Prevue January/February 2016 - (Page 30)

Urban Transformation Convention centers are shaping the economic and social fabric of their communities. [ON LOCATION] BARBARA SCOFIDIO C onvention center expansions not only benefit meetinggoers, they are often responsible for revitalizing communities and local economies. Here are eight US centers that are transforming the urban fabric in their locales. MIAMI Miami is known for hosting some of the most exclusive events in the country, most notably Art Basel every December. The renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center, set for completion in 2018, will align the city's cultural image and energy with the expectations of today's meeting planners. "As it is now, the building doesn't reflect the energy of Miami Beach," says General Manager Matt Hollander. "The building is dated, though guests that use it really love it. However, the meeting planner community has been telling us that the building needs to be updated with modern technology and newer finishes. Today's meeting planner has different expectations." The complete end-to-end renovation is expected to top $500 million and will add 150,000 sf of new LEED-certified space. When complete, the center will have 505,000 sf of contiguous exhibit space, a newly added 60,000-sf grand ballroom, three 20,000-sf junior ballrooms and 59,000 sf of breakout meeting spaces. 30 | prevue magazine The addition of 12 acres of parks and landscaped areas surrounding the building will connect the center with the adjacent cultural district and resorts. MONTEREY This picturesque seaside community, which has long awaited a new convention center, finally saw its groundbreaking in early December. The public-private partnership behind the project-which is owned by the city and funded by the hotels-creates a cycle that ends up being a win-win for everyone, says Nancy Williams, senior sales manager for the Monterey Conference Center. "The properties obviously know the project will drive business to them, and the result will also be more dollars in the city's general fund, which is responsible for the beautification of the area-which is why people visit to begin with." The $60 million project will result in a LEED-certified building with 40,000 sf of meeting space, the largest room being able to accommodate 2,200 attendees theater-style and an exhibit space big enough for 125 booths. A soft opening is expected in this fall, with the grand opening in 2017. The LEED certification sets the tone for the community, says Williams. "We're taking the lead for hoteliers and the entire community by showing how important it is to be green."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue January/February 2016

Planner’s Pick: Jamaica
Fresh Meets: 3 Hotel Brands to Watch
Bureau Buzz: Myrtle Beach CVB
Good Business: FedEx Ground Honors Our Heroes
Sea Shores: RCI: Anthem of the Seas
Rediscovering Value
EXCLUSIVE & ALL-INCLUSIVE Ramping up offerings & expectations
URBAN TRANSFORMATION How convention centers are shaping communities
FLORIDA: MEETINGS INSPIRED Sunny skies and more than 1,100 miles of coastline create the perfect place to rejuvenate and reward attendees
4 CORPORATE RETREATS FOR 2016 Looking for wellness in all the right places
PARROT CAY [ON LOCATION] A tranquil retreat for wellness and creativity
On Location: The Broadmoor
On Location: Chicago Marriott CRN
On Location: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
On Location: Silversmith Hotel
Checkout: Delano Las Vegas, Rivea

Prevue January/February 2016