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Photo by Suzanne Yoe
Competitive advantages for the Seawell Grand Ballroom: n 10,000 square feet of flexible space to accommodate various size events; n Events produced by a full service, in-house production team with a balanced skill set of creativity, state-of-the-art equipment and detailed logistics management; n Proximity to the Colorado Convention Center and neighboring hotels; n Strong brand recognition as being part of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo by Tara Miller Photo by Storihphotography.com
Denver Center Events gave a solid performance throughout FY13, with 119 events booked from external clients. Forty percent of those sent along unsolicited positive feedback and accolades, with zero negative post-event recaps. In addition, three local not-for-profits with events hosted in the Seawell Grand Ballroom reported their highest historical net revenue from such fundraisers in FY13. The ballroom continues to host a combined average of 200 internal and external events per year, including a mix of social, corporate, educational, not-for-profit and convention-related segments. During FY13 Denver Center Events garnered praise from The Knot with the 2013 “Best of” Award and the ICON Awards’ “Event of the Year for the wedding production of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Farber.” While gross sales revenues were consistent with last year, expenses increased 10%. The increase stemmed from labor costs from two events related to establishing new partnerships and broadening the marketing of the room. These efforts ultimately resulted in four confirmed weddings for FY14. Notwithstanding, ballroom operations continued to generate positive net income and substantial in-kind revenue for FY13. The staff continually seeks to increase business and to focus on social events. From 12 (weddings/mitzvahs) this year to the 17 weddings already confirmed for FY14, the marketing campaigns and the dedicated efforts of the team to drive social business are clearly paying off.
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DENVER CENTER EVENTS AND OPERATIONS Dawn Williams, Director of Venue Sales and Operations
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