Expo Imperial and Foro Imperial

Facility's Technology Features Will Rival Those Found in U.S. Centers

Think the most technologically advanced meeting facilities are found only in the United States? Think again. The Expo Imperial convention center and Foro Imperial performing arts theater, now under construction in Acapulco, will offer as many high-tech features as venues north of Mexico's border. Slated to open next spring, Expo Imperial and Foro Imperial will be part of Mundo Imperial, an expansive, master-planned project that will also include the Hotel Casa Imperial hotel/resort complex, the Paseo Imperial Promenade, and the mega SPA Sol Imperial. Both Expo Imperial and Foro Imperial are managed by SMG.

At Expo Imperial, taking advantage of technology will be easy. Boasting 355,209 square feet (33,000 square meters) of meeting and exhibit space, including four exhibit halls, the convention center will offer plasma screen directional signage, Wi-Fi capabilities, fiber optic cabling, water, and compressed air throughout the building. Floor utility boxes will be situated on 30' x 30' centers, with voice, data, and electricity in each box. Video conferencing capabilities will be available as well. An additional "surprise" technology feature is to be unveiled at the facility's grand opening.

Establishing electrical connections and setting up booths will be simple, as the facility will be equipped with the same 110-208-volt outlets used in the United States and will have a nearly unlimited floor load capacity on the ground floor and a capacity of 1,618 pounds per square meter on the upper floor.

Meanwhile, at Foro Imperial, groups will be able to stage the most sophisticated of events. One wall of the 193,750-square-foot facility will feature LED lighting. A three-channel sound system will feature wired and wireless capabilities, while the rigging system will offer 14,000 pounds of counterweight. Other technology amenities will include built-in monitors in each dressing room and backstage, a digital sound platform, and Yamaha consoles.

Foro Imperial will comprise a total of 4,053 seats - 1,992 on the main level, 1,011 on the club level, and 1,050 on the upper level. The theater will also bring to Acapulco the best theater, dance, musical performances, and sporting events from Mexico and around the world.

Technology will even extend to the 807-room Hotel Casa Imperial. All guest rooms in the luxurious property will be equipped with DVD players, flat-panel monitors, and high-speed Internet connections.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• Video conferencing capabilities n Wi-Fi, fiber optic cabling, plasma screen directional signage, water, and compressed air throughout convention center
• Floor utility boxes will be situated on 30' x 30' centers throughout convention center exhibit floor
• Voice, data, and electricity in each box
• Unlimited floor load capacity on main floor
• Additional technology amenity to be unveiled at grand opening
• LED lighting on one wall of theater n Three-channel theater sound system with wired and wireless capabilities

Convention Center/Theater Specifications

• 355,209 square feet of meeting and exhibit space in convention center
• Four exhibit halls
• 4,053 seats in theater, with 1,992 on the main level, 1,011 on the club level, and 1,050 on the upper level
• Part of Mundo Imperial complex in close proximity of airport

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Aran Rush, Expo and Foro Imperial director, Blvd de las Naciones y Blvd Barra Vieja, Acapulco, GRO México 39900 Phone: 011 52 (744) 466 3322 E-mail: arush@mundoimperial.com Web sites: www.expoimperial.com or www.foroimperial.com

Duke Energy Center

Cincinnati USA Shines With More Options, Space, and Flexibility

Meeting planners can "plan for more" when meeting in Cincinnati USA - more options, more space, and more flexibility. The Duke Energy Center, managed by Global Spectrum, works in partnership with Convention Communication Provisioners to provide planners with the latest technology and outstanding customer service for meetings and conventions. High-speed and wireless Internet access points are available throughout the center, and state-of-the-art fiber optic networking and a multi-segmented network ensure reliable service for groups.

LED screens strategically mounted throughout the center project such pertinent information as room assignments, as well as fun facts and promotional videos, to attendees. Welcome messages also are posted on the super-sized LED lighting display on the building's exterior.

A recent expansion of the Duke Energy Center furthers its appeal and that of the city itself. The center boasts more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including 31 breakout rooms, a 17,472-square-foot Junior Ballroom, and nearly 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space. The stunning Grand Ballroom, at nearly 40,000 square feet, is one of the largest in the Midwest.

