With a portfolio of nearly 8,700 properties, Marriott International has introduced neuroinclusive practices at events hosting 250 people or more, aiming to accommodate approximately 15-20% of the world's population with neuro differences, including conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia and epilepsy. 

Previewed at Marriott’s Corporate Partnership Customer Conference, THE EXCHANGE, which was held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Marriott’s neuroinclusive measures will include dedicated quiet rooms, sensory and fidget toys, noise-canceling earplugs, printed agendas, venue maps and closed captioning for main stage presentations. 

This landmark decision stems from its collaboration with The Neu Project, an initiative by Google’s Experience Institute (Xi) that strives to create a more inclusive experience for neurodivergent attendees during meetings and events. In October, Marriott and The Neu Project implemented a quiet room for attendees at IMEX America in Las Vegas.

Google Global Events Strategy Megan Henshall said, "Marriott understands that creating environments where differing perspectives and experiences can come together boosts creativity. We’re excited to continue working with them to create more inclusive experiences."

Related: GOOGLE LAUNCHES SENSORY EVENT KITS FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

How it works

Effective immediately, neuroinclusive practices will be incorporated at Marriott-hosted customer meetings and events of 250 people or more:

• Quiet Room: A dedicated room will be available during Marriott customer events for recovery from sensory overwhelm, restoration and regulation. Designed to foster the physical, emotional and mental well-being of attendees, the room will serve as a calming retreat where guests can break from the event to manage fatigue, overload and/or sensory needs.
• Tools and Resources: At registration, event attendees will have the opportunity to request various tools to better accommodate their needs, including sensory and fidget toys, noise canceling ear plugs, sleep masks, sunglasses, printed agendas and venue maps, and details about loud music, flashing lights or surprise moments taking place during the event.
• Closed Captioning for Main Stage Presentations: Real-time subtitles and captions will be available on-screen during main stage event and conference presentations.

"Grounded in our commitments to innovation and inclusion, Marriott is dedicated to making meetings and events more accessible for everyone,” said Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer Drew Pinto. “The Neu Project is a driving force in this space, and we look forward to working jointly with them to deepen our understanding of neurodivergent needs."

Looking ahead to 2024, Marriott plans to conduct active listening sessions with the neurodivergent community, working closely with The Neu Project to shape future event content. Marriott offers more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories.

Beginning in 2024, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas will embark on a $188 million renovation of its meeting and convention facilities as part of an extensive $1 billion capital investment project. Set to be completed in stages through 2026, the renovation of the 2.25-million-square-foot Venetian Convention Center and Expo will include an elegant new color palette, luxury lounge spaces for meetings and state-of-the-art technology. 

“Embarking on a refresh of a convention center that hosts back-to-back events year in and year out is no easy task, but our promise is to provide our guests a best-in-class experience,” said Patrick Nichols, president and CEO of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. “The finishes and amenities planned were thoughtfully curated based on feedback from our customers and will usher in a new era of Venetian Meetings and maintain our position at the forefront of the industry.” 

The Venetian Convention Center and Expo, which is privately held, hosts a number of annual events, including the SHOT Show in January, Offprice Show in February, ISC West in April, JCK in May/June, Vision Expo West in September, Global Gaming Expo in October and AAPEX in November — to name a few.

The resort’s transformation is being led by Las Vegas design firm Woogmaster Studio.

Integrating traditional architecture with contemporary design elements, the facility’s upgraded interior will be adorned with a cream, white and platinum color palette, caramel upholstery and blue demark carpeting, as well as silhouetted Murano glass chandeliers and brass sconces. Throughout the complex, upgraded furnishing and fine art works will be complemented by upgraded lighting, audio-visual updates, integrated digital screens and additional technology.

Additional new elements will include elevated lounge-style spaces for executives, including a new 10,000-square-foot speakeasy-style lounge designed with rich woods, marble, velvets and mirrors to provide a “romantic, layered and modern take on 1930s Venetian design, according to resort officials. 

“Since inception, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has led the landscape of meetings and conventions and remains at the forefront of this industry, so we’re thrilled to have this renovation elevate the property to yet another level to better serve our guests,” said The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Chief Sales Officer Tony Yousfi. 

