< PreviousChange is Coming A n award-winning city steeped in culture, culinary excellence and centuries- old architecture; our meet- ing facilities are no excep- tion. Events held at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are unlike any other, and our exquisite and unique venues as well as unmatched Southern hospitality are just a few of the reasons. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the sixth larg- est and one of the most technologically advanced convention facilities in the country. With over 1.1 million square feet of prime contiguous exhibit space, 140 meetings rooms, two multi-purpose ballrooms and a 4,000-seat divisible per- forming arts theater, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has been tested by the most demanding cli- ents from all event segments. The Great Hall boasts 60,000 column- free square feet with 25,000 square feet of pre-function space, interior and exte- rior balconies served by a large outdoor pedestrian plaza and grand entrance. The grand entrance is overlooked by a high- definition, video display board. The impressive 3 million square foot New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Conven- tion Center, which so perfectly comple- ments the city’s walkable hotel pack- ages, has embarked on a $557 million improvement plan including interior modernizations, renovations to its 140 meeting rooms, restroom renovations, roof replacement, and a complete make- over of its exterior experience. The Convention Center has partnered with River District Neighborhood Investors, to develop 39-acres adjacent to the Con- vention Center. The project will include new dining, retail, housing, and enter- tainment options, offering benefits to both visitors and locals. Recent improvements include new digital signs installed at each meeting room and new wayfinding kiosks installed throughout the lobbies. A centrally located Transportation Center allows shuttles, taxis, and ride-shares to more efficiently move attendees to and from the Center. The Shuttle Hub is equipped with digital signage to help attendees eas- ily identify their shuttles. The new linear park turning 7.5 acres of Convention Cen- ter Blvd into a lush pedestrian park, is complete, and features interactive water elements, live event spaces, public art installations and shaded gathering places. Other recent interior improvements include restroom renovation and a com- plete makeover of charging stations. Upgrades were made to the physical plant including four new chillers, two new cooling towers, 6 boilers and a new system monitoring station. The Center also completed one of the largest energy- saving initiatives ever undertaken in the region, including an overhaul of lighting and HVAC systems. Our recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED- certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Opera- tions and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+MA. As a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and trade- shows annually, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an expert in hosting groups of all sizes and indus- tries. The Crescent City, The Big Easy, a sportsman’s paradise – whatever you call New Orleans, call it your next meeting destination. | AC&F | New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Total square feet of meeting space: 1,511,823 sq ft Convention Center FYI: New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is the 6th largest Convention Center in the U.S. and provides the largest single exhibit space in the country. FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S PREMIER CONVENTION CENTERS 2024 50 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2024 900 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD., NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 CONTACT: ELAINE WILLIAMS, CMP, CEM, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES AND EVENT SERVICES TEL: 504-582-3023 | EWILLIAMS@MCCNO.COM MCCNO.COMThe Future of Meetings Awaits M eet San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, powered by California dreams. We're not just the global hub of innovation, surrounded by 6,600 tech companies; we're its thriv- ing urban center where creativity and passion are as natural as our 300+ days of sunshine. Here, events transform into extraordinary experiences by blending state-of-the-art facilities with an any- thing-is-possible attitude. Unmatched Facilities in a Bustling Urban Setting The San Jose McEnery Convention Center leads the field in modernity and efficiency. Having undergone a $130 mil- lion renovation, the center exemplifies a state-of-the-art facility with best-in-class sound and lighting systems. The main building spans over 367,000 square feet, including 215,000 square feet of exhibit space and 165,000 square feet of contigu- ous exhibit space. Whether it's a global tech conference, trade show, or gala, the venue's versatility, including numerous breakout spaces, ballrooms and exhibit halls, caters to every event's unique needs. Beyond the Convention Center — A City of Surprises San Jose’s downtown is a vibrant, walkable mosaic of theater, museum, and dining options, ensuring delight, safety and ease for your attendees. San Jose is also a city of diverse neighborhoods. From the historic charm of Little Portu- gal to the cultural vibrancy of Japantown, each offers unique