Site & City Profiles

AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER

GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Austin Convention Center and the Palmer Events Center will implement the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention at their facilities.

Located in the heart of the capital city’s downtown, the LEED® Gold-certified convention center spans six city blocks

The four-story Austin Convention Center, a LEED® Gold-certified building, is a leader in the convention and meeting industry. The facility is located in the heart of the capital city’s downtown business district and spans six city blocks. With five column-free exhibit halls, totaling 247,052 sq. ft., the exhibit space can accommodate 1,289 booths that are 10 ft. by 10 ft. The flexible building space has two ballrooms that range up to 40,510 sq. ft. in size, along with 54 meeting rooms and show offices. Ample parking is provided in two parking garages with 1,700 spaces.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

There is robust and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the facility. Over 20,000 wireless devices can connect simultaneously, so there is no need to roam, looking for the full connectivity sweet spot. There are new video walls for additional wayfinding and client messaging to go along with a 24/7 network support team for event customization.

Rated one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the country, this gigabit-rated facility moves voice, video and data at over one billion bits per second. It offers a variety of in-house services including complimentary wireless Internet access, redundant high-speed Internet II access, plug-and-play capabilities, and a friendly onsite technical staff to help with networking needs and support.

HOTELS

There are 42,000 hotel rooms in Austin and 11,000-plus of them are downtown within a two-mile radius of the Center. This inventory includes the 800-room Hilton Austin, adjacent to the Austin Convention Center and connected by the Hilton Overhead Walkway at 4th. North America’s largest Fairmont property with 1,048 rooms, the Fairmont Austin is connected directly to the Austin Convention Center via the Fairmont Canopy Walk. Additional nearby hotels include Four Seasons Hotel Austin, JW Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown, Radisson Hotel & Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, Driskill Hotel, Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, W Austin, Hyatt Place Downtown Austin and Westin Austin Downtown. Located adjacent to the Center, the all-new Austin Marriott Downtown is scheduled to open in 2020 with 600 guestrooms.

GBAC STAR ACCREDITATION

The Austin Convention Department has announced its commitment to achieving Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of Fast Facts:

Facility

Location: Downtown Austin Total Area: 881,400 gross sq. ft., covering six city blocks Meeting & Exhibit Space: 374,278 sq. ft. Fifty-four meeting rooms. Five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 sq. ft. of columnfree space. Ballrooms: Seven, ranging in size from cozy and intimate to one of the largest in Texas at 40,510 sq. ft. Technology: Gigabit-rated facility with complimentary Wi-Fi to accommodate over 20,000 wireless devices connecting simultaneously. New video walls for additional wayfinding and client messaging to go along with 24/7 network support and event customization.

Austin

Hotels: 11,000 downtown hotel rooms. Convention Center connected to Hilton Austin and Fairmont Austin via Hilton Overhead Walkway and Fairmont Canopy Walk. Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), eight miles from the Convention Center Nearby Attractions: State Capitol, Sixth Street Entertainment District, Warehouse Entertainment District, University of Texas, LBJ Presidential Library, more than 20 museums including the Texas State History Museum, dozens of art galleries and historical attractions.

Contact Information

Trisha Tatro, Interim Director of Austin Convention Center Department Paul Barnes, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Amy Harris, CMP, Director of Sales

500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 404-4200; Fax: (512) 404-4220 conventionsales@austintexas.gov • austinconventioncenter.com

BOISE

BOISE IS CLEAN, SAFE AND READY FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING

This energetic capital city boasts an expanded convention center, new hotels and plenty of room to stretch out and meet safely. In fact, Forbes recently ranked Boise among the Top 10 Cities Best Positioned to Recover from Coronavirus. A vibrant downtown awaits groups with an abundance of outdoor dining, shops, entertainment and recreation opportunities — all with ample space to socialize safely.

BOISE CENTRE: CLEAN AND SAFE

Situated in the heart of downtown is Boise Centre, Idaho’s premier convention center. Boise Centre is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all guests and staff. A Clean & Safe Plan has been implemented that includes a number of new processes to combat the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, Boise Centre has applied for the GBAC STAR facility accreditation. Within the convention center, you will find 31 versatile meeting rooms and event spaces, the latest in wireless technology and beautiful views of the Boise Foothills. Boise Centre proudly provides in-house catering, audiovisual, technology and event production services.

