Los Angeles Convention Center Scheduled for $10 Million Upgrade
July 8, 2014
Starting next month and expected to take a year to complete, the Los Angeles Convention Center will receive a $10 million upgrade designed to “enhance the customer experience and to help attract new shows,” according to Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board officials.
Work will occur around shows and events scheduled in the center.
“The planned changes inside the Convention Center complement the changes taking place outside the Center, including new hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural offerings throughout Downtown L.A.,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism).
He added, “Every aspect of Downtown Los Angeles is on the move, and it’s fueling L.A.’s surging popularity as a meetings and conventions destination.”
Upgrades to the LACC will include a solar-read, energy-efficient, “cool roof”; new carpeting throughout the center; automated parking systems; remodeling 299-seat theater; new energy-efficient and noise-reducing air units; and upgrading air walls, IT infrastructure, lighting systems and numerous operating systems.
Managed by AEG Facilities, which also oversees the adjacent L.A. Live entertainment complex, the LACC already has seen some changes since the company was awarded the contract last year.
· “Taste of L.A.” signature food and beverage experience in partnership with Levy Restaurants
· introduction of Southern California organic coffee brewer Groundwork Coffee Company to operate the stand-alone coffee shop locations
· partnering with Encore Event Technologies to provide AV support
· opening up options for electrical services
Another change to the center AEG officials said is in the works is a long-planned expansion to the center, though what kind of expansion it will be still hinges on whether the city is awarded an NFL franchise that would lead to a stadium build next door.
“All of the exciting changes at the LACC demonstrate the commitment this city has to its convention center,” said Brad Gessner, general manager of the LACC and senior vice president of Convention Centers for AEG Facilities, the new operator of the LACC.
He added, “We’re elevating the systems and services we offer across the board and enhancing our position as a competitive meetings and conventions destination.”
This year marks the busiest in a decade for the center, with 28 citywide conventions booked. This year’s International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo!, a gathering of trade show organizers and suppliers, will be held in December at the LACC.
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