experiences and ven- ues, all linked directly to the Convention Center through our convenient light rail transportation system. Attendees can beta-test amazing new products at The Tech Interactive, mar- vel at iconic Redwoods while hiking through nearby Big Basin, explore the famously haunted Winchester Mystery House, or wander through interesting galleries and shops. The city is powered by global innovation and imagination, resulting in an incredible variety of attrac- tions for your group. Customized Services for Elevated Experiences San Jose's dedicated team works as your true partner to create tailored expe- riences and provide you with tools to help create a flawless event. The Meeting Plan- ner Toolkit streamlines planning, offering virtual tours of venues, catering menus, and detailed service overviews. Further, the toolkit provides a comprehensive guide to enhance your event, supported by a team ready to personalize your experience. Why San Jose? Choosing San Jose for your event means more than just selecting a loca- tion. It's opting for an experience that blends the very best of technology, global culture, and true comfort. With state-of- the-art facilities and vibrant city life, your event will reflect the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley, and the team at Visit San Jose will help you plan every step of the way. | AC&F | San Jose McEnery Convention Center San Jose FYI: • Less than 4 miles to the international airport • 2,500 downtown committable hotel rooms on peak • 520,000 sq. ft. of meeting & event space FACTS & FEATURES Discover a blend of high-tech and high culture in the heart of Silicon Valley. AMERICA'S PREMIER CONVENTION CENTERS 2024 52 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2024 WANT TO LEARN MORE? VISIT SANJOSE.ORG/MEET TO START PLANNINGThe Future of Meetings Has arrived Discover San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, where a culture of innovation thrives. We’re home to the world’s greatest tech brands and the renowned San Jose McEnery Convention Center, where they meet. Add our historic theaters, and that is 520,000 square feet of versatile event space in a beautiful, walkable, downtown convention campus. sanjose.org/meet Imagine the possibilities. Meet in San Jose.Building on Seattle’s legacy as a leader in sustainability A View from the Top W hen groups choose Seattle, they offer attendees the reason they’ve been seek- ing to visit this distinctive city. An urban metropolis set in the middle of luscious natural surroundings, Seattle offers the ability to explore long- standing landmarks such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle alongside world-class restaurants and signature retail shops—all within walking dis- tance of premier meeting facilities and a robust hotel mix. Last year, that offering only got better. The Summit building at Seattle Con- vention Center opened one year ago and has already welcomed thousands of attendees. The first vertical convention center in North America offers more than 570,000 square feet of additional event space; it also pairs with the exist- ing Arch building—just one-and-a-half blocks away—doubling the capacity of the entire campus. Truly Remarkable Spaces Summit offers multiple ways to soak in Seattle’s surroundings without even leaving the building. Summit’s stunning 58,000-square-foot ballroom offers pan- oramic city views. The 99,250-square- foot Flex Hall—fully carpeted, acousti- cally treated, and column-free—offers a blank slate for meeting planners to bring their ideas to life. And the build- ing’s suspended stair system, designed with built-in seating, offers views of Pike Place Market and Puget Sound just down the street. A Robust Public Art Program With Arch, Seattle Convention Center established a robust public art program with permanent installations and rotat- ing exhibits that highlight local artists. This continues with Summit and its $7.75 million investment in public art located both within and outside the building. Indigenous artists created several fea- tured artworks, which encourage visitors to engage with the history of the land the building sits on. A (Still) Tiny Footprint While the addition of Summit means that Seattle can welcome more attend- ees, they will still leave a tiny footprint on the planet. LEED Gold-certified (and targeting Platinum), Summit joins Arch—already LEED Silver-certified—to build on Seattle’s legacy as a leader in sustainability. Summit features upcycled materials from Seattle’s industrious past to mini- mize the environmental impact of build- ing our future. From using reclaimed wood from a Honda dealership that previously occupied a portion of the site to capturing rainwater to use in land- scaping irrigation, the project has been focused on environmental steward- ship from the start. From the moment you arrive at SEA Airport—the first North American air- port to earn certification for reduction of carbon emissions—to the multiple LEED Gold and Silver-certified hotel options in the downtown core to the sustainably designed features of Seattle Conven- tion Center, Seattle is the perfect set- ting to positively impact your attendees and the planet. Learn more about placing your meeting in Seattle at visitseattle.org/meetings. | AC&F | Seattle Convention Center | Summit Meeting space: Up to 248,450 square feet of total exhibit space Convention Center FYI: 99,250 square foot carpeted, acoustically treated, column-free Flex Hall. 58,000 square foot column-free ballroom, divisible into three spaces. Up to 62 meeting rooms totaling up to 99,620 square feet of space. 