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas features all-suite accommodations across The Venetian and The Palazzo. The resort offers premium amenities, including 7,000 guest suites; more than 30 award-winning, chef-driven dining concepts; a Canyon Ranch spa + fitness; a five-acre pool and garden deck inspired by the Italian Riviera, including TAO Beach Dayclub; two casinos and a poker room; Voltaire, a new destination nightlife venue; TAO Nightclub and the Grand Canal Shoppes. 

Eighteen years after the massive hotel development was first announced, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is gearing up to open its doors on Dec. 13 and is accepting reservations ahead of its grand opening. 

Named after its sister hotel, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the $3.7-billion luxury resort and casino resides on 24.5 acres on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) District’s West Hall, making it a convenient hotel and conference space option for attendees and exhibitors participating in meetings and trade shows at the LVCC.

Representing the first western expansion for the iconic hotel brand, the 67-story resort and casino not only owns bragging rights as the tallest occupiable building on the Las Vegas Strip but also in the state of Nevada.

Presenting “an aura of timeless elegance,” the resort will “set the stage for a new era of luxury hospitality defined by innovation, sophistication and opulence, with an inextricable link to our roots at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach,” said Fontainebleau Development Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer, who re-acquired the property in 2021 in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments following more than a decade of the resort sitting approximately 70% complete and unopened due to recession-related issues.

“For almost 70 years, the Fontainebleau brand has challenged boundaries and expectations,” Soffer said. “This building represents a remarkable new chapter in our storied legacy and will be a beacon for those seeking to indulge in the unforgettable.”  

Resort Amenities

The 67-story resort will feature a bevy of high-end amenities, including:

·      3,644 guest rooms and suites on 60 floors

·      A collection of 36 first-to-market restaurant and bar concepts headed by acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs

·      A 150,000-square-foot casino with 42-foot ceilings

·      A six-acre elevated pool deck with seven pool experiences, five bars, two restaurants and a 2,300-sq.-ft. gaming area

·      A 14,000-sq.-ft. fitness center

·      A 55,000-sq.-ft., two-level spa

·      A 90,000-sq.-ft., three-level, multifunctional theater with approximately 3,800 capacity with a pre-function space for groups

·      A two-level, 96,500-sq.-ft. luxury retail district with 35 distinct concepts 

·      A 50,000-sq.-ft. nightlife venue and a 35,000-sq.-ft. dayclub offering in partnership with Groot Hospitality

·      550,000 sq. ft. of indoor-outdoor customizable meeting and event space

“We are thrilled to introduce many of the world-class amenities we are recognized for in Miami alongside our new-to-market offerings at Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” Soffer said. “All of these concepts, infused with the dynamic spirit of the Strip, allow us to create a destination that is the best of all worlds and promises an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience for every guest.” 

Designed by Fontainebleau Development’s in-house design team, the resort’s expansive guest rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Strip, with a color palette of blue and silver water tones and dashes of coral pink, accented by mercury-glass mirrors and custom brass details. 

Multiple Meeting and Convention Spaces

Designed to be an all-in-one business destination, Fontainebleau Las Vegas’s Conference Center offers myriad space types and configurations, with an easy-to-navigate design and natural light in many of its meeting rooms. Situated across five levels, its flexible meeting and event facilities include:

·      Royal Ballroom (divisible into 14 sections) – 105,264 sq. ft.

·      Cobalt Ballroom (divisible into 11 sections) – 41,760 sq. ft.

·      Azure Ballroom (divisible into 10 sections) – 31,680 sq. ft.

·      Lazuli Ballroom (divisible into 8 sections) – 8,704 sq. ft. 

·      Waterbleau Terrace (outdoor space) – 25,000 sq. ft. 

·      Moonstone Event Center – 11,440 sq. ft. 

·      Breakout Rooms – 57 total

·      Foyer Space – 83,293 sq. ft. 

·      Heron Boardroom – 1,483 sq. ft. 

·      Bowtie Boardroom – 1,472 sq. ft. 

·      Opal Boardroom – 1,385 sq. ft. 

·      Business Center (with FedEx access) – 2,269 sq. ft. 

·      Six dedicated freight elevators

“The opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas marks a significant milestone in our company’s legacy, as we look to create an era-defining moment in Las Vegas history,” said Brett Mufson, president of Fontainebleau Development, which will be the resort’s sole operator upon its opening.