World-class attractions, such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, and Contemporary Arts Center, along with the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games, will entertain groups of all kinds.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• On-site technical and audiovisual support staff available
• State-of-the-art fiber optic networking throughout
• Customized electronic signage
• Broadband teleconferencing
• Wireless hot spots throughout
• High-speed WANS
• Stable multi-segmented network
• Flexible network IP address assignment and delivery
• Network-wide monitoring for maximized reliability
• VLAN, VPN, ISDN, rental equipment

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• More than 750,000 square feet of space & nearly 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space
• More than 100,000 square feet of meeting space that can be divided into 31 breakout rooms
• A new, multi-level main concourse, providing easy access to exhibit halls and meeting and ballroom levels above
• Full-service kitchen can serve up to 5,000 in a single seating
• More than 5,000 adjacent parking spaces and 3,000 hotel rooms within walking distance
•  Handicapped and hearing-impaired accessible & advanced electronic security and fire/safety systems

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau Phone: (800) 543-2613 Web site: www.CincyMeetings.com

Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome

Growing Facility Satisfies Greater High-Tech Demands

The Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome (ICCRD) is growing, both in meeting and trade show space and in its ability to satisfy the high-tech demands of its clients.  ICCRD facilitates the most advanced and reliable technology services in the marketplace. It has teamed with Smart City Networks as its on-site contractor to provide personalized services, rock-solid reliability, and the most comprehensive service offering in the industry. ICCRD offers high-speed Internet access using gigabit ethernet protocols to all exhibit spaces, public areas, and meeting rooms. Its network service professionals also offer turnkey data networking services that enable clients to create Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), all utilizing the latest technology. Video broadcasting, scalable shared and dedicated ethernet service, and wired as well as wireless ethernet connections are just a few of the services available at the facility.

Dedicated Internet connection burstable to 100 Mbps on a local fiber ring, as well as a redundant 45 Mbps DS3 circuit provide the speed and reliability clients need and expect. Additional and dedicated bandwidth is also an option and can be arranged for any event.

Additionally, the facility's unique event technology offers the online services that will set events apart from any other. Planners can create Internet broadcasts of events that can be seen worldwide or set up customized Internet access and e-mail centers for attendees.

The ICCRD understands the imperative to be on the cutting edge of technology, but even more so as it prepares for an expansion that will nearly double its current 403,700 of prime exhibit space. The expansion begins with the August 2008 opening of 63,000-seat Lucas Oil Stadium, a multi-use facility featuring a retractable roof. With 182,500 square feet of contiguous space, it will be linked via walkway to the Indiana Convention Center.

Once Lucas Oil Stadium is open, the existing RCA Dome will be demolished to make way for a convention center expansion slated for completion in the fall of 2010. When the project is finished, Indianapolis will boast the 16th largest convention center complex in the nation.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• High-speed Internet access
• Gigabit ethernet
• Web casting from the show floor
• Video teleconferencing
• High-speed WANs
• Wireless data and Internet networks
• Temporary LAN/WAN/WPN construction
• Full building Wi-Fi
• Fiber optic networks
• Satellite downlink and uplink capabilities
• On-site technical support
• Stable multi-segmented network
• Flexible network IP address assignment and delivery
• Network-wide monitoring for maximized reliability
• Redundant Internet backbone provider

Convention Center/Theater Specifications

• Currently 403,700 square feet, growing to 746,000 square feet with addition of Lucas Oil Stadium (2008) and convention center expansion (2010)
• 83 meeting rooms and ballroom spaces
• Currently connected via skywalks to eight hotels with total of 3,200 rooms
• Connected via skywalks to Circle Centre mall with department stores, restaurants, specialty shops, and food court
• 48,000 parking spaces downtown
• Within walking distance of 50 attractions, 200 restaurants, and entertainment districts

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, One RCA Dome, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46225 Phone: (317) 639-4282 Fax: (317) 639-5273; Web site: www.indy.org; or Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225; Phone: (317) 262-4600; Fax: (317) 262-3591; Web site: www.iccrd.com