14,000 square foot Garden Terrace, half of which is covered. FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S PREMIER CONVENTION CENTERS 2024 54 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2024 900 PINE ST., SEATTLE, WA 98101 CONTACT: KELLY SALING, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT / CHIEF SALES OFFICER, KSALING@VISITSEATTLE.ORG VISITSEATTLE.ORG/MEETINGSEXPECTATIONS ELEVATED * During Seattle Convention Center Summit’s construction period of 2018-2023. Numbers are combined totals across Seattle Convention Center Arch & Summit buildings for Q1-Q3 2023, except where otherwise noted. COURTESY OF CORY PARRIS Holding the title of North America’s first vertical convention center, expectations were sky high. Now, after a year of successful events and satisfied attendees, the sky isn’t the limit– it’s just the beginning. A YEAR AGO, SEATTLE CONVENTION CENTER OPENED SUMMIT. Over 11,000 bottles of Washington wine poured Over 7,000 pounds of Pacific Northwest salmon served Over $7,750,000 invested in Summit’s public art And we’re just getting started. visitseattle.org/meetings Over $150 million in work scopes awarded to minority and women-owned businesses* Over 440 tons of waste diverted DESTINATION UPDATE themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2024 Florida Bright Future for the Sunshine State By Marlene Goldman With beautiful beaches, 200+ days of sun, delicious seafood and multicultural scenes, Florida is a popular destination that draws groups in droves. According to Dana Young, VISIT FLORIDA president and CEO, as of last fall, 20 new hotels opened, representing 2,584 rooms and 58,448 sf of meeting space. Added to that, in Q3 of 2023, VISIT FLORIDA set a new visitation record with an estimated total of 35.1 million visitors between July and September. “During this time period, although we saw group room revenue at Florida hotels decline compared to Q3 2022, num- bers remained substantially above where they had been pre- pandemic,” Young said. “Additionally, group room revenue performance during Q3 of this year exceeded transient room revenue performance compared to Q3 2022.” With more than 400,000 sf of meeting space at 25 hotels in the pipeline statewide as of last month, according to CoStar, a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, Florida is primed for even more growth. Florida’s vast array of accommodations and meeting venues is just one benefit for planners. There are also count- less leisure activities that make the Sunshine State an ideal destination to host trade shows, conventions, and other business meetings. “We are excited to see the new business opportunities our constantly growing hotel offerings and meetings and conven- tion spaces will provide,” Young said. “As always, we encourage groups to take advantage of their time in Florida and experi- ence our diverse culinary offerings, pristine beaches, stunning parks and trails and so much more.” Orlando Last year, Orlando was named the top meetings destination by Cvent for the eighth year in a row. Through October 2023, citywide attendance had exceeded the prior year by 18% with 110 events and surpassed pre-pandemic (2019) performance by 18% as well. Advance hotel bookings for the group segment in Q1 of 2024 paced 9% ahead of the prior year. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, the association business comprised the largest market mix at 31% of hosted events at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). “I know that 2024 and beyond remains bright for meetings in Orlando as our destination understands that it’s vital that we continuously expand and evolve to offer new options for plan- ners to create memorable and productive meetings,” said Visit Orlando president & CEO Casandra Matej. “We look forward to the 2024 debuts of new and renovated luxury resorts. Con- rad Orlando and Evermore Orlando Resort are now open and there are more on the way in the near future from Fairmont, Nobu, W Hotels and the Tao Group.” The Evermore Orlando Resort is a 1,100-acre property with the Conrad Orlando, as its anchor property. It offers 40,000 sf of indoor meeting space. A major project that will affect the meetings market is the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Phase 5A project will include enhancements to the North-South Build- ing, featuring an enclosed connection between the North and South concourses that includes 60,000 sf of meeting space, an 80,000-sf ballroom and a grand entrance to the North- South Building along Convention Way. The convention center construction is still in the preliminary phases but is expected to span three years. COURTESY PHOTO The Miami Beach Convention Center recently underwent a $640 million renovation and expansion. lorida is hot and the temperatures are rising. But, let’s face it, we’re not talking about the weather. The forecast calls for an abundance of sunshine for Florida’s meetings and conventions industry following another year of positive growth in the Sunshine State. F 56Florida’s Brightline high-speed train began servicing Orlando last September, which has helped boost group travel to Orlando from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other