Neurodiverse, autistic and sensory-challenged attendees and exhibitors who may feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by the convention center environment while participating in events at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) now have several new resources available at the venue.

DLCC, which hosts a full calendar of major trade and consumer events in the Northeast region, has embraced accessibility via its recent partnership with KultureCity, a national nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for individuals with sensory needs.  

The new initiative features a certification process to ensure DLCC staff are informed and prepared via annual training by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. 

“The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is honored to partner with KultureCity, ensuring a welcoming, safe and positive environment for all those who visit, whether for a business meeting, trade show or special event,” said Tim Muldoon, general manager of the DLCC. “We’re proud to be the first KultureCity-certified Sensory Inclusive Convention Center in the state of Pennsylvania.”

How it works

KultureCity Sensory Bags, provided by Puro Sound Labs, come equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and KultureCity VIP lanyards, while a private Quiet Room, located on Level 2, Concourse A provides a calming and comforting space to retreat to and regroup. Additionally, headphone zones are marked in areas of heightened noise potential in the venue. 

To help sensory-challenged guests feel more prepared prior to attending an event at DLCC, attendees can download the free KultureCity App where they can view what sensory features are available and where they can access Quiet Areas, a KultureCity Sensory Bag and Headphone Zones locations. 

The app also includes a “Social Story” feature that provides in-depth information about what to expect while at the venue, from entering the building and finding their event to interacting with convention center staff and finding quiet areas.  

According to KultureCity officials, sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which can be a major part of the environment at convention centers.  

Back story

KultureCity is a non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created more than 1,000 Sensory Inclusive public and private services, organizations, events and venues in six countries, including the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan., which became KultureCity certified in 2021. 

As one of the greenest convention centers in North America, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified DLCC is owned by the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Allegheny County. The 1.5 million-square-foot facility features 313,000 square feet of exhibit space, 37 loading docks, 53 meeting rooms and a 31,000 sq.ft. ballroom. 

To learn more about KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification, go here.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) has earned Gold Level certification for the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards for venues, part of a collection of eight standards developed to assess events and industry suppliers on specific criteria for producing and delivering environmentally and socially responsible events.

These criteria include organizational management; marketing, communication and engagement; climate action; water management; materials and circularity; supply chain management; diversity, equity and inclusion; accessibility; and social impact.

The achievement of EIC’s venue certification further solidifies the facility’s position as an industry leader in sustainability and social responsibility, according to PCC officials. 

“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is proud to be recognized by the EIC for our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility,” said David A. Nasatir, board chair of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “The Gold Level certification confirms the degree of focus the Pennsylvania Convention Center has placed on being an environmentally friendly facility and a dedicated community partner.”

Back story

Updated in 2022, Sustainable Event Standards certification consists of four levels – bronze, silver, gold and platinum – that each represents the percentage of completion the venue or event has achieved in the implementation of sustainable practices. Transparency and accountability are provided by third-party verification of compliance. 

Sustainability and social responsibility have continued to be top priorities at the convention center and over the years, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority has made significant investments in tools and initiatives designed to reduce the negative impacts of events while providing a clean facility and operational efficiency, according to PCC officials. 

The center’s partnerships with technology, environmental management and sustainability companies, including Siemens, Republic Services and Honeycomb Strategies, respectively, have also allowed the facility to make substantial progress in waste diversion, utilities management and other sustainable solutions.

How it works

The 2016 launch of the PCC’s “Green Team” — an employee network of staff from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and ASM Global, stakeholders and service providers who are responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing the center’s sustainability best practices and programs — has helped position the venue as a reliable and expert sustainability partner to event customers, according to venue officials. 

For example, the Green Team has collaborated closely with shows such as the Philadelphia Flower Show and Natural Products Expo East to help them successfully execute their unique sustainability initiatives, they added.

“The Pennsylvania Convention Center is serious about our responsibility to the environment and our communities, and we are proud to collaborate with our stakeholders and customers on initiatives that make a positive impact,” said John McNichol, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.  

He continued, “As a steward of the public good and a major economic driver for Greater Philadelphia, sustainability and social responsibility will always remain top priorities in our operations, and we welcome every opportunity to provide our customers with the expert support they need to achieve their sustainability goals.”   