HYBRID MEETINGS

Whether you are planning a face-to-face meeting or a hybrid event with virtual and in-person participants, Boise Centre’s inhouse audiovisual and IT departments can handle a wide range of videoconference and streaming needs to bring your event to life. Our team of professionals, coupled with the building’s robust 1 GB network infrastructure (2.5 GB in Fall 2020), offers the expertise and reliability necessary to deliver a seamless meeting experience for both onsite attendees and those in locations across the globe. To assist you with virtual events, Boise Centre has added a fully customizable event studio complete with staging, backdrop, lighting and cameras.

THRIVING CITY AND WIDE OPEN SPACES

Boise’s energetic, walkable and compact downtown offers numerous outdoor dining options. The city’s 8th Street, known as Restaurant Row, has recently expanded, adding a pedestrian and patio district where groups may dine at a safe distance. Within a 10-block radius, visitors will find many one-of-a-kind eateries, breweries, wine-tasting rooms, over 100 shops, numerous art galleries and a weekly farmer’s market.

From hiking, biking and golfing to stand-up paddleboarding and whitewater rafting, Boise offers tons of activities and wide-open spaces for social distancing. Just four blocks from downtown is the Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile walking and biking path that follows the Boise River through the city. The nearby Boise Foothills boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails with options for all abilities. Golf, skiing, whitewater rafting and wineries are all available within an hour.

Fast Facts:

Facility

Location: Downtown Boise COVID Resources: Clean & Safe Plan and in pursuit of GBAC STAR accreditation Total Sq. Ft.: 86,000 Meeting Space: 31 meeting rooms, including three ballrooms Technology: Complimentary shared Wi-Fi throughout with dedicated Internet bandwidth up to 2.5 GB available to purchase and plug-andplay capabilities

Boise

Hotels: 1,300 downtown hotel rooms and thousands more within a short shuttle ride Airport: Boise Airport, seven minutes from facility Nearby Attractions: Historic Basque Block, Boise State University, over 100 shops, 80 restaurants and 20 breweries, 25-mile Boise Greenbelt walking and biking path along the Boise River, whitewater rafting, hiking and nearby golf

Contact Information

Pat Rice, Executive Director (208) 336-8900 or pat_rice@boisecentre.com Ali Ribordy, Director of Sales (208) 489-3608 or aribordy@boisecentre.com

DUKE ENERGY CONVENTION CENTER

WINNER OF 10 CONSECUTIVE FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS PRIME SITE AWARDS ALWAYS A PRIME LOCATION FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

Located in the heart of the Midwest’s most walkable city, Cincinnati, the Duke Energy Convention Center is within an eight-hour drive or one-hour flight of over half of the U.S. population.

COMPACT AND WALKABLE

Cincinnati has enjoyed a dramatic transformation in recent years that makes it a first-class convention and meeting destination. A blend of big-city sophistication and warm Midwestern charm, Cincinnati offers a mix of history, tradition and energy that will connect with you personally, fosters connections, and creates great experiences. When you come to Cincinnati and the Duke Energy Convention Center, plan for an attractive location including easy accessibility; a compact, walkable downtown; and an affordable, world-class convention center and hotel and meeting facilities. And, when the meeting concludes, plan to explore a city rich in character and entertainment including professional baseball and football; Broadway shows and world-class museums, including the Smithsonian-affiliated National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; plus a nationally recognized park system featuring the largest riverfront park in the nation.

DESIGNED BY MEETING PROFESSIONALS, FOR MEETING PROFESSIONALS

Convention planners, show organizers and meeting professionals provided valuable input, and the result was a convention center designed by you and for you. The verticality of the design means that attendees save the soles of their feet! Featuring 200,000 sq. ft. of divisible ground-level exhibition halls, 30 modern meeting rooms on the second floor, and 57,500 sq. ft. of ballroom space immediately above the meeting rooms, the Duke Energy Convention Center offers the largest and most spectacular 40,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom

in the Midwest.

SELECTED BY CUSTOMERS AS A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

Exhibitor Magazine’s readership of show organizers and exhibitors recently selected Duke Energy Convention Center as a 2021 “Center of Excellence” and a Top 30 Convention Center in North America. The Center’s professional and solution-driven staff is prepared to make your next meeting a success.

READY TO HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT

Now hosting events regularly, the Center is prepared to safely and successfully host your future meeting, convention or tradeshow in any format. Remaining solution-focused, the Duke Energy Convention Center features a full broadcast studio with professional support capable of handling hybrid events, combining both live and virtual audiences.

With the health and safety of its employees, partners, clients and guests top of mind, the DECC was the first convention center in Ohio to achieve GBAC STAR accreditation. As a GBAC STAR-accredited facility, the Center has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention. The third-party validation by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, demonstrates the Center’s preparedness and commitment to operating safely.