points south. “We’re so excited to now have Brightline service con- necting Orlando with South Florida where planners can turn the journey into the event,” Matej said. According to Matej, planners can curate meetings and events by hosting in-station board meetings in one of Bright- line’s event spaces or add onboard entertainment on their group’s trip to or from Orlando. The city is also flush with properties, including the Orlando World Center Marriott, the world’s largest Marriott hotel, which offers more than 500,000 sf of conference and event space, including the Magnolia meetings rooms, which opened in 2022. The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace is another staple, with space for up to 2,000 attendees and 70 meeting rooms. One of the properties set to expand early this year is Sig- nia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. This two-story addition of over 90,000 sf of meeting space will overlook the Bonnet Creek waterways. The Caribe Royale Orlando spans over 240,000 sf of hotel meeting room space and recently debuted The Grove, an event lawn able to accommodate 1,500 for receptions. The property recently completed a nearly $130 million renovation of its 1,337 suites, added a new 50,000-sf ballroom, refreshed the lobby and reimagined all public areas. Though the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek near Walt Disney World Resort was sold in 2022 to New York real estate firm Tishman Hotel Cor- poration, the 400-room property still car- ries the Wyndham name and offers more than 50,000 sf of event space. Tishman also purchased the Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration, which is now a Delta Hotels by Marriott and underwent a $35 mil- lion renovation. An hour north of Orlando, the World Equestrian Center in Ocala is home to two exposition centers totaling over 250,000 sf of flexible indoor space to accommo- date sporting events, conventions and trade shows. The complex offers the 248-room Equestrian Hotel; and slated for a spring opening, The Riding Academy Hotel will debut with 390 rooms. Miami Another top destination for association planners is Greater Miami and Miami Beach, home to 480 hotels and more than 64,000 rooms. Carol Motley, SVP of Meetings and Conven- tions Services of the Greater Miami CVB, also noted the cul- tural allure of Miami for groups. “Associations that come want to have fun outings, and we have so many neighborhoods to pull from. We have the beach — everyone knows that. But we’re also able to talk about the Arts District of Wynwood, our the Miami Design District. We’re able to help them take part in Little Haiti, Little Havana, the Everglades,” Motley said. “This is important. People want experiences beyond just coming to the meeting. This some- times is how they piggyback on vacations with their family.” The destination is also booming with new offerings. The Miami Beach Convention Center recently underwent a $640 million renovation and expansion, including more than 12 acres of new greenspaces. An 800-room Grand Hyatt-branded luxury hotel will serve as the anchor property of the Miami Beach Convention Center District. The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will feature two floors of meeting spaces and ballrooms. “The demand is just crazy right now for Miami and for the convention center specifically,” said Motley. “Having that headquarter hotel where they can put a large majority of their block is going to be a game changer for us. And we’ll also be able to book a lot further out into the future.” The anchor hotel will be in addition to nearby properties such as the Hilton Miami Downtown, which features 45,094 sf of meeting and event space. Nearby, Okan Tower, a new mixed- use megaplex is in the works, which will be home to the Hilton Miami Bayfront Hotel situated on the 13th – 30th floors of the 70-story tower. Features will include a spa and versatile meet- ing rooms with expansive ballroom space. Project completion is currently slated for 2027. Many of Miami’s luxury properties are also welcoming groups, including the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, featuring its new 16-story Orchid Tower. The tower, which was the focus of a more than $250 million renovation, added 325 rooms, boosting the overall room/suite total to 685 across its four towers. Tampa Named as one of Time Magazine’s 2023 World’s Greatest Places, Tampa is in expansion mode with a variety of new proj- ects and renovations, including the Tampa Convention Center, which recently completed $38 million expansion, adding two stories to the existing building and 18 new waterfront rooms. Totaling 18,000 sf, the new space also includes an event-ready outdoor terrace with waterfront views. The expansion and other developments are driving attendance for meetings. “Attendance is off the charts,” said Santiago Corrada, president 57 JANUARY 2024 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES DANA YOUNG/ VISIT FLORIDA The State of Florida offers not only plenty of meeting space, but also great locations for offsite events, like the many beaches, golf courses and water features. and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “We’re seeing more and more demand for more rooms in the block from event planners or the associations themselves.” At the heart of those efforts is its Water Street Tampa neighborhood, which