Kansas City Convention Center

Ballroom Technology Creates One-of-a-Kind Event Experience

Unveiled in May, the Kansas City Convention Center's new 46,480- square-foot ballroom features a one-of-a-kind lighting technology, a 38-foot-high glass wall running the entire length of the south wall, and environmentally friendly LEED Green Building criteria.  "Kansas City has redefined the convention ballroom," said Rick Hughes, president of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association. "Typically, ballrooms are black boxes with no natural daylight. We incorporated a lot of new technology into this space." The ballroom uses one of the most sophisticated lighting and control systems with more than 300 color-changing LEDs in the ceiling capable of producing 350 trillion color combinations. This is also the country's first convention center ballroom to use an energy-efficient clerestory lighting system, which can allow in natural light. One of the 10 largest convention center ballrooms in the country, it can hold 4,650 theater-style or up to 3,000 for meal functions, and is divisible into three separate spaces. A movable partition allows the ballroom to open up to the glass wall overlooking the city. The ballroom connects to the existing conference center. A water theme in the room pays tribute to the city's birth on the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers.

The new ballroom is part of a $150 million multiphase renovation project. The space was reconfigured into 26 meeting rooms offering more than 67,704 square feet of meeting space. 

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• Wireless Internet networks
• One-of-a-kind color-changing light system in ballroom
• Energy-efficient DALI lighting system and clerestory lighting that adjusts intensity as the sun moves
• Utility floor ports on 30-foot centers in the ballroom
• Built-in credenzas and data- powered AV equipment in new board and conference rooms
• High-speed wireless Internet access throughout building n State-of-the-art projection system in meeting room prefunction area
• Individual sound systems in meeting rooms

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• 388,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space
• 46,480-square-foot Grand Ballroom
• 23,910-square-foot Junior Ballroom
• 45 state-of-the-art meeting rooms
• 2,400-seat fine arts theater
• 10,700-seat renovated arena
• Unique outdoor reception, festival, and activity area
• Connections to downtown hotels; 1,000 parking spaces; municipal auditorium; and conference center  

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association 1100 Main Street, Suite 2200 Kansas City, MO 64105 Phone: (800) 767-7700 Web site: VisitKC.com

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Facility Takes Tech Capabilities to New Heights

It's no secret that the more technology a convention center provides, the greater the productivity and success of the meetings it hosts and the attendees it serves. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), Canada's premier meeting and convention facility as well as one of North America's leading convention centers, fits the bill with the latest in technology offerings, taking its capabilities and those of its clients to new heights.  The MTCC's fast, reliable infrastructure is both flexible and robust enough to accommodate the individual needs of exhibitors, show managers, and attendees alike, regardless of event size and complexity. The center's WLAN was the first large-scale solution based on a routed IP architecture - a unique application of wireless networking technology that made the MTCC a world leader in wireless capability for convention organizers and attendees. Wireless Internet access and connectivity available throughout the building means exhibitors can display their Web sites, execute online ordering, and connect to their company networks back at their offices - all from laptops or PDAs used anywhere on the show floor.

Similarly, speakers enjoy continuous online access to their presentations and the Internet. Three wireless hotspots in designated areas of the North and South buildings enable attendees to access the Internet and work from their mobile device of choice.

Additionally, the MTCC provides a flexible telecommunications infrastructure. Planners can work with the center's technical staff to customize wired and wireless data networks that meet their specific needs. The MTCC also offers voice services using a digital PBX with a full suite of custom calling features and more than 300 analog lines.

All technology services are offered with on-site technical support delivered by the MTCC's experienced telecommunications team. Team members will work directly with conference organizers during all stages of every event, from planning through implementation and execution.

Further, MTCC also features a sophisticated multimedia component. Twenty-five networked, 46-inch, large-format LCD panels are situated throughout the center. The high-definition screens can be used to display specific graphics, images, or videos to some or all locations according to groups' requirements. A full-color external marquee sign on the North Building figures prominently at the Front Street entrance and can serve as a vehicle for promoting events inside and outside the building. 