For more information about booking the Duke Energy Convention Center, contact Justin Markle, Director of Sales, at (513) 419-7304 or visit duke-energycenter.com.

EXPLORE ST. LOUIS

In the heart of a revitalized downtown, a vibrant new hospitality district continues to grow. With world-class hotels, restaurants, museums and entertainment venues, you’ll find that St. Louis is a great choice for your next meeting or event. St. Louis is an accessible and affordable destination that will keep delegates entertained with magnificent theater, live music, sports and more that are all within reach.

Located in the heart of downtown, the America’s Center convention complex provides more than 502,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibit space with 80 versatile meeting rooms, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre and the 67,000-seat Dome at America’s Center, providing planners with unparalleled flexibility and accessibility.

With some of the most premier hotel brands in the industry, including Marriott, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Westin and Hyatt, there are more than 7,000 available guestrooms in downtown St. Louis and more than 38,000 rooms in the metropolitan area. If you are looking for that ideal single hotel or need 4,500 rooms peak for your citywide event, St. Louis can accommodate you.

St. Louis is filled with unique offsite venues to meet the needs of your group. One must-see venue is the National Blues Museum that is just steps from the America’s Center Convention Complex. The museum is an interactive treasure trove of sights and sounds saluting the country’s indigenous music with numerous galleries and an intimate performance space for concerts to provide entertainment for meeting groups and special events. A 2,500-sq.ft. private room offers flexible space for receptions or dining.

St. Louis is a foodie’s delight, with an endless array of diverse dining options along Washington Avenue. Attendees will enjoy Peruvian, Italian, French, Mediterranean and more cuisine varieties from around the world, all within walking distance of the America’s Center.

Arch 2018 World Premiere Program

After five years in the making, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch has been completely transformed with biking and running trails, space for outdoor concerts and indoor events, and a new state-of-the-art museum commemorating the westward expansion of the United States. Through the Arch 2018 World Premiere program, planners and their attendees can benefit from VIP experiences at the Gateway Arch, as well as a series of incentives from hotels and event venues, and the America’s Center Convention Complex. To learn more about the program, visit www.explorestlouis.com/bookstl.

OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER

GO BEYOND THE BEACH AT THE OCEAN CENTER — DAYTONA BEACH

The Volusia County Ocean Center, located steps away from the world-renowned sands of Daytona Beach and surrounded by outdoor adventures and incredible attractions and accommodations, is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that offers events the space, features and attentive service they need to exceed expectations. From an arena capable of holding more than nine thousand attendees to a 93,028-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, as well as multiple meeting rooms and ballrooms, you can find the space to host events of all sizes and needs. Whether you’re looking to book a convention, conference, sports or esports competition, competitive arts event, or something else, the Ocean Center has the space and flexibility to make it happen.

Thanks to an incredibly attentive staff, each event feels like a big deal, no matter its size. Unlike competing convention centers, the Ocean Center makes even the smallest meetings or events feel like the center of attention. We pride ourselves on providing a high level of personalized service other convention centers can’t offer. And beyond the walls of the facility, activity awaits. With outdoor adventures, exciting attractions, waterfront dining and accommodations, and miles of wide, open beach, there’s plenty to see and do when the day’s events wrap up. Whether attendees are thrill-seekers logging high-speed laps on the same track as the

NASCAR greats at the Daytona International Speedway, outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the natural beauty of the beaches and springs, or foodies ready to discover their next great bite, there’s something for everyone.

And getting here is a breeze! The Ocean Center is located just minutes from Daytona Beach International Airport, where travelers can catch a flight on Delta Air Lines or American Airlines year-round, with seasonal service to Toronto, Canada, on Sunwing. And for road warriors, Interstate 4 and Interstate 95 offer convenient travel to the destination.

No matter what you’re planning, the Ocean Center’s state-of-the-art technology, ample and unique event spaces, and attentive staff will ensure your event is the most important thing happening in Volusia County. Book today and let the Ocean Center team make you the center of attention!

Ocean City, Maryland, doubles as both the perfect destination and the top-tier meeting space your group deserves. Well known for its beautifully maintained 10-mile beach and family-friendly getaways, Ocean City is the perfect place to bring the whole family for your convention or meeting. Working from your hotel room takes on a new meaning when you have a view of the ocean or the bay.

