Latest news with #conventioncenter
Skift
7 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Cincinnati Invests $800 Million to Overhaul Convention District and Attract Larger Events
Cincinnati is making an $800 million bet that a fully modernized convention center, a new headquarters hotel, and two-acre public plaza will help the city leapfrog into the top tier of U.S. meetings destinations. At the center of Cincinnati's Convention District transformation are two major projects: a $240 million renovation of the Duke Energy Convention Center, which reopens in January 2026, and a new $536 million, 700-room Marriott headquarters hotel, scheduled to open in 2028. The convention center is 55 years old, and is getting a full upgrade. It includes a revamped exhibit hall with additional capacity, a new rooftop terrace with skyline views, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom, and a rooftop 359.7 kW solar array to reduce the building's demand on the grid. ASM Global will manage the facility, which aims to draw bigger events the city couldn't host before. Next doorr, the two-acre Elm Street Plaza opens in October. The flexible outdoor venue includes a concert pavilion, a bar, and landscaped social areas. In addition, a dog park, interactive water features, and public art will appeal to locals as well. 'In the growing convention world, outdoor event space is no longer an amenity; it is a necessity,' said Katie Westbrook, vice president of development for 3CDC, the real estate development corporation for the new Marriott. New Marriott to Anchor the District Slated to open in 2028, the Marriott headquarters hotel will add 700 rooms and more than 62,000 square feet of meeting space to the Cincinnati Convention District. Features include a 17,445-square-foot events terrace and a skybridge connecting directly to the convention center. 'The new Marriott headquarters hotel anchors our long-term vision to reimagine Cincinnati's Convention District,' said Julie Calvert, president and CEO of Visit Cincy. Local and state officials expect the upgraded convention infrastructure to attract larger trade shows and conventions that previously went to peer cities like Indianapolis, Nashville, and Columbus. 'This is about elevating Cincinnati's competitiveness,' said Lydia Mihalik of the Ohio Department of Development. 'Communities across the country are fighting for this business, and having a state-of-the-art facility is a big win.'
Skift
15-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
From VidCon to the Olympics: Anaheim's Bold Vision for the Future of Events
With the largest convention center on the West Coast, Anaheim has always made life easier for meeting planners. Now, the city's grand vision for $10 billion of updates over the next decade will make every program more exciting for attendees. With more than two decades of experience in destination and hotel sales, Ronnie Collins has lived in plenty of great places. While he has plenty of compliments to share about Phoenix, Cleveland, Dallas, Charlotte, Vail, and Park City, his southern California home holds the title for the kind of community pride that defines a welcoming host destination. 'There's no place like Anaheim when it comes to the city's passion for itself,' Collins, Visit Anaheim's chief sales officer, said. The Hospitality Culture That Powers Anaheim's Success Part of that passion, according to Collins, comes from the city's most recognizable attraction. Many members of Anaheim's hospitality industry spent some of their formative years working at Disneyland Resort — the receptionist for Visit Anaheim, for example, was Tinkerbell, and the director of sales at the city's largest hotel started his career as Prince Charming. It's easy to hold a lot of love for the place where one begins earning a paycheck, and making everyone smile in the process. However, while Anaheim may feel synonymous with Mickey Mouse, plenty of groups are coming here without any connection to the park. In 2025, Anaheim will host 160 conventions, meetings, and events, welcoming attendees who will get a chance to experience the city's dynamic offerings. Even those who do not visit the park in their leisure time will feel the benefits, thanks to what Collins calls 'the Disney bubble.' 'The Disney bubble creates safety, security, cleanliness, and walkability,' he said. 'Many of our team members complete the Disney training program, so they know how to service, surprise and delight, and deliver an experience at the highest level.' Why Meeting Planners Choose Anaheim: The Capital of Creativity and Innovation Those team members know how to handle large experiences, too. Each year, the NAMM Show — organized by the National Association of Music Merchants — welcomes more than 62,000 music industry professionals to the Anaheim Convention Center. Meanwhile, VidCon unites approximately 55,000 influencers, content creators, and fans. phot caption: the namm show. photo credit: visit anaheim. West Coast's Largest Convention Center These large-scale events thrive in Anaheim due to its unmatched event venues and accessibility. The Anaheim Convention Center boasts 1.8 million square feet of total space, making it the biggest convention center on the West Coast — and with four major airports in the area, attendees from around the world have their pick when it comes to direct flights. A