is being developed on over 56 acres of contiguous waterfront land in downtown Tampa. The devel- opment project, which wrapped Phase 1 in late 2022, includes entertainment, retail, restaurants as well as the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street with more than 100,000 sf of meeting space, Tampa Marriott Water Street and the new Tampa EDI- TION. The Tampa EDITION also adds to the destination’s culinary cache with its restaurant Lilac — one of three restau- rants in the city to earn a Michelin Star. Tampa Marriott Water Street is part of the Tampa River- walk, which connects to museums and other attractions as well as the convention center. The Hotel Tampa Riverwalk is now part of the Hilton Curio Collection. Also on the Tampa Riverwalk, Pendry Tampa is under construction. The 37-story tower of 220 hotel rooms and 207 residences, is expected to be completed in 2025. Another recent Tampa hotel expansion debuted at The Epicurean, a draw for foodies with its culinary and wine experiences. The $21 million expansion added 51 guest rooms across the street from the main hotel as well as meeting space and a rooftop terrace. Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay has also expanded its outdoor event venue offerings. Skylark, overlooking the mangroves of Old Tampa Bay, offers 3,400 sf of indoor space and a 1,400- sf outdoor rooftop terrace. Meanwhile, The Floridan Palace Hotel is now Hotel Flor Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton following a $30 million renovation. Planners can also take advantage of the region’s waterside properties, including the new JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, a short walk from Clearwater Beach, where the resort features more than 20,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Jacksonville Jacksonville is home to 1,100 miles of coastline , more than 160 daily flights, as well as the recently renovated Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. “They were mostly soft renova- tions, but they put a lot of investment in it,” said Jeanne Gold- schmidt, director of convention sales for Visit Jacksonville. “It’s in a historic train station so it was ready to be updated and modernized. We’re excited about that opportunity.” The NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars purchased the down- town fairgrounds property near its EverBank Stadium and will initially convert the site to surface parking to sup- port games and other events at the Sports Complex, with a long-term vision of renovating the stadium. The fairgrounds will relocate to West Jacksonville near the Equestrian Center, and will allow for a 40,000-60,000-sf event and expo cen- ter, multipurpose barn and an event stage with anticipated completion by this spring. Located adjacent to the Sports Complex on the banks of the St. Johns River, a Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville is slated to open in 2026 and play an integral role in the development of the Jackson- ville Shipyards. “We’re going to be able to access the river a little bit more from downtown, which I think is just a tremendous asset for Jacksonville,” Goldschmidt said. “What’s exciting is that the development around the stadium has increased including the Jaguars training facility which recently opened next to the current stadium. That’s allowed for some really unique meeting space opportunities.” The south bank of the St. John’s River is in transformation with the 34-acre RiversEdge project including its Central Park area along the riverfront. The development, set for a spring completion date, calls for 147 hotel rooms and a public marina. The riverfront is also home to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville with 950 rooms and one of the larg- est ballrooms between Atlanta and Orlando. The Hyatt offers outdoor terraces that overlook the St. Johns River for events. A new Hilton property at the Mayo Clinic is also slated for a 2025 opening. South of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., is appealing to groups not only for the historical attrac- tions, but also for its Ponte Vedra Beach. HelmsBriscoe man- aging director Cheryl Schreiner, MBA, CMP, CMM, HMCC, uses the nearby World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort for some association groups for its location and setup. “They’re like a diamond in the rough, because a lot of peo- ple don’t know that they’re there,” Schreiner said. She noted the seamless connection between the Renaissance hotel rooms and the St. Johns Convention Center attached to the hotel. “The footprint of that hotel is small and very easy to maneu- ver,” she said. “They also have a great price point for groups.” The World Golf Hall of Fame used to be located at World Golf Village but closed this year and instead a Buc-ee’s with 55,000 sf of convenience store shopping opened, which Schreiner said will be a boom for the region and for groups with families. Schreiner’s groups take advantage of the St. Augustine location often organizing dine-arounds, and while on property, groups can arrange golf lessons, putting contests and other golf outings. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2024 The recently renovated Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville, FL, features 78,000 sf of exhibit space divisible into two separate halls. 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