pasadena — Just this week, as horrific fires devastated Los Angeles, convention centers showed they can do more than just host trade shows and business events.
Hundreds of fire evacuees gathered at the Pasadena Convention Center to take shelter.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many centers converted into vaccination sites. In addition, some have become temporary field hospitals. Oregon Convention Center opens doors to homeless people.
As these examples illustrate, conference centers are increasingly becoming multi-use public spaces.
“In addition to serving as physical marketplaces for meetings and conventions, convention centers are also important assets to their home communities,” said Kevin Hinton, managing director of group travel for the U.S. Travel Association. “While these facilities are the core of a meeting or event, attendee-related spending spans the ecosystem within the destination, from hotels and local restaurants to city attractions hosting special events, local transportation and retail. Increasingly, convention centers The inclusion of restaurants and retail outlets serving local customers adds to the overall value of the convention center as a gathering place for locals and visitors.”
Group travel is big business. According to the U.S. Travel Association, total business travel spending, including domestic and international inbound travel spending, is expected to reach $316 billion by 2025, growing 4.0%. Spending in the group travel sector is expected to reach $128 billion by 2025, growing 4.2%.
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Helsinki’s Finlandia Hall opened last week after three years of renovations and will be open to the public for the first time. There is a restaurant, wine café, bistro and design store on site. Additionally, a permanent exhibition dedicated to Alvar Aalto, his spouse and collaborators will open in June, celebrating their life’s work and Finnish design legacy. The art in Finlandia Hall is curated by the Helsinki Art Museum and showcases 70 artists’ works.
This is a trend that extends beyond Europe. Convention centers are venues for trade shows and business events, but they are also increasingly used by the public year-round.
The Seattle Convention Center (SCC) unveiled its $2 billion expansion “Summit” in January 2023. As one of the rare vertical conference centers in North America, Summit integrates meeting space with vibrant street furniture. The design promotes community interaction and provides a platform for artistic and culinary experiences.
“We welcome locals and visitors to enjoy our impressive art collection, which includes beautiful and thought-provoking Aboriginal permanent exhibitions and rotating artworks within the building and on the exterior grounds,” said SCC President and CEO Jennifer LeMaster. ” “Summit and Arch The sidewalks have ample space to activate food outlets offering local favorites, and adjacent heated outdoor seating is designed specifically for this purpose – as people come to our campus. When they attend a conference, we want their experience to be authentic. ”
When it comes to art, the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) is said to have the largest collection of any convention center in the United States. Approximately $5.7 million was invested in the acquisition of art, which is displayed throughout the center.
The collection features more than 350 unique works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and interactive installations, representing a diverse range of artists from central Ohio. Guests can arrange a guided tour or view the art at their own pace, with each piece equipped with a QR code that leads to a webpage with more information about the artist and the work.
A standout feature is “As We Are,” a 14-foot-tall interactive sculpture by Columbus artist Matthew Mohr. Made from ultra-bright LED screen strips, it contains a 3D photo booth that captures guests’ likenesses and displays them on the sculpture’s face for 30 seconds.
“GCCC positions itself as a dynamic, inclusive space that aims to cater to diverse audiences by integrating art, culture and innovative design into its offerings. GCCC’s efforts exemplify a modern approach to meeting spaces, delivering traditional events alongside Prioritize experience and engagement,” said John R. Page, Regional Vice President, Convention Centers, ASM Global. “Efforts like art installations and design innovations are not just events but are becoming part of the fabric of the community. This will continue to advance the convention center as a flexible, multi-purpose space that fosters engagement and attraction for industry professionals and cultural visitors.”
The multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of Cleveland’s Huntington Convention Center was unveiled in August 2024 at the ASAE Annual Meeting. The $51 million expansion project increases the center’s size by 25 percent and adds a new grand entrance, an expanded junior ballroom and an outdoor terrace with views of Lake Erie. The city’s iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a unique highlight.
“This is an exciting opportunity to incorporate Cleveland’s reputation as the home of rock and roll into our space. The unique artist wall, created in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a true centerpiece of our facility and brings to life the celebration of legendary artists iconic image,” said Travis Poppell, director of sales and marketing for the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland. “This visual tribute not only enhances the experience for event attendees, but also strengthens our connection to the heart of Cleveland’s cultural heritage. Adding memorabilia, such as Roxy Music and Def Leppard’s signature guitars, further enriches our space and makes it a local A unique destination for people and tourists.”
In December, locals and visitors flock to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans for NOLA Christmas. Holiday displays include life-size gingerbread houses, an ice rink and carnival rides.
In addition, the Ernest Morrill Convention Center in New Orleans provides dedicated space for the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum.
Contact Kevin Hinton at khinton@ustravel.org; Travis Poppell at tpoppell@clevelandconventions.com; John R. Page
jpage@columbusconventions.com
Featured photo credit: Courtesy of Experience Columbus.
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