Why it matters

When asked why the Pennsylvania Convention Center decided to pursue the EIC Sustainable Events Standards rather than Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, McNichol told ENN that while both are well-respected environmental certification programs, the facility’s decision to pursue the former at this time had to do with the program’s strong focus on sustainability within an event operations framework.

“As a world-class event venue, we felt that having this certification, within the context of the event industry, would be meaningful for meeting planners who also place sustainability as a top priority for their events,” he explained. 

According to Tony Hodgins, general manager, ASM Global, the certification process began a year ago and involved the facility’s team reviewing the EIC’s standards and criteria and then demonstrating how the venue was meeting each of them via supporting documentation. 

“In the assessment, our facility achieved 115 points of the stated elements, which earned us the Gold level certification,” Hodgins said. 

What's next

As an ASM Global managed facility, several of the sustainability and social responsibility initiatives at the PCC fall under the ASM Global Acts program, a corporate social responsibility platform launched in 2021 that aims to contribute to a healthier planet, serve the communities in which the company operates and encourage diversity and inclusion.

Under this program, PCC has enforced a robust sustainability and social impact plan and has successfully implemented initiatives including increasing its daily purchase of renewable energy certificates to 50%, increasing its waste diversion rate goal to 50% and eliminating single-use plastics.

“The ASM Global Acts program is a visionary and innovative approach to sustainability and social responsibility,” Hodgins said. “Through the program, ASM Global has maintained its position as a leader in sustainability operations management and community stewardship, and our continued collaboration with the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority will allow the Pennsylvania Convention Center to be a key initiator of change in the Greater Philadelphia region.”

On-site tours of meeting and event facilities are critical in helping exhibitors make well-informed decisions about space selection and logistics. But with exhibitors facing increasing time, budget and travel limitations, digital site tours using virtual reality (VR) technology have become an increasingly helpful tool in enabling exhibit managers to explore venues from anywhere in the world without having to leave the office. 

Today’s VR tours offer immersive and realistic experiences, allowing exhibitors to navigate through event spaces, view different room setups and understand layouts as if they were physically there. Besides being a cost-effective solution, digital tours save planners time by allowing them to quickly assess multiple venues in a short period of time. 

As a result, more destinations and event facilities are creating VR tours to meet the growing demand of event clients. Case in point: Toronto’s Exhibition Place, which recently unveiled an immersive VR tour of one of its state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, Beanfield Centre, at the 2023 Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE), held Aug. 15-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. 

How it works

Meeting and event professionals at CMEE were able to immerse themselves in a “digital twin” of Beanfield Centre’s facilities through branded VR viewers. Beyond being able to virtually explore the space, planners were able to navigate through various room layouts and setups – from banquet to classroom – to better envision how the venue’s versatile spaces can be used for events of all shapes and sizes.

The Beanfield Centre VR tour can be made accessible through a link where meeting planners can experience the tour and peruse room setups through branded VR Viewers. Those interested can reach out to the facility’s sales team at: sales@explace.on.ca. Meanwhile, check out a preview video here.

Why it matters

According to Exhibition Place General Manager Laura Purdy, the facility’s new VR tour caters to the industry’s demand for digital connectivity and reflects Exhibition Place’s dedication to being at the forefront of innovation.

“We’re excited to offer this leading-edge technology [to enhance] the site visit experience for meeting planners,” Purdy said. “Similar to our debut of Wi-Fi 6 at the Beanfield Centre in 2022, this VR Tour responds to the need for enhanced digital connectivity across the meetings and events industry. It has become clear that these advances are resonating within our industry, and we’re excited to be among the first in Canada to offer a VR Tour for a venue on this scale.”  

Back story

Purdy said the Exhibition Place team decided to move forward with a VR tour of Beanfield Centre after researching trends and recognizing the need for enhanced digital connectivity to meet the demand of today’s events, the majority of which rely heavily on technology. The team then tapped and collaborated with Toronto-based agency Narrative Pictures in a process that involved scanning Beanfield’s rooms and furniture to build the digital version of its spaces virtually.

The 160,000-square-foot Beanfield Centre is a LEED Silver conference venue, designed for meetings, conventions and galas. Located in the former Automotive Building, the Art Deco structure is connected to Enercare Centre, offering 1 million square feet of exhibition space. 

