Spokane Convention Center Unveils $55 Million Expansion
April 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space.
Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side.
"The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is being able to share this important new chapter in Spokane's story with meeting planners and groups who we may not have been able to reach before."
The expansion takes full advantage of the riverfront location, offering meeting space with floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of natural light. The riverbank was also transformed with landscaping featuring native plants and nature-friendly habitats that are getting a nod from the local environmental groups.
“The facility is beautiful and it takes great advantage of the proximity to our beautiful river," Backsen said. "We are confident that planners will be very impressed with what we now have to offer."
The expansion maintains the convention center’s Silver LEED certification.
Currently, the convention center is adjacent to 384-room Double Tree Spokane City Center hotel, but by June it also will be connected by a skywalk to a brand new 716-room Marriott.
Local authorities hope that the expansion will allow the facility to compete for larger meetings and conventions particularly in the categories of science, education, engineering, hobby and religion.
First feedback from client has been very positive. Spokane Ag Expo, which recently wrapped up its annual event at the convention center, was pleased to be able to bring it under one roof.
“The Ag Expo filled every inch of space in the expanded convention center,” Backsen said. “They were even able to expand their show to maximum capacity. They were very, very pleased and, of course, so are we!"
Other favorable comments highlight the fact that the north side of the convention center is all glass and looks out over the Spokane River. The natural light, the huge number of breakout rooms, the adjacency to the Spokane River, these all are some of the very positive comments we've heard, Backsen said.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
Add new comment