,000 sf 813,000 sf Start May 2012 100,000 sf of outdoor and (714) 765-8920, tmorton@anaheim.net;
Anaheim, CA 92802 Meeting Space: 125,000 sf Meeting Space: 125,000 sf Completion Date: special event space. Part of David Meek, Convention Center Mgr.,
www.anaheim.net/conventioncenter Breakout Rooms: 52 Breakout Rooms: 52 December 2012 Anaheim Resort Complex (714) 765-8951, dmeek@anaheim.net
including Disneyland and
numerous hotels.
San Jose
San Jose Convention Center Prime Exhibit Space: Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Construction Expansion to add 35,000 sf Managed by Team San Jose.
150 W. San Carlos St. 223,000 sf 223,000 sf Completion Date: ballroom space and 25,000 Mark McMinn, Director of Sales,
San Jose, CA 95110 Meeting Space: 49,495 sf Meeting Space: 74,495 sf Fall 2013 sf of flexible meeting space; (408) 792-4521, mmcminn@sanjose.org
www.sanjose.org Breakout Rooms: 31 Breakout Rooms: TBD includes renovation and
integration of the existing
convention center.
COLORADO
Colorado Springs
Renaissance Colorado New Facility Prime Exhibit Space/ Phase: Construction, 300 guest rooms. Managed by John Q. Hammons
Springs North Meeting Space: 50,000 sf 80% complete Hotels & Resorts, (719) 265-8500
9494 Federal Dr. Breakout Rooms: 18 Completion Date:
Colorado Springs, CO 80921 January 2015
www.marriott.com
LOUISIANA
New Orleans
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Prime Exhibit Space: Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Construction $50 MIL ballroom/exterior Tim Hemphill, VP, Sales & Marketing,
Convention Center 1,100,000 sf 1,100,000 sf Completion Date: renovation through 2013; (504) 582-3023, themphill@mccno.com;
900 Convention Center Blvd. Meeting Space: 200,000 sf Meeting Space: 200,000 sf January 2013 10 GIG Internet backbone, Keith Levey, Director of Sales,
New Orleans, LA 70130 Breakout Rooms: 140 Flex Space: 60,300 sf executive lounge, newly (504) 582-3023, klevey@mccno.com
www.mccno.com Breakout Rooms: 140 renovated ballrooms.
Walk to 20,000 hotel
rooms, restaurants and
Arts District.
MARYLAND
Ocean City
Roland E. Powell Prime Exhibit Space: Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Design/site Located along the Isle Fred Wise, CHAE,
Convention Center 67,000 sf 93,190 sf preparation of Wight Bay. 25,000 sf Director of Sales & Marketing,
4001 Coastal Hwy. Meeting Space: 45,000 sf Meeting Space: 45,000 sf Completion Date: ballroom can be used for (410) 289-8181, fwise@ococean.com
Ocean City, MD 21842 Flex Space: 25,000 sf Flex Space: 25,000 sf Phase I, Spring 2012 exhibits. Free parking.
www.ococean.com Breakout Rooms: 22 Breakout Rooms: 22
MICHIGAN
Detroit
Cobo Convention Center Prime Exhibit Space: Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Construction 5 exhibit halls; 4 on main Managed by SMG.
One Washington Blvd. 700,000 sf 725,000 sf Completion Date: level have 600,000 sf Thom Connors, General Manager,
Detroit, MI 48226 Meeting Space: 178,000 sf Meeting Space: 190,000 sf Spring 2015 contiguous space. (313) 877-8777,
www.cobocenter.com Breakout Rooms: 80 Breakout Rooms: 80 Riverview Ballroom and tconnors@cobocenter.com;
5 banquet rooms offer Tom Albrecht, Director of Sales,
riverfront views. (313) 877-8777,
Adjacent arena. talbrecht@cobocenter.com
Continued on next page
www.TradeShowExecutive.com | April 2012 47
Trade Show Executive
Pardon Our Dust – CONVENTION CENTERS
Pre-Construction Post-Construction Phase / Expected
Exhibition Facility by Location Key Features Management
Exhibit & Meeting Space Exhibit & Meeting Space Completion Date
OHIO
Cleveland
Cleveland Medical Mart & New Facility Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Cleveland MMCC is the Brian Casey, General Manager,
Convention Center 230,000 sf Site preparation world's first market facility bcasey@mmart.com;
Cleveland, OH 44114 Meeting Space: 90,000 sf Completion Date: designed specifically for the Tony Prusak, Dir. of Convention Sales,
www.clevelandmedicalmart.com Breakout Rooms: TBD Fall 2013 healthcare industry. (216) 920-1430, tprusak@mmart.com
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City New Facility Prime Exhibit Space: TBD Phase: Based on the current Robin O'Connor, Director of
Convention Center Meeting Space: TBD Site preparation budget, the facility will offer Sales & Services, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, OK Breakout Rooms: TBD Completion Date: approximately 235,000 sf Convention and Visitors Bureau,
www.okc.gov/maps3/projects/ Fall 2018 of exhibit, meeting and (405) 297-8906, roconnor@visitokc.com
conventioncenter.html ballroom space.
TENNESSEE
Nashville
Music City Center New Facility Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Construction Exhibit hall is acoustically Charles Starks, Executive Director,
Nashville, TN 350,000 sf Completion Date: designed to double as (615) 742-2002,
www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.com Meeting Space: TBD April 2013 concert hall; 2 ballrooms; charles.starks@nashville.gov;
Breakout Rooms: 50 36 loading docks; designed Kay Witt, Senior VP of Sales,
to meet LEED Silver Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau,
certification. (615) 259-4739,
kayw@visitmusiccity.com
Nashville Medical Trade Center New Facility Prime Exhibit Space: Phase: Construction/ Project involves construc- Managed by
601 Commerce St. 140,000 sf Pre-leasing tion of multiple stories on Market Center Management Co., Ltd.
Nashville, TN 37203 Meeting Space: TBD Completion Date: existing site. Will feature David Osborn, General Manager,
www.nmtc.com Breakout Rooms: TBD 2013 permanent showrooms, (866) 878-8778,
temporary exhibition space dosborn@mcmcmail.com
and training and education
facilities; connected to
673-room hotel.
CONVENTION CENTER CONSTRUCTION SNAPSHOT:
No. of North American Convention Centers Meeting Space to be Added 127,000 sf
Undergoing Construction 10 Through Expansions 37,000 sf
Considering Construction 23 New Builds 90,000 sf
Prime Exhibit Space to be Added 821,190 sf Flex Space to be Added 60,300 sf
Through Expansions 51,190 sf Through Expansions 60,300 sf
New Builds 770,000 sf New Builds None
got news?
CONTACT:
Darlene Gudea, PUBLISHER & EDITOR
(760) 630-9111
As you near the final stages of an acquisition, dgudea@tradeshowexecutive.com
change in management, expansion, launch or
chang Hil Anderson, SENIOR EDITOR
other important news, let us know in advance (760) 630-9107
that news
ne is about to break. handerson@tradeshowexecutive.com
48 April 2012 | Trade Show Executive
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