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• High-speed Internet access via burstable T3 connection
• LAN on routed IP architecture, providing up to 45 Mbps of bandwidth
• Wireless Internet access and connectivity throughout
• Customized wired and wireless data networks
• Customized voice networks n Digital PBX with full suite of custom calling features n Analog lines
•  Separate virtual internal sub-networks, including presentation management infrastructure
•  ISDN lines for video conferencing
• Telephone sets, fax machines, and Polycomm teleconferencing units

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• Canada's largest and one of North America's leading convention centers, located in heart of downtown Toronto
• Within walking distance of 10,000 hotel rooms
• 460,000 square feet of exhibit space, divisible into seven halls
• 64 breakout rooms in 104,000 square feet of meeting space
• Two carpeted ballrooms n 28 loading docks servicing North and South Buildings
• 1,700 indoor on-site parking spaces; more than 10,000 within walking distance  

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5V 2W6, Canada Phone: (416) 585-8120 Fax: (461) 585-8198 Web site: www.mtccc.com

Monona Terrace Convention Center

Center Is Smart Facility in the City for Smart Meetings  

Home to the renowned University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as to a majestic Capitol building built upon an isthmus alive with cultural arts, engaging intellectual pursuits, and a wealth of recreational opportunities, Madison, Wis., has established a reputation for being the place for smart meetings. The centerpiece of such meetings is the Monona Terrace Convention Center, conceived by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938 and opened in 1997 when architects brought Wright's plans for the building to fruition on the shore of Lake Monona in heart of downtown Madison.

Monona Terrace is equipped with the kind of technology even Frank Lloyd Wright could scarcely have imagined. Delegates enjoy easy Internet access through redundant DS3s with a combined total bandwidth of 145 Mbps. Monona Terrace is also one of only a handful of convention centers offering Internet2 access. Internet2 allows data transmission to occur at a rate of 10 gigabits or more per second, 100 to 1,000 times faster than the "traditional" Internet.

An extensive inventory of the most current audiovisual equipment and services makes it easy for presenters to share their knowledge with delegates. Wireless Internet access is available everywhere in the building as well as in the rooftop gardens. Additionally, the venue offers Internet and satellite uplink and downlink services that permit the delivery of messages around the globe.

Meanwhile, an on-site phone system allows for the design of customized telecommunications solutions to suit individual groups' needs. Early assignment of phone numbers, selective restrictions of phone line access, instant individual-line long distance billing, speaker phones, and conference phones are just some of the available options. Video conferencing over ISDN lines can be provided anywhere in the building.

Distinguished by sweeping lines and vast, arched windows, the Monona Terrace Convention Center accommodates groups in 85,000 square feet of high- quality meeting and exhibit space. Its 37,200-square-foot Exhibition Hall holds up to 212 10' x 10' booths, while its 13,524-square-foot Madison Ballroom is divisible into four smaller ballrooms. The 7,000-square-foot Grand Terrace serves as prefunction space for the ballroom or may be used on its own as a magnificent indoor event space. For a unique twist, planners can book the center's 68,000 square feet of rooftop gardens.

Whether events are held indoors or outdoors, Monona Catering - the facility's in-house catering partner - will serve up dishes attendees will savor long after functions are over. From pheasant ravioli set on a bed of baby lettuce and Southwestern grilled fare to scalloped brochettes and smoked salmon, continental breakfasts to elegant receptions, planners will discover a combination of flavors to their groups' tastes and style.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• Internet2 access
• Redundant DS3s with combined total bandwidth of 145 Mbps
• Wireless Internet access indoors and in rooftop gardens
• Extensive array of audiovisual equipment, including microphones, portable sound and lighting, and VCRs
• Video conferencing over ISDN lines
• Customizable on-site phone system
• Dedicated audiovisual staff

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• 85,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, accommodating 30 to 3,300 delegates
• 37,200-square-foot Exhibition Hall with capacity for 212 10' x 10' exhibit booths, 2,000 people for banquets, 1,656 people classroom-style, or 3,300 people theater-style
• 13,524-square-foot ballroom
• 7,000-square-foot Grand Terrace
• 68,000 square feet of rooftop gardens
• 600 parking spaces

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Monona Terrace Convention Center, One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703 Phone: (608) 261-4000 Web site: www.mononaterrace.com

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Technology Infrastructure Facilitates Connectivity

If connections are everything - as an old adage goes - then the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans has it all in terms of technology.  At the Morial Convention Center, accessing the Internet is a snap. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Internet access points allow laptop computer users to connect to the Internet from key locations within the center's 3.1 million-square-foot area. More than 50 strategically placed Cisco Series 1200 access points power a high-speed Internet signal encompassing a 300-foot radius and featuring filtering capabilities to eliminate unwanted users. Laptop computer users can access the Wi-Fi network from the lobby, restaurants, ballrooms, 2nd and 3rd floor meeting rooms, or even outdoors. Laptops equipped with an 802.11b wireless client card or the newer 802.11g version will be able to navigate the World Wide Web at a high rate of speed.

