In Brief
CONVENTION CENTER WATCH
COLLEGE PARK, GA
— The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
A rendering of the Javits Center’s new prefunction space, part of its proposed 1.2 million-sq.-ft. expansion
Larry Alexander, Detroit Metro CVB
Mercedes Miller, Georgia Intl. Convention Center will be pursuing Leadership of Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The GICC is investing $7 million into its lighting, water, heating, cooling and automation systems; Dallas, TX-based SCIenergy, Inc. is overseeing the project. “Becoming LEED certified continues our quest to offer exemplary service and efficiency while preserving the environment,” said Mercedes Miller, Executive Director of the GICC. “We’ve always been on the cutting edge … this is the next phase in our pledge to offer the best convention and hospitality experience in the state of Georgia.”
COLUMBUS, OH — The
Greater Columbus Convention Center’s $125 million renovation and expansion is scheduled for completion in July 2017. As of January 2016, the project was reported to be about one quarter complete. Highlights include 37,000 sq. ft. of new exhibit space; an additional 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; LEED certification; upgraded Convention Center and Hyatt Regency meeting rooms, ballrooms and public spaces; and a new 800-space parking garage. 4
and Jefferson Avenue. “We’re not done yet,” said Larry Alexander, Chairman of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have to continue to strive to stay ahead of the game. We want to be sure we’re doing more with the capabilities of this facility for the future of meetings and conventions.”
LAS VEGAS, NV — ARIA Resort & Casino is embarking on an expansion of its LEED Gold-certified Convention Cen-
Thom Connors, Cobo Center
DETROIT, MI — The debut of Cobo Square, a large terrace for outdoor events, marks the completion of Cobo Center’s five-year, $279 million renovation. “I think the most important part of the reinvention of Cobo Center was the adaptive reuse of the old arena,” said Thom Connors, Regional Vice President of SMG and General Manager of Cobo Center. “By cutting part of it away and creating a new atrium, it really tied the whole renovation together and gave the view from the main concourse out to the river and across to Canada.” The renovations have also given organizers new tools to draw attendees to their events, including a new, state-of-the-art broadcast studio and the 160 ft.-by-30 ft. digital sign on the exterior of Cobo Center overlooking Washington Boulevard
Bobby Baldwin, ARIA ter. The $154-million project, scheduled for May 2016-February 2018, will deliver an additional 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space across four stories, including a glass-enclosed venue with views of The Park and the new Las Vegas Arena. “Convention business at ARIA is booming, and demand is currently exceeding the space we have available,” said Bobby Baldwin, ARIA’s President and COO. “Hosting large meetings and conventions is a core part
of our business; as our clients’ needs grow, we are committed to grow with them.”
LAS VEGAS, NV —The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Convention Center expansion was completed with the January opening of the 70,000-sq.-ft. Oceanside Ballroom. The other components of the $70 million expansion — 350,000 sq. ft. of new exhibit space, a 20,000-sq.-ft. foyer and new underground parking — opened in August. The final phase of the resort-wide, multiyear transformation is the $100 million redesign of more than 3,000 guestrooms and suites, completed in February. NEW YORK, NY — Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2016 agenda, presented in early January, calls for a $1 billion expansion and upgrade of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 1.2 million sq. ft. expansion would result in a fivefold increase in meeting and ballroom space, including the largest ballroom in the Northeast at 60,000 sq. ft. Additionally, 500,000 sq. ft. of the exhibition space will be contiguous on one level. Construction is expected to begin in late 2016 on the project, which would also include a 34,000-sq.-ft. solar energy array, green roof terrace and truck garage. In mid February, the Javits Center launched Market Express, which allows customers to order a variety of meal and beverage options through their mobile devices for timely delivery to the their exhibit booth or offices throughout the six-block facility. Continued on page 6
Facilities & destinations 2015-2016 winter