Ocean City offers a variety of delicious dining and cuisine options for you and your group, many with outdoor options available. Plus, choose from an abundance of activities and places to explore. Check out the educational and sightseeing boat tours and snap some pictures of the famous Assateague Ponies (a nearby wild herd of horses), or take a stroll on the world-famous, three-mile Boardwalk. For a relaxing golf outing, select from the 17 championship golf courses surrounding Ocean City, or cast your lines on a charter boat fishing trip right here in the White Marlin Capital of the world.

From a huge selection of hotels to tucked-away beach bungalows, you’ll find perfect accommodations among the town’s 10,000 rooms. Many hotels in Ocean City offer meeting spaces ranging from ballrooms to boardrooms, so you don’t even have to leave the hotel to fulfill your meeting needs. The Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau is happy to help distribute your RFP and any meeting requirements to local properties.

If you’re looking for larger meeting space, the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on the bay is here to fulfill your needs. This convenient drive-to destination offers expert staff, exclusive catering by Centerplate, ample free parking and 1,900 hotels rooms within walking distance.

Meet Meet

AT THE BEACH.

The Convention Center is equipped to handle groups of all sizes and types, including exhibits, meetings, sporting events, competitions, esports and more. Its 1,200-seat Performing Arts Center is perfect for seminars, presentations and performances. A new 30,000-sq.-ft. expansion, plus additional meeting and exhibit space, is coming in 2022.

Ocean City looks forward to you meeting at the beach and planning a convention with a view!

For information on the Roland E. Powell Convention Center or any meeting venue in Ocean City, contact Regina Brittingham, Sales Manager, at (410) 289-2800 or rbrittingham@oceancitymd.gov.

4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) OC-OCEAN; (410) 289-2800 ocmdconventioncenter.com • ococean.com

THE ROLAND E. POWELL CONVENTION CENTER

PLAN A CONVENTION WITH A VIEW. Your attendees will enjoy multiple wide-open exhibit and meeting spaces throughout the center, perfect for everything from trade shows, sporting events and competitions, to e-sports and meetings. And our bayside location can’t be beat!

• Main Exhibit Hall– 45,500+ sq. ft. of column-free, flexible halls • Bayfront Ballroom–19,126 sq. ft. • Exhibit Hall–14,000 sq. ft. of flexible space • 21 meeting rooms • Performing Arts Center –1,200 seats with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, box office, concession area and spacious dressing rooms

While you’re here, enjoy our 10 miles of beautifully maintained beach and our famous 3-mile Boardwalk! Comfortable drive, less than three hours from Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, and 30 minutes from the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY).

TM

START PLANNING TODAY! Visit OCMDCONVENTIONCENTER.COM, or call 1.800.OC.OCEAN. To learn more about meetings and events in Ocean City, or hotels that can accommodate your group, contact Regina Brittingham at 800-626-2326 or RBrittingham@oceancitymd.gov

The Together Again Expo General Session area featured physically distanced seating and one-way aisles

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

OCCC employees disinfected the

Arriving in waves, teams entered the OCCC via a one-way entry point following a successful Expo Hall and General Session Area health screening process during the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships throughout the duration of the Together Again Expo with MEETING SAFELY TODAY FOR electrostatic foggers

A STRONGER TOMORROW

Presented with a new reality, the Orange County Convention OCCC typically hosts more than 100,000 participants, chaperones Center (OCCC) developed a plan to enhance the entire attendee and coaches as they gather to compete annually at this event. experience with safety in mind. Focused on creating a controlled envi- With the current climate posing new challenges, this year’s event ronment, the OCCC implemented its Recovery and Resiliency Plans featured reduced teams and courts, increased distancing between in July, by successfully hosting the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Ju- sets, and decreased capacity due to a no-spectator rule. Additionally, nior National Volleyball Championships and the Together Again Expo. AAU planners limited the number of ancillary events and cancelled registration process, with a focus on self-service and predetermined the traditional opening ceremony to avoid congregation points and PRE-ARRIVAL crowding. Preparations for each event began long before participants arrived Similarly, the Together Again Expo challenged convention center at the OCCC. Following an enhanced communications strategy, the planners, paving the way for the OCCC to guide the industry by OCCC and show organizers openly discussed new plans, policies and implementing plans for hosting events in a post-COVID world. procedures to help guide and educate attendees ahead of time. With ample space at its disposal, the OCCC had plenty of room for CHECK-IN planners designed a floor plan featuring wider aisles, revised physically The implementation of a controlled check-in process played an distanced seating plans, and strategic positioning of furnishings to avoid important role in creating a safe and secure event experience. By congregations of people and enhance distancing measures. funneling attendees through restricted access points, the OCCC In partnership with Orlando Health and Visit Orlando, the OCCC managed attendee flow, avoided congestion and administered also offered its unique medical concierge service to clients. This essential health screenings in the form of temperature checks and first-of-its-kind program provides a safer environment for guests by surveys. offering a vast network of healthcare services and expertise, to further