Hotspot for Media, Gaming, and Innovation However, the story in Anaheim is about much more than logistical ease — it's a reflection of Orange County's prominent role in pushing culture forward. Video game developers like Blizzard Entertainment, Obsidian Entertainment, Visual Concepts, and Dreamhaven are all headquartered nearby, and much of the media and entertainment business in the Los Angeles metro area can take a 40-minute trip to escape the noise for a more calming experience. In addition to shaping what consumers hear, watch, and play, Anaheim has emerged as a driving force behind what doctors do for their patients. The American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Informatics Association, and Pri-Med will all host major events in Anaheim in 2025. Photo Caption: VIDCON 2025: Photo credit: Visit Anaheim Shining in the International Spotlight: Olympics, FIFA, and Beyond While attendees at those conferences will gain an appreciation for Anaheim, an even bigger audience is about to experience the city's magic when it lends a hand to help with Los Angeles' hosting duties for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The World Cup match schedule stretches over nearly an entire month, and the Olympic competitions cover three weeks. 130+ Hotels Ready to Welcome the World Anaheim hotels and venues are preparing to welcome guests from around the world. The city's collection of more than 130 hotel properties will be full throughout that time. According to Collins, Visit Anaheim regularly meets with city leaders to 'ensure that we're all in lockstep as a community to provide a consistent experience no matter what hotel they stay in, what restaurant they dine in, or what part of the city they visit.' During the Olympics, plenty of guests won't need to leave the city to catch the world's best athletes in action: The Honda Center, home of the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks, will host indoor volleyball. 'These mega events are going to open people's eyes to how great Anaheim is as a community and what it has to offer,' Collins said. PHOTO CAPTION: RISE ROOFTOP LOUNGE, WESTIN. PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT ANAHEIM. Making Room for a New Kind of Magic With OCVIBE In addition to seeing what already makes Anaheim such a special place for meetings and events, visitors in town for the Olympics will have an opportunity to experience what Collins called 'the biggest thing to happen to Anaheim since Disneyland opened.' That 'thing' is OCVIBE, a new development more than three times the size of LA Live that will feature new live music venues, more than 30 dining concepts, six bars, and more than 20 acres of outdoor space. While much of the project will be open by 2028, there are even bigger plans for two hotels and a riverwalk area in the future. It won't feel like a separate tourist destination, either, thanks to plans for residential living that Collins said will give it a 'true downtown vibe.' PHOTO CAPTION: OCVIBE DISTRICT. PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT ANAHEIM Collins has only been in Anaheim for two years, but the project's vision has ignited the same passion he found among the locals who have seen Anaheim evolve. 'OCVIBE was almost single-handedly what sold me on coming to Anaheim,' he said. 'When I used to think about Anaheim, I felt the market was missing some of the adult programming and sophisticated experiences outside of the family piece. OCVIBE is the answer to all of that.' OCVIBE will raise the bar for the attendee experience, but the rest of the area will be ready to meet that new standard of excellence, too. As Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary, resort leaders are embarking on DisneylandForward to write the next chapter of its own magic. Meanwhile, John Wayne Airport is investing $700 million in enhancements, and Kimpton and Le Meridien have plans for new hotels. $10 Billion in Anaheim Event Investments: What It Means for Attendees and Planners No matter where meeting planners turn in Anaheim, they'll get a sense of the city's focus on transforming the attendee experience: From convention centers to luxury hotels, Anaheim is redefining what it means to host a global event. Over the next decade, the destination will receive $10 billion in investment. 'Our whole city is working to reimagine the experience,' Collins said. 'We're only going to continue to attract more exposure, more conventions, and more people coming to discover Anaheim.' For more information about the major developments underway in Anaheim, visit This content was created collaboratively by Visit Anaheim and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
CBS News
17-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center to be replaced by larger, community-focused hub: Dallas' $1 billion revamp
