BMT ANNUAL CONVENTION CENTER REVIEW
Norman Mayers

The convention center remains the backbone of the meetings and conventions industry and for good reason. These cavernous facilities often have several advantages over other venues, depending on the needs and size of your group, which keep meeting planners booking. For one, convention centers are solely focused on conventions and events where hotels are mainly concerned with getting heads in beds. Because of this singular focus, a convention center may be more equipped to handling an event. Size is on the centers’ side, with massive exhibit halls, ballrooms and lecture halls becoming the norm. But convention centers are also capable of hosting smaller events. Because of their size, convention centers can be more flexible than other meeting venues. A small group can still meet while a large convention or event is going on without any hassle.

In recent years convention centers have stepped up their game to compete in the fierce meetings industry. Centers around the country are upgrading their technology, renovating existing space and adding services to keep their customers satisfied and impressed. Gwen Wilson, sales, marketing and event manager for the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando states that “We are constantly developing programs and seeking the latest technology to ease event and convention planning and execution.”

President of the San Diego Convention Corporation, Carol Wallace also points out some improvements to their facility. “Last month we launched a new on-site flight check in service for convention and trade show attendees. Another area of improvement is food service. Our in-house caterer offers impeccable service and a superb selection of menus for every occasion.”

With convention centers providing so many amenities and services it becomes clear that they are your first choice when planning an event both large and small. Black Meetings & Tourism would like to offer our list of convention centers around the country that are bound to meet all of your requirements and surpass your expectations.

CONVENTION CENTERS

• Albuquerque Convention Center
• America’s Center
• Austin Convention Center
• Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex 
• Charlotte Convention Center
• Colorado Convention Center  
• Duke Energy Center
• Fort Worth Convention Center
• Genesis Convention Center
• George R. Brown Convention Center
• Greater Columbus Convention Center
• Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center
• Hampton Roads Convention Center 
• Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• Kansas City Convention Center
• Las Vegas Convention Center
• Memphis Cook Convention Center
• Mobile Convention Center
• Nashville Convention Center
• Norfolk Convention Center
• Oakland Convention Center
• Orange County Convention Center 
• Pennsylvania Convention Center
• Plano Centre
• San Diego Convention Center
• Virginia Beach Convention Center
• Washington Convention Center