Considering all touchpoints, planners also designed a new touchless safeguard attendees and instill confidence. physical distancing. Considering attendees, exhibitors and employees, arrival times. For instance, Together Again Expo attendees confirmed RESULT their attendance via QR code. Similarly, AAU Volleyball participants With no illnesses or cases reported following each event, the measures arrived at predetermined times, and were admitted entrance as a taken by the OCCC and show organizers proved to be successful and team via a single one-way entrance. are a testament to hosting live events under our new normal. Offering a blueprint to navigating conventions, tradeshows and events, the OFFERING A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EVENT EXPERIENCE OCCC has led the way for the industry, displaying the necessary tools, Returning for 19 years, the AAU Volleyball Tournament has developed strategies and methods to allow us to meet safely today for a stronger a rhythm for success at the OCCC. No stranger to crowds, the tomorrow.

West Concourse – 9800 International Drive • South Concourse – 9899 International Drive • North Concourse – 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800, (800) 345-9845, Fax: (407) 685-9876 • occc.net

SAVANNAH

MAKE SAVANNAH YOUR SAFE MEETINGS DESTINATION

Savannah is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States, and with its growing popularity, meeting planning professionals and convention decision-makers are taking a closer look than ever before. With more than 45 cultural attractions, Savannah draws meeting attendees craving a diverse and safe experience. This one-of-a-kind destination will enthrall your attendees with its eclectic atmosphere and relaxed pace. Trolley, Segway and walking tours covering history, hauntings, architecture and food fill downtime with excitement and entertainment, and elegant accommodations within blocks of meeting venues make gatherings in Savannah a step above the rest. One reason for the increased interest is the planned expansion of the Savannah Convention Center. The building will double the size of its exhibit hall to 200,000 sq. ft., add a new 65,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, increase the number of breakouts and boardrooms to 24, and include 900 parking spaces. With the expanded center expected to open in late 2023, interested groups are already inquiring about rates, dates and space for future events. You and your guests will find it is easy to get to Savannah with over 40 daily nonstop flights to 25 destinations at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Carriers include Delta, American, United, Jet Blue, Allegiant, Frontier, Sun Country and the recently announced Southwest Airlines service starting in early 2021. Additionally, Savannah is serviced by Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto Line, connecting it with cities including Boston, New York, Washington, DC, and Miami. There are a variety of convention hotels in Savannah, highlighted by the new 419-room J.W. Marriott at Plant Riverside. This luxury hotel includes dozens of larger-than-life geodes and historical displays from developer Richard Kessler’s private collection, and an entertainment district overlooking the Savannah River that boasts 14 different food and beverage outlets. The hotel even has a 135-ft. chrome dinosaur hanging from its lobby ceiling. With a planned midyear 2021 opening, the new Thompson Hotel on Savannah’s new riverfront Eastern Warf Community is also in the works. The upscale boutique-style hotel will offer 193 stylistic guestrooms and

a 9,500-sq.-ft. ballroom. Meeting attendees also are sure to enjoy Savannah’s palate-pleasing twist on Southern cuisine and farm-to-table fare served at many awardwinning restaurants that are ready to host your networking breakfast events, executive lunches and reward dinners in style. This city is famous for its unique brand of coastal cuisine, with restaurants serving authentic shrimp and grits, extra-crispy fried chicken, mouthwatering

barbecue and so much more. By its nature, Savannah loves to welcome guests. But it’s also about caring for our fellow citizens, our visitors and each other. The Savannah community has come together to create the Savannah Safe Initiative, a commitment to help stop the spread of COVID-19 with cleaning and disinfecting protocols to help ensure the health and safety of everyone in our places of business. Over 600 Savannah-area businesses, including the Savannah Convention Center, have taken the pledge. Ultimately, what event planners are looking for is an ideal destination in a city with the perfect mix of accessibility, affordability and facilities to accommodate their group properly. Savannah offers all of that and more. To learn more and start planning your meeting today, go to VisitSavannah.com.

Meetings Contact

Jeff Hewitt, Senior Vice President, (912) 644-6416, JHewitt@VisitSavannah.com