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MAP 06: MARION AREA PROJECTS
Facility improvements and marketing for the Municipal Event Center will increase use and heighten the visitor experience.
A.1.1 Facility Improvements
In a highly competitive market, attracting and retaining conventions, conferences, and related events depends largely on the quality, price, and location of the facility. Facility improvements are critical to the success of the MEC as a public event venue. The improvements recommended below can be temporary and removed from the building if the MEC lease is not renewed after September 2028.
ACTION ITEMS: • Assist with the purchase and installation of flooring for the venue. • Assist with the purchase of pipe and draping that can be rented to event organizers utilizing the facility.
Facility improvements to the Municipal Events Center are critical to its success as a public event venue.
A.1.2 Marketing
Widespread awareness of the MEC with event organizers is imperative to the venue’s success. The most cost-effective and popular method for marketing and promoting the facility will be through both traditional and digital media marketing techniques, emphasizing social media marketing and targeted sales funnels.
ACTION ITEMS: • Develop a MEC Convention Center Marketing
Guide and work with the NC Department of
Commerce to provide direct promotion to small and mid-size conferences and conventions around the state. • Develop a Convention and Event Center website for the MEC that includes relevant details for event organizers and attendees.
Website content will include information about floor plans, virtual facility tours, facility rental rates (space and equipment), local vendors for catering, and transportation services (shuttle services, car rentals agencies, airports, and airline carriers). Content for attendees will include information about local accommodations, transportation services, and other relevant area information for visitors.
Widespread awareness of the MEC through both traditional and digital media marketing techniques is imperative to the venue’s success.
PROJECT A.2 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
Downtown revitalization includes expanding and completing the planned Downtown Marion Streetscape Project to improve pedestrian safety, comfort, and access to downtown assets, promoting infill development and redevelopment, installing public art and sculpture, and establishing a new downtown brand and pedestrian wayfinding system.