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will soon be a memory, replaced by a bigger, larger convention center with more to offer to even those who aren't convention visitors. Tuesday night, a telephone town hall will happen in Dallas for those who have questions, concerns or ideas about the soon to soon-to-be rebuilt convention center. The City of Dallas is poised to spend $1 billion renovating, but mostly rebuilding, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. A demolition is expected to start later this summer. Hundreds of community meetings have been held There have been 450 community engagement meetings since this project began to take shape more than six years ago. The architects from Populous and Perkins&Will shared their latest model of the new design with 2.5 million square feet of space on Tuesday. As confident as they are in building something the public will want, they are taking community input via a telephone town hall on Tuesday night, so this facility is not just for convention visitors alone. "Well, we actually want this to be more than just a convention center for everybody from the outside of Dallas, because we want to take the surrounding areas and energize it," said Tom Reisenbichler and architect with Perkins&Will. "So it becomes a really vital part of downtown Dallas as a center for Dallas, for an entertainment district and other things that can happen here." The project will include a deck park over I-30 and retail along the street level entrance to the new facility. "A lot of people want to see street-level activations, sometimes convention centers that can be anonymous, like today's building," said Michael Lockwood, an architect with Populous. "We want them to be embracing. We want them to be activated with cafes and restaurants and public art and opportunities for people to walk by the building." The first part of the construction will involve demolition, which will require road closures along with noise disruption that the architects will address any public questions about. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2029, but now is the chance to offer input into one of the biggest investments the city has ever made. The telephone town hall will be followed by an in-person town hall next Tuesday.
Travel Daily News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Gaylord Hotels Expands to the West Coast
Gaylord Hotels and Marriott International announce the opening of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, the first-ever Gaylord Hotels property in California and the sixth in the brand's portfolio. This […] Gaylord Hotels and Marriott International announce the opening of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, the first-ever Gaylord Hotels property in California and the sixth in the brand's portfolio. This significant addition to the West Coast expands and enhances the premium meetings and experiences brand's footprint. Developed in partnership with RIDA Development Corporation, this $1.3B project features 1,600 guest rooms including 89 suites, a vibrant array of 12 food and beverage concepts, a 4.25-acre waterpark with multiple pools, and more than 477,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. 'The debut of Gaylord Pacific marks a transformative milestone for the Gaylord Hotels brand,' said Johann Krieger, VP and Managing Director of Gaylord Hotels. 'Bringing our signature all-under-one-roof experience and expertise bringing people together for extraordinary experiences to the West Coast for the first time is a proud moment for our team and a meaningful expansion of our portfolio. This opening celebrates a decade-long collaboration with the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego, and we're excited to become part of this vibrant community.' As the first Gaylord Hotels property to open since the 2018 premiere of Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado, Gaylord Pacific strengthens Marriott's group and convention offerings, setting a new standard for immersive meeting destinations. Guest Rooms and Suites Flanked by the San Diego Bay and Chula Vista Marina, the resort's premium guest rooms evoke the feeling of a seaside destination, blending coastal elegance with residential comfort. Offering king or double queen beds, standard guest rooms range from 389 sq. ft. to 623 sq. ft. with a dedicated work area and mountain or bay views. Executive Suites feature up to 838 sq. ft. with a separate living room and sofa bed and option to connect a neighboring queen guest room. Gaylord Pacific's premium accommodations – including six Luxury Suites, 10 Presidential Suites and two ultra-premium Penthouse Presidential Suites – elevate relaxation to an art form. These suites seamlessly integrate a variety of indoor and outdoor areas, ideal for unwinding with friends and family or savoring moments with an intimate group. The Penthouse Presidential Suites include 3,254 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space and feature a private furnished balcony with panoramic views of the surrounding San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and Pacific Ocean. Indoors, the suites include a living room, kitchenette, bar, a dining table for eight, and a master bedroom with a private dressing room and spa-inspired soaking tub. Meetings & Events With the addition of Gaylord Pacific, Gaylord Hotels builds on its decades of expertise in bringing people together in extraordinary ways at the country's most desirable meeting destinations. Purpose-built to curate meetings, events and celebrations of any size and purpose, the resort boasts 477,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor space, including 135,000 sq. ft. of event lawns and terrace, 67 breakout rooms and four exceptional ballrooms. The resort presents a flexible stage to execute elaborate events and creative gatherings, featuring large