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THE STATE OF COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Similarly, a covered 7,100-sq.-ft. veranda features lounge furniture for guests to sit and chat with colleagues. Those Testa reports that the clients returning to the expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center are “excited to bring inside will also appreciate the sunny environment thanks to their guests to a new building that is in a city and state that floor-to-ceiling windows added throughout the facility. have taken COVID-19 seriously.” He explains In addition, “we listened to clients in terms that events in the State of California “must of adding signage and wayfinding throughout adhere to state public health mandates, which the building,” Voreyer says. “In the old building, currently pertain to ‘mega events,’ defined as people could get confused quite easily. So it those with indoor capacities of 5,000 or more really helps the attendee experience by having attendees, or outdoor events with 10,000 or clear, concise navigation aids.” Traffic flow is more attendees. For such events, attendees also improved with new North, West and East must confirm proof of vaccination or a lobby entrances that are color-coded blue, negative COVID-19 test in order to attend. green and gold to capture Sacramento’s rivers, Convention planners, together with the City agriculture and Gold Rush, respectively. The of Sacramento, continue to work together new layout’s division between exhibit space on to adhere to any evolving public health Level 1 and the ballroom and meeting space on guidelines for group gatherings.” In addition, Level 2 also assists the navigation of the facility. “We listened to many Sacramento hospitality businesses Great service is also integral to the attendee clients in terms of have taken the Sacramento S.A.F.E. Pledge experience, and clients of the SAFE Credit adding signage to implement best-in-class health, safety and Union Convention Center are assisted by a cleanliness practices. This program further highly attentive staff — including the general and wayfinding assures conventioneers that contagion manager. “I’m a very hands-on GM,” says throughout the prevention is top of mind throughout the city. Voreyer. “It’s not uncommon for me to be [convention The health and safety precautions continue walking the show floor, or to attend pre-con center]. … It really at the convention center. “We have signage meetings and many of the events through to helps the attendee throughout the exterior and interior of the the closing gala. I work with the client even building reminding folks to hand wash, along when they arrive on a site visit, and work very experience with touchless water features with hand soaps closely with Visit Sacramento on planning by having and towel dispensers,” says Voreyer. “We also those visits.” clear, concise have staff available to continue monitoring navigation aids.” and wiping down escalators, elevators and A FORWARD-THINKING HOTEL INDUSTRY meeting rooms, pre and post. We will not be The expanded convention center may soon —Matt Voreyer, setting up any buffets; [the F&B] will all be be complemented by an expanded guestroom General Manager, inventory. “We’re in discussions with a hotel that hand distributed by employees. I think with the SAFE Credit Union could be built behind the convention center that Delta Variant this will be a protocol in place Convention Center would add into the convention block,” Voreyer not only in Sacramento, but throughout the says. As it stands, however, Sacramento is well stocked with country until this virus is behind us.” guestrooms in proximity to the convention center: Directly INSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT across the street, groups will find the 505-room Hyatt Regency The $245 million renovation and expansion of the Sacramento, with 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and the Sacramento Convention Center is sure to maximize ROI 503-room Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, with 19,300 because it was guided by input from clients. “The City of sq. ft. of meeting space. Thousands more hotel rooms are in Sacramento and the architects, Populous, centered the walking distance. What is more, “all of our nearby convention expansion and renovation directly around clients’ feedback hotels have utilized the downtime in the pandemic to upgrade and changing needs,” says Atilano. “So it’s rewarding for guestrooms, facilities and amenities,” Atilano points out. our clients to see the “So beyond the new enhanced open exhibit SAFE Credit Union space, new secondConvention Center, floor ballroom, outdoor planners will find an activities plaza — all of upgraded hotel product the things they had on as well.” their wish lists.” Among the new hotels in Sacramento The 15,000-sq.are the 105-room Fort ft. outdoor plaza is Sutter Hotel, under especially appealing, as Hilton’s Tapestry it allows clients to take Sacramento’s convention center is now more Collection, and a 172advantage of Northern navigable for attendees room Hyatt Centric, California’s great weather.
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FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2021 SUPERBOOK
