Los Angeles Convention Center Scheduled for $10 Million Upgrade

July 8, 2014
Los Angeles Convention Center Scheduled for $10 Million Upgrade alt

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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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