balconies off the Chula Vista Ballroom and Bayside Ballroom, diverse culinary offerings, and more. Gaylord Pacific also houses the largest convention center and ballroom of any hotel in California, with its California Ballroom & Exhibit Hall at 140,049 sq. ft. Group and face-to-face meetings are at the core of Gaylord Hotels. The full-service events team is expertly trained to create immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences. Dedicated event managers, known as Teal Coats for their iconic teal blazers, provide exceptional on-site coordination, ensuring flawless execution and effective solutions to any challenges. World-class culinary offerings create memorable dining experiences with innovative banquet-style settings and specially curated meals in acclaimed restaurants. From spectacular galas and coastal weddings to intimate family celebrations, Gaylord Pacific specializes in tailoring resorts to fit groups of all sizes. Food & Beverage Led by esteemed Chef Jakob Esko, Gaylord Pacific Resort invites resort guests and San Diego residents to explore various culinary experiences through 12 unique culinary outlets that suit every palate. Options include: Old Hickory Steakhouse is a signature Gaylord Hotels brand that offers refined surf & turf, where premium flavors and locally inspired cuisine come together in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. Guests can enjoy menu offerings like a Seafood Tower including baja prawn, jonah and snow crab, oysters, bay scallop ceviche and tuna crudo, a number of premium steak options, vegetarian entrees like grilled maitake mushroom and more. Old Hickory will also feature an impressive in-house dry-aging program. Trēō Kitchen + Bar invites guests to enjoy a seasonal menu that highlights the best of the region's ingredients, from the locally sourced seafood in its Bluefin Tuna Crudo to the fresh herbs in its handmade Cavatelli pasta, with delicious options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom is designed to reflect the classic California sports bar, perfect for watching the big game on a 75-ft. screen. Along with a tempting menu of elevated bar-food classics including artisanal hot dogs, a Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Burger, Chili Nachos and more, guests can find intriguing design aspects, including a wall boasting hanging kegs painted in the colors of every California sports team. Oeste Bar anchors the resort's sweeping, marine-inspired atrium serving as an inviting hub where coastal elegance meets bold flavor. The menu features standout bites like Oysters Rockefeller, black garlic aioli waffle fries, crab cake sliders and more. Taiyō allows guests to dive into a tantalizing variety of sushi in a laid-back setting whether they're savoring the flavors by the bay or taking it back to their room for a quick, mouthwatering bite. Aquatic Adventures The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center invites guests to dive into adventure with the property's 4.25-acre water park. Fit for all ages, the water park features multiple pools, action-packed waterslides, a lazy river, and wave pool, as well as bookable cabanas and plenty of lounge chairs. Two dedicated restaurants cater to all ages. Shallow End Grill offers classic boardwalk-inspired favorites and local San Diego brewed beers while Sunny's poolside haven offers Baja-inspired bites and tropical cocktails in a carefree, sun-soaked setting. Activities & Amenities Beyond the water park, additional on-site amenities include the Gaylord Hotels signature Relâche Spa & Salon with curated treatments and programming, a 7,500 sq. ft. fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, and bicycle rentals for off-property excursions. The resort is conveniently located seven miles from downtown San Diego, as well as nearby attractions including the San Diego Zoo and Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Missouri Senate proposes $30M boost to Springfield Convention Center project
MISSOURI — The Missouri Senate passed a budget proposal last week with over 160 new earmarks, including an additional $30 million for the Regional Springfield Convention Center Complex. The development of the center would need to be approved by Governor Mike Kehoe, as well as a 50-50 match from the city. Newly elected Mayor Jeff Schrag supports the proposition, calling it a 'bold step forward for the region.' 'Projects of this scale only happen through public and private partnerships, so it takes a variety of funding sources to put the pieces all together.' says Rusty Worley, Executive Director at Downtown Springfield Association (DSA). 'So, this is going to be a critical piece to leveraging and making it feasible.' According to Worley, the convention center could drive tens of thousands downtown Springfield and bring millions into the economy. 'We want them not just passing through, we get guests coming all the time checking out Route 66 or going to Bass Pro if we can get them. And instead of them staying a few hours, to spend a night or an extra night. That will really ring the cash register for our businesses across the city, but especially downtown,' Worley said. The convention center is expected to be built along St. Louis Street, near the visitor center parking lot, across from University Plaza. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