What’s next

The Exhibition Place campus is currently exploring the possibility of expanding its VR tour to encompass its additional venues, which include the award-winning LEED Platinum Enercare Centre, Canada’s largest exhibition and convention venue, according to Exhibition Place officials.

The Beanfield Centre VR tour can be made accessible through a link that allows meeting planners can experience the tour and peruse room setups through branded VR Viewers. Those interested can reach out to the facility’s sales team at: sales@explace.on.ca. Meanwhile, check out a preview video here.

As the 13^th largest city in the U.S. and one of the fastest-growing in the country,  according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Fort Worth, Texas, boasts a growth rate of 100,000 people every five years and a visitor economy valued at more than $3 billion, according to state officials. However, the city’s convention space currently ranks 47^th in the nation, and its hotel capacity stands at less than half of neighboring cities such as Dallas and Austin.

All of that is about to change with the recent kick-off of the 20-year planned expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC), aimed to enhance the downtown facility’s functionality, accessibility and appeal, as well as provide the city with a stronger competitive edge in attracting major meetings, trade shows and conventions.

Back story

Taking place in phases, Phase 1 of the project will include new state-of-the-art food and beverage facilities, an outdoor terrace, four new loading docks, renovated exhibit hall restrooms, a lightbox atrium entrance, the demolition of a 1983 annex and the realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future headquarter hotel.  

This $95 million phase is expected to be completed in early 2026, and the facility will remain operational throughout the project, according to city officials. Dates for Phase 2 have yet to be determined.

“This expansion will allow us to deliver an even more delightful experience to our guests and remain competitive with other Texas cities,” said Mike Crum, director of public events for the City of Fort Worth, which owns and operates the FWCC. 

He continued, “Our development teams are very cognizant of the amount of construction that will be happening concurrently in this area of downtown and are in communication with each other, and will remain in communication with clients and community stakeholders who may be impacted.”

Other developments nearby

Just steps from the convention center, the 618-room Omni Fort Worth Hotel also has plans for a new $200 million expansion via an adjacent structure that will provide an additional 400 guest rooms; 50,000 sq. ft. of new meeting space, including a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; a redesigned rooftop pool area with resort-style amenities; and new dining options. Now in its initial planning stages, the project is anticipated to break ground in spring of 2024 and be completed in 2026.

A recent $12 million renovation upgraded the Omni's guest rooms, meeting spaces and lobby. The hotel, which currently offers six dining outlets and a spa, manages food and beverage services at the FWCC via Trinity Food & Beverage Services. The hotel offers nearly 68,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.

Across the street from the FWCC, Texas A&M University System broke ground in June on its new Fort Worth campus that will include an innovation and research facility, a law and education building and a gateway office building. It is expected to cost $340 million and be completed by October 2025. 

Check out a video of these three projects here.

Supporting the project

Global architectural design firm Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates Inc. (TVS) teamed up with local firm Bennett Partners to deliver design and construction administration services for Phase 1 of the FWCC expansion, while AECOM Hunt, Byrne, EJ Smith Construction Firms are serving as Construction Manager At Risk. 

“This project is incredibly monumental,” said City of Forth Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “Phase 1 of the convention center expansion will be paid for by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and funds from the hotel occupancy taxes paid for by visitors, and the Texas A&M Campus will bring incredible research projects and will grow the industry and our reputation to come for decades.” 

She continued, “Visitors absolutely love Fort Worth, but we need more for those visitors, especially when it comes to hotel rooms to accommodate them. The city of Fort Worth always moves forward, and I think right now we’re proving that we can [do so], better than ever, into the future.”

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After more than nine years of planning, including a three-year feasibility period demonstrating significant demand from convention clients, the city of Indianapolis is about to get a larger convention center and a new 800-room headquarter hotel. 

On Aug. 1, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Visit Indy President and CEO Leonard Hoops were joined by community leaders, project representatives and some of the city’s largest convention clients for a groundbreaking celebration of the sixth expansion of the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and construction of a new Hilton convention hotel. 

Key convention customers in attendance included leadership from the American Society of Association Executives, Performance Racing Industry, Indiana Black Expo, the NFL Scouting Combine, National FFA, Percussive Arts Society, American College of Sports Medicine and Gen Con.