However, the features don't end there. High-speed Internet access via a Tier-1 provider, T3, T1, ISDN, and land-phone line connectivity is readily available, providing groups with a wealth of options. Videoconferencing and Web casting capabilities, satellite uplinks and downlinks, and video streaming enhance presentations and facilitate the dissemination of meeting content beyond the facility.

The center's telecommunications infrastructure and offerings are equally extensive. A dual-system outdoor cellular phone network supports service from the nation's seven leading wireless phone providers. A superior 800-Mhz, two-way radio system is available for rental to show management, and wireless telephones may be rented by attendees.

Also setting the center apart from the pack is its 4,000-seat conference auditorium, which is equipped with the latest lighting, video, and audio production technology.

The auditorium's state-of-the-art video production room is comparable to a small studio, with the capabilities of converting media sources (printed copy, transparencies, slides, and computer graphics) to video pictures on screen. It can be divided into three rooms, each with its own sound and lighting control booth with permanently installed sound/lighting control boards. When space is combined, the central booth becomes the master control booth. A permanent sound system in the auditorium includes 18 high fidelity sound speaker clusters, separated or combined with the appropriate space setup.

Complementing its menu of technology options, the Morial Convention Center enjoys an ideal location along the mighty Mississippi River, within walking distance of the French Quarter, Jackson Square, the Aquarium of the Americas, and 30,000 first-class hotel rooms. The facility boasts a total of 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space on one level in one building; plus 12 separate, but combinable exhibit halls, 140 upper level meeting rooms, and two luxurious ballrooms spanning 30,487 square feet and 36,448 square feet.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• High-speed Internet access via Tier-1 provider
• T1 to T3 connectivity
• Dual system indoor cellular phone network supporting service from leading national wireless providers
• Wireless telephone and two-way radio system rentals

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space
• 140 meeting rooms
• Two luxurious ballrooms
• 4,000-seat conference auditorium

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Phone: (504) 582-3023 Web site: www.mccno.com

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

A Convention Center and Conference Center Wired for Success

More than one million attendees flock each year to Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and Conference Center. The busiest convention venue in the Midwest, the facility is home to more than 100 trade and consumer shows each year. Given its caliber, that's no surprise.  "Expansive" is the word that best describes the space available to groups convening at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and Conference Center. The center features a total of 960,000 square feet of event space, including 840,000 square feet of exhibit space. The Conference Center's largest level opens onto the Stephens Ballroom, which holds up to 4,000 delegates theater-style or 3,000 banquet-style.

When it comes to technology, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and Conference Center is wired for success. Internet access is available in all exhibit halls, enabling exhibitors to add punch to their presentations. Additional convenience for delegates and exhibitors alike is provided by wireless Internet access in the main lobby, as well as in all three conference center lobbies and the on-site Expoteria restaurant.

What's more, Internet Access Services, the facility's Internet service provider, offers equipment rentals (including computers, printers, monitors) as well as service at competitive rates that apply throughout the duration of every event.

An enclosed, climate-controlled pedestrian Skybridge Network links the facility with three hotels and an 8,000-car garage. The 18,500-seat Allstate Arena and the 4,400-seat Rosemont Theatre also contain meeting space. Nearby restaurants include Gibsons, Carlucci's, Morton's of Chicago, Harry Caray's, Nick's Fishmarket, The Rosewood, and The Ram Restaurant.

In the near future, Rosemont will host even more visitors when the new facilities that make up Rosemont Walk, a $500 million entertainment district now under construction, make their debut. Located just across the street from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont Walk will include an 18-screen themed movie megaplex by Muvico, including a children's playroom, stadium seating, a VIP entrance and valet parking; a 575-room luxury Intercontinental Hotel with a McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, a Capital Grille, and Osteria di Tramonto (an additional restaurant by Cenitary Restaurants and Rick Tramonto of TRU); a 254-room ALOFT Hotel by Continental Hotels (owner of the W chain of hotels); and the 400,000-square-foot, 525-room Grizzly Falls resort boasