SMG Recommended for Global Center for Health Innovation & Cleveland Convention Center Contracts
October 6, 2013
Just days before the official ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of Cleveland’s Global Center for Health Innovation, venue management company SMG has been recommended for not only that venue’s contract, but also the one for the adjacent Cleveland Convention Center.
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. guided the process of opening the two centers, but recommended to the Cuyahoga County officials that SMG take over management of the venues going forward.
If approved, SMG will assume management Nov. 15.
“SMG is delighted to partner with Cuyahoga County to manage the Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation,” said Gregg Caren, executive vice president, SMG Convention & Exhibition Centers.
He added, “The Cleveland Convention Center facility has quickly established itself as a great place to host a trade show, convention, conference, or special event and has truly put Cleveland back on the map as a convention destination.”
The Global Center for Health Innovation already has signed on several high-profile clients, including the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
HIMSS will lease on the fourth level 12,500 square feet for its Innovation Center, a testing, demonstration, exhibition and educational facility, with another 12,500 square feet of exhibition space.
The Cleveland Clinic and GE Healthcare also previously signed on as tenants, along with a host of other companies.
The $450 million project includes the 100,000 square foot medical mart, with the adjoining 230,000 sq. ft. convention center.
In addition, the facility will have more than 92,000 sq. ft. dedicated to meeting rooms and a ballroom looking out onto Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland.
“We look forward to working closely with Positively Cleveland and the local hospitality community, fostering the same alliance model we have built with over fifty destination marketing organizations nationwide,” Caren said.
He added, “Much like a national hotel brand, SMG will provide immediate exposure for the new venue through print and electronic media, representation at key industry events, and national client relationships. SMG gives municipal clients such as Cuyahoga County significant national exposure, speed to market and the benefit of experience and success in convention sales and marketing support.”
SMG has won several large convention center contracts in the past few years, including Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center, Chicago’s McCormick Place and Detroit’s Cobo Center.
In all, SMG manages 233 facilities throughout North America, including 72 convention centers, 71 arenas, 60 theaters and performance venues, nine stadiums, and 23 equestrian centers.
Partner Voices
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
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