Black Meetings & Tourism - A NEW ERA FOR MEETINGS: SAVANNAH CONVENTION CENTER'S EXPANSION NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Industry Briefs
A NEW ERA FOR MEETINGS: SAVANNAH CONVENTION CENTER'S EXPANSION NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Since opening in 2000, the Savannah Convention Center has been a premier venue for various events and clients. However, growing demand highlighted the need for expansion. Completing the $276 million expansion this February has enhanced the facility's capabilities, solidifying Savannah's position as a leading destination for large-scale meetings and conventions. This transformative expansion doubles the facility's size to 660,000 square feet. Enhancements to existing spaces feature modernized design elements, refreshed color schemes, and state-of-the-art technology upgrades. Key highlights of the project include: · An additional 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, increasing the total to 200,000 square feet. · A new 40,000 square-foot ballroom offering state-of-the-art design and flexibility for large gatherings with stunning Savannah Historic District waterfront views. · 14 new meeting rooms, bringing the total to 27 meeting rooms. · A 900-space parking garage to accommodate increased attendance. · An additional boardroom, bringing the total to five, enhancing the facility's executive meeting capabilities. · The complex will also include three new public retail dining outlets only steps away from the charm of the Savannah River. "The enhanced functionality and aesthetics of the newly expanded facility are second to none," said Kelvin Moore, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Savannah Convention Center. "In my 30+ years in the industry, I've overseen and worked with convention centers nationwide. None have the simple yet breathtaking views that the Savannah Convention Center now offers." "The expansion equips the Visit Savannah sales team and our sales partners at the SSC with new opportunities to engage in deeper and more productive conversations with current and new customers," said Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO of Visit Savannah. "These enhancements will allow us to attract a wider variety of events and larger groups that may have previously faced challenges due to Savannah's space limitations." A new headquarters hotel adjacent to the convention center is also developing, adding to Savannah's appeal as a top-tier meeting destination. Combined with the more than 400 rooms and extensive meeting spaces at the recently renovated Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, the city is primed to compete with larger convention destinations. "People always love coming to Savannah from a leisure standpoint, but this expansion will truly put Savannah on the map for meetings and conventions," said Angela Daniels, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Savannah Convention Center. "With new spaces showcasing the destination-like the stunning Savannah Terrace overlooking the Savannah River and the Landmark Historic District-attendees will experience spectacular views and warm breezes that set Savannah apart from competing markets." Last week the media and local officials were escorted through the building for a private tour of the new expansion led by GM Kelvin Moore. The expansion is a pivotal investment in Savannah's future as a world-class meeting destination, ensuring the city remains a top choice for convention planners for years. For more information, contact Myesha Jones at Mjones@savtcc.com or 912.784.1810.

Industry Briefs

A NEW ERA FOR MEETINGS: SAVANNAH CONVENTION CENTER'S EXPANSION NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Since opening in 2000, the Savannah Convention Center has been a premier venue for various events and clients. However, growing demand highlighted the need for expansion. Completing the $276 million expansion this February has enhanced the facility's capabilities, solidifying Savannah's position as a leading destination for large-scale meetings and conventions.

This transformative expansion doubles the facility's size to 660,000 square feet. Enhancements to existing spaces feature modernized design elements, refreshed color schemes, and state-of-the-art technology upgrades. Key highlights of the project include:

· An additional 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, increasing the total to 200,000 square feet.

· A new 40,000 square-foot ballroom offering state-of-the-art design and flexibility for large gatherings with stunning Savannah Historic District waterfront views.

· 14 new meeting rooms, bringing the total to 27 meeting rooms.

· A 900-space parking garage to accommodate increased attendance.

· An additional boardroom, bringing the total to five, enhancing the facility's executive meeting capabilities.

· The complex will also include three new public retail dining outlets only steps away from the charm of the Savannah River.

"The enhanced functionality and aesthetics of the newly expanded facility are second to none," said Kelvin Moore, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Savannah Convention Center. "In my 30+ years in the industry, I've overseen and worked with convention centers nationwide. None have the simple yet breathtaking views that the Savannah Convention Center now offers."

"The expansion equips the Visit Savannah sales team and our sales partners at the SSC with new opportunities to engage in deeper and more productive conversations with current and new customers," said Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO of Visit Savannah. "These enhancements will allow us to attract a wider variety of events and larger groups that may have previously faced challenges due to Savannah's space limitations."

A new headquarters hotel adjacent to the convention center is also developing, adding to Savannah's appeal as a top-tier meeting destination. Combined with the more than 400 rooms and extensive meeting spaces at the recently renovated Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, the city is primed to compete with larger convention destinations.

"People always love coming to Savannah from a leisure standpoint, but this expansion will truly put Savannah on the map for meetings and conventions," said Angela Daniels, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Savannah Convention Center. "With new spaces showcasing the destination-like the stunning Savannah Terrace overlooking the Savannah River and the Landmark Historic District-attendees will experience spectacular views and warm breezes that set Savannah apart from competing markets."

Last week the media and local officials were escorted through the building for a private tour of the new expansion led by GM Kelvin Moore.

The expansion is a pivotal investment in Savannah's future as a world-class meeting destination, ensuring the city remains a top choice for convention planners for years.

For more information, contact Myesha Jones at Mjones@savtcc.com or 912.784.1810.