While foundational work to redevelop the former Pan Am Plaza ­– the site where the new 143,500-square-foot expansion and hotel are being built ­– took place last year, the event marked the official start of the project’s construction phase. 

“Over the past decades, the Indiana Convention Center has hosted some of the most iconic large events in Indiana and America while generating billions of dollars in economic impact and supporting a hospitality and service sector with over 80,000 jobs,” said Mayor Hogsett. “This latest expansion and hotel addition will keep Indianapolis at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to the perfect host venue — and city.”

With completion expected for in summer 2026, the ICC expansion will house a 50,000 sq. ft. ballroom – the largest in the state of Indiana and one of the U.S.’s top 10 largest – as well as a junior ballroom, myriad meeting rooms and pre-function space, enabling the ICC to host two citywide conventions at one time, according to Visit Indy officials. 

A skywalk over Capitol Avenue will connect the expansion to the existing convention center, which currently offers 566,600 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space in 11 halls; 71 meeting rooms; three ballrooms ranging from 10,202 to 33,335 sq. ft.; and 49 loading docks.

Alongside the new convention space, a 40-story Signia by Hilton will transform the southwest Indianapolis skyline as the city’s tallest hotel. The convention-focused property will bring the total number of hotel rooms in Indianapolis connected via climate-controlled skywalks to more than 5,500, more than any other U.S. city, according to Visit Indy officials.

“At Hilton, we’re always looking to meet our ever-evolving guest needs with the right hotel in the right destination at the right time,” said Teddy Berlin, brand leader, Signia by Hilton. “Indianapolis is an ascending and dynamic city for sophisticated business, leisure and group travelers.” 

He added, “With Hilton’s pipeline of 15 hotels in the market, we’re excited to see the progress of this incredible project and to continue playing an integral role in the city’s hospitality growth and success.”

According to Hoops, the hotel’s 800 rooms will provide the additional hotel room inventory that several of Indianapolis’s key conventions need to keep their growing events in the city. 

“This expansion and new headquarter hotel not only enhance our city’s skyline but also help us keep our largest annual customers, allow us to more effectively host multiple major events simultaneously, draw new four-and five-star event business and drive more Hilton-loyal groups to the city,” Hoops explained.

The ICC’s last expansion was completed in 2011, built in conjunction with the 1,005-room JW Marriott convention headquarters hotel. 

Photo caption: (From left to right) Leonard Hoops (Visit Indy), Andy Mallon (Capital Improvement Board), Jeff Foster (National Football Scouting Combine), Alice Watson (Indiana Black Expo), Mandy Hazlett (National FFA), Gene Hare (Hilton), Dan Acheson (Drum Corps International), David Hoppe (Gen Con), Michelle Mason (ASAE), Kristin Belleson (American College of Sports Medicine), Dan Kessler (JAMfest), Dr. Jeremy Earnhart (Music for All), Joshua Simonds (Percussive Arts Society), Scott McQueen (Capitol Sports Volleyball), Karin Davidson (Performance Racing Industry), Vop Osili (Indianapolis City-County Council President) and Mayor Joe Hogsett.

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The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Downtown Jacksonville, Fla., is currently undergoing extensive renovations designed to improve the appearance and functionality of its meeting and convention spaces while elevating the event experience for planners and groups attending events in Jacksonville.

The renovation project, which began in April, includes a full facelift of the historic venue’s more than 200,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition spaces, including the main Exhibit Hall featuring 78,000 square feet of exhibit space, 33-foot ceilings and 22 meeting rooms of various sizes, and the Grand Lobby, a special event space with 75-ft. ceilings and marble walls overlooking the building’s grand fountain and expansive terminal columns. 

“The improvements have sparked new energy for everyone involved,” said Mike Kenny, general manager of the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, which is managed by ASM Global. “Clients, vendors and staff have been over-the-top thankful and supportive. As events and conferences came back, we needed to compete harder than ever before to maximize our space, [and] we needed the improvements to do that. Our venue can be both historic and modernized.” 

According to venue officials, the Exhibit Hall is being painted and its floor resurfaced, and will feature smart lighting and digital signage, while the main concourse area will boast a new digital display system.  

The Grand Lobby and Ballroom is receiving new carpeting, cabinetry, marble wall resealing, programmable uplighting and fresh paint, and second-floor meeting rooms are being repainted and will feature new ceiling tiles, carpet and smart lighting. 

Finally, exterior building updates will include freshly painted trim and a new roof.

While the venue’s interior is set to be completed in September, external enhancements will continue as the facility works to upgrade the surrounding landscape, according to venue officials. 

What is now known as the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center originally opened in 1919 as the Jacksonville Union Terminal, the largest railroad station in the South. It featured more than two dozen rail tracks, a restaurant, gift shop and other amenities. Today, “The Prime” maintains some of its historical features, including a retired rail car, train bumpers and signage, and holds bragging rights as the only southern railroad station in the U.S. to have been converted into a state-of-the-art convention center. 

“The Prime Osborn Convention Center is an important piece of Jacksonville history, as well as our meetings and convention business, hosting dozens of groups each year,” said Michael Corrigan, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville. “The recent renovations are a welcome refresh to continue attracting groups, as Jacksonville continues to be one of the most affordable meetings and convention destinations in Florida.” 

Alongside a more modernized convention center, there are now additional hotel properties for event groups to take advantage of in Jacksonville. 

Opened in April, the 136-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront includes the Sandbar Jax Beach restaurant offering full views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as indoor/outdoor space for special events, while the Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Flagler Center recently completed a full renovation, which includes two meeting and event rooms totaling 978 sq. ft. that received new wall vinyl, carpet, window treatments, LED lighting and furniture. 

It has also become easier for event groups to access the destination via the addition of nonstop flights, according to venue officials. In May, Breeze Airlines started nonstop service between Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Los Angeles (LAX), Columbus, Ohio (CMH), Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU), Norfolk, Va. (ORF) and Richmond, Va. (RIC). Breeze already offers nonstop flights to numerous destinations from Jacksonville, including New Orleans (MSY), Las Vegas (LAS) and Hartford, Conn. (BDL).

Additionally, on Nov. 5, American Airlines will begin daily nonstop service between JAX and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

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The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) signed an agreement with Walt Disney World to offer a new Gold Key Partnership, which provides exclusive benefits for trade shows, corporate events, exhibitors and attendees at OCCC. 

Walt Disney World was a Gold Key Partner with OCCC prior to the pandemic, and the venue has existing partnership agreements with Universal and SeaWorld. “In June, one trade show had a buyout at Universal and hosted all its attendees for a reception at the park,” OCCC Deputy Director Eric Blanc told ENN. “We encourage clients to embrace being in Orlando by hosting off-site events at the amusement parks. It’s quite common for events at OCCC to do park buyouts or host special events at one of our three Gold Key Partners.”

The partnership provides exposure through various sales and marketing channels, fostering relationships and facilitating off-site events. The three-year agreement, effective as of May 1, 2023, includes the option for three additional one-year renewal periods, subject to mutual agreement.

OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester, expressed excitement about the Gold Key Partnership, "Walt Disney World's premier resources and offerings will be extremely valuable for our customers, exhibitors and sponsors. This collaboration will greatly enhance our mission and support our clients' events in our destination."

Disney Meetings & Events will offer meeting planners, exhibitors and attendees access to venues with nearly 29,000 hotel rooms, immersive experiences and creative resources to elevate their events — whether it's custom private events in Disney theme parks, water parks and resorts or full-scale productions at the OCCC.

"We are thrilled to work alongside the Orange County Convention Center through this new Gold Key relationship, infusing the magic and wonder of Disney storytelling into the conferences and conventions coming to Central Florida,” Walt Disney World Gatherings Vice President Ramiro Vazquez. “Event planners and exhibitors will have full access to exclusive benefits and world-class Disney entertainment, production and creative resources onsite at the Orange County Convention Center or at our Walt Disney World theme parks."

By collaborating with partners who align with the OCCC’s vision and mission, attendees and exhibitors can expect transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact. OCCC generates an estimated $3 billion in economic impact annually for Central Florida. The center hosts an average of nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and trade shows, attracting more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. 

“The opportunities are open to show managers, exhibitors, corporate clients — anybody we do business with,” Blanc said. “They've been really successful with our sports market, too.” 

He recommended that exhibitors work through show management for group tickets, park buyouts and special events at the amusement parks.

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