EW rounds up the latest news and developments from the global venue scene.
Mexican ICC opens
A new convention space in La Paz, Mexico (pictured above) has opened. The International Convention Centre of La Paz offers 179,000 square feet of exhibition and conference space next to the Sea of Cortez.
The ICC La Paz is 25 minutes from the La Paz International Airport and two hours north of the Los Cabos International Airport.
The venue features two halls each of which hold four rooms with varying capacities. The Balandra Hall has space for larger groups, while the Pichilingue Hall can be used for more intimate events. Outside, there’s a large forecourt with views out over the sea that provides space for scenic outdoor receptions. Surrounded by an onyx stone wall with LED lighting, the forecourt can also be transformed into a concert venue or gala space.
LVCCD gets phase two go-head
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Board of Directors has taken the final step needed to begin construction on the Las Vegas Convention Centre District’s (LVCCD) Phase Two expansion by approving the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) agreement. This approval allows the development project to break ground.
The LVCCD Phase Two expansion project will add 1.4 million square feet to the current convention centre facility, including at least 600,000 square feet of new exhibition space.
Phase Three will then see the complete renovation of the existing 3.2 million-square-foot facility, with a projected completion date of 2023.
Caesars Forum breaks ground
Caesars Entertainment has started work on Caesars Forum, a new 550,000-square-foot conference and exhibition centre in Las Vegas. The $375 million investment, scheduled to open in 2020, will feature the two largest pillar-less ballrooms in the world and more than 300,000 square feet of flexible space. The two 110,000-square-foot ballrooms are each divisible into 38 and 39 sections, so ideal for exhibitions. The conference centre can hold meetings for more than 10,000 attendees and will offer the latest in technology. In addition, the conference centre will feature Forum Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot dedicated outdoor plaza.
Grimaldi Forum Monaco to benefit from extension
The Principality of Monaco has launched an offshore extension project, which will expand its territory by six hectares in 20205. Within this ambitious urban framework, the Grimaldi Forum will enjoy extended facilities. An additional area for nearly 6,000sqm will allow the Grimaldi Forum to accommodate larger-scale events and increase its exhibition capacity by 50%. These extra exhibition areas and conference rooms will be easily accessible and connected to the Diaghilev Exhibition Hall on level one. This extended area will also have its own independent entrance.
EventCity upgrades its facilities
EventCity, the largest blank canvas exhibition and events venue in the north of England, has begun a major investment into updating its event spaces, including Hall 4. The £500,000 refurbishment includes refurbishing all ten of the venue’s meeting rooms and renaming them after Manchester people, past and present such as Emmeline Pankhurst, George Stephenson and Tom Kilburn, creator of the first computer.
Manchester Central expands catering
Manchester Central has unveiled new kitchen facilities, allowing the venue to cater for more guests, explore innovative menu concepts and provide clients and visitors with a culinary experience like no other. The new open-plan layout, which increases floor space by 20% and production capacity by 50%, ensures the most efficient flow from food delivery to service. This, coupled with investment in the latest culinary equipment will see the venue produce 95% of its menu items in-house, allowing exhibition catering for each and every event to be tailored to suit individual requirements.
A new indoor garden also means that the team can grow micro lettuces, herbs and edible flowers to use throughout their dishes. Already committed to sustainability, this new addition to the kitchen supports the venue’s pledge to source locally wherever possible.
Olympia London opens rooftop space
As part of a £700 million overhaul of Olympia London, rooftop space Pergola Olympia opened in September. Set on the rooftop in botanical gardens, it will be a year-round networking and socialising space offering food and drink for up to 500 people.
It features three restaurants and a bar, all surrounded by glass walls and providing views over the UK capital from a West London setting.
