AEG Facilities Selected to Manage Hawaiﾑi Convention Center
July 7, 2013
The Hawaii Tourism Authority selected Los Angeles-based AEG Facilities to manage the Hawai‘i Convention Center, marking the second recent U.S.-based venue contract win for AEG.
AEG Facilities, which manages six overseas convention centers, also scored the new management contract for the Los Angeles Convention Center in June.
SMG holds the current venue management contract at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, which will expire at the end of 2013.
AEG Facilities will be responsible for the management and operation of the HCC, as well as working collaboratively with the HTA’s “Meet Hawai‘i” team in marketing the convention center and the Hawaiian Islands as a premier business destination, according to HTA officials.
“This announcement represents the rebirth of the convention center for a new era in Hawaii,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the HTA.
He added, “Our three priorities are to focus on further strengthening our “Meet Hawai‘i” sales and marketing strategies, realigning HCC’s operations and management to elevate the facility’s global presence and enhancing and expanding the function, use and service beyond a traditional convention center.”
Reasons cited by the HTA for choosing AEG Facilities, a division of AEG Worldwide, as the new venue management company for the Hawai‘i CC included AEG’s 20 years of experience in the management of convention centers: they offer a network of elite worldwide convention centers, all of which have a similar look and feel to Hawai‘i’s convention center; and AEG’s more than 100 venues on five continents that will give Hawai‘i more of a foothold in the Asia/Pacific region.
The HTA also said it believes the center, while covered in the past by tax revenue, could perform at a more “optimal level” under AEG facilities.
“We are honored to have been selected by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to manage the Hawai‘i Convention Center,” said Bob Newman, president, AEG Facilities.
He added, “We are truly excited to partner with the HTA and all of the hospitality stakeholders to build on the foundation in place and attract new and diverse events to the facility. We also believe that the unique cultural attributes of the region will truly be another asset that will set the Hawai‘i Convention Center above all others.”
SMG Hawai‘i will manage the center through December 2013, with AEG Facilities’ contract beginning Jan. 1.
SMG Hawai‘i has managed the HCC since its opening in 1998, and, according to AEG Facilities’ officials, they plan to try and retain the majority of SMG’s staff of 70.
Besides, AEG Facilities’ new Los Angeles and Hawai‘i CC contracts, the company also manages Australia-based convention centers in Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin, as well as other centers in Oman, Malaysia and Qatar.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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