Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Chooses Headquarter Hotel Partner
December 20, 2016
The Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority (GIMTCA), which governs the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center (SITCC), has selected Songy Highroads, LLC., in partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts, to develop a convention headquarters hotel.
It will be located on Hutchison Island adjacent to the riverfront convention center, which is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA).
The next step of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the GIMTCA board at its Dec. 14 meeting, is to work through development agreements, said Sherrie Spinks, SITCC’s General Manager.
The hotel project will feature at least 300 guest rooms and serve to complement events at the SITCC and greater Savannah area, according to the Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposal (RFQ/RFP) filed by GWCCA on behalf of GIMTCA.
It is also envisioned that the project will spur additional development in the area and create new demand for bookings at the SITCC, which features 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, 50,000 square feet of meeting space (four executive board rooms and 13 meeting rooms), a 367-seat state-of-the-art Oglethorpe Auditorium and a 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom.
GIMTCA also announces today its intention to pursue expansion of the convention facility by creating 100,000 square feet of additional exhibit space, more meeting space and another ballroom (50,000 square feet). Various market studies commissioned by GIMTCA in recent years have supported pursuing a convention hotel to enhance the SITCC and that it is also time to expand the facility.
The intention of both Authorities is to develop the hotel without public financing.
Additionally, the hotel will be designed to operate efficiently and use environmentally-sustainable architecture, construction and technology.
Atlanta-based Songy Highroads is a commercial real estate firm that focuses primarily on urban infill projects with particular emphasis in the office and hotel sectors.
The company’s current hotel projects include Hyatt Place Houston and Hyatt Regency Houston in Texas, Hyatt Regency Fairfax, Va. and Sheraton Metairie Galleria, New Orleans. Past hotel projects include the Marriott Residence Inn in Atlanta, Wyndham Vinings in suburban Atlanta, Dallas Hilton Garden Inn Market Center and Starwood Aloft Galleria, Houston, and Hyatt Place Washington, DC.
Omni Hotels & Resorts Convention Collection features world-class hotels near, or connected to, convention centers or other major venues, some of which include the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, Omni Dallas Hotel, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Omni Shoreham Hotel in D.C., and the Omni Providence Hotel in Rhode Island.
Additionally, Omni has two resorts in the southeast region – Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, 130 miles south of Savannah, and Omni Hilton Head which is 30 miles to the northeast.
The GWCCA has managed the SITCC under contract with GIMTCA since April 2014. GIMTCA approved a three-year extension of that agreement at its Aug. 10 board meeting. The partnership connects the state’s top two tourist destinations.
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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