Joplin Expo nears completion with packed event lineup for opening month
Nicholas Clark doesn't see an empty 40,000 square foot room, he sees a blank canvas.
'I come up with ideas all the time,' said Nicholas K. Clark, artist/interior designer.
Clark is part of a team turning a vision into reality.
'I think that's where we're at right now, is to get something that's, you know, really what this town needs, and it's a really exciting opportunity to be here,' said Clark.
That 'opportunity' is transforming the former Macy's store at Joplin's Northpark Mall into the 'Joplin Expo.'
Joplin Expo set to open soon at Northpark Mall
'The Joplin Expo is a new event center,' said Jeremy Morris, Joplin Expo director of sales.
The 85,000 square foot facility will be split into three areas that can operate independently.
'We're going to have a 40,000 square foot trade show area,' said Morris.
That will be used for main shows and larger events.
'And then we're going to have a 9,000 square foot ballroom space,' said Morris.
Which can be combined with the larger area, if needed.
The third space will function as a shopping area.
'Called 'Unique Boutiques,' and is also going to have a cafe,' said Morris.
Crews are hard at work, aiming to meet a looming deadline.
'August. That's our date,' said Morris.
Joplin Expo director of sales says that brings a mixture of excitement and stress.
'We've got events on the books,' said Morris.
Those first few weeks…
'We have every weekend booked in August already,' said Morris.
…Will feature a children's consignment expo…
'Followed by JoMo Con, which is kind of a local comic con and anime festival,' said Morris.
…a reptile show, just to name a few. Parking won't be an issue.
'We've got a thousand spaces, and then we've got overflow parking with the mall, with whom we have an agreement. So, plenty of room for outdoor shows,' said Morris.
All designed for one purpose.
'We want to provide something back to Joplin, a space where everybody can meet, a space that's for the community in general,' said Morris.
'This is going to be really, really amazing. I'm excited to be a part of it,' said Clark.
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