Green practices, such as recycling, linen conservation, and the use of energy-efficient guest room lighting, have become standard procedures for Hilton Hotels Corp. Hilton will carry over this emphasis on environmental responsibility in its role as managing and marketing agent for the new Branson Convention Center in Branson, Mo., owned by the City of Branson and situated adjacent to the 293-room Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel. Both the convention center and the hotel are part of Branson Landing, a $420 million public/private mixed-use project spanning 1.5 miles of Lake Taneycomo, adjacent to historic downtown Branson.

Although specific green initiatives for the convention center have not yet been announced, the facility features a number of nature-inspired design elements. Its unique, undulating facade and exposed timber exterior reflect the beauty of the surrounding Missouri Ozarks. Guests looking upward in the center's 23,000-square-foot ballroom are treated to a stunning one-of-a-kind light and sound display of birds in flight. The display boasts 72 silver and white high-tech fixtures that create a depiction of migratory birds in flight. The display is suspended from an all-white ceiling, with each fixture containing hidden lights that can change in color as well as the color of the ceiling.

The Branson Convention Center offers guests 220,000 gross square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting space. In addition to the ballroom, it includes two exhibit halls that span 47,000 square feet of space, plus additional meeting rooms on the second floor. These features make the center an ideal venue for a diverse range of events and gatherings, from national and regional trade shows and conventions, to religious symposiums, corporate meetings, public expos, and large-scale entertainment events. With the capacity to accommodate up to 4,500 attendees at a time, the Branson Convention Center is an exciting and powerful addition to an area that already attracts more than seven million visitors a year.

During the weekend of Sept. 7 to 9, 2007, the Branson Convention Center celebrated its grand opening with three days of special events, entertainment, and attractions.

"This is the future of Branson commerce," said Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley. "Our goal is to offer meeting planners, who always wanted to book big groups in Branson but couldn't because of a lack of space, the opportunity to bring their clients to experience the charm and hospitality of Branson. We know this convention center will make us a major meeting destination."

Branson Convention Center At A Glance
Convention Space: The Branson Convention Center offers a total of 220,000 gross square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting space, including a 23,000-square-foot ballroom, two exhibit halls with a collective 47,000 square feet of space, and additional meeting rooms.
Hotel Rooms Within Walking Distance: Adjacent to the Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel, offering 293 sleeping rooms.
For More Information: Bill Tirone, CMP, director of sales and marketing; Hiltons of Branson and Branson Convention Center; 200 East Main Street, Branson, MO 65616; Phone: (417) 243-3410; Fax: (417) 243-3486; E-mail: william.tirone@hilton.com;
Web site: www.bransonconvention.com

environmentally designed: The Branson Convention Center features a number of nature-inspired design elements, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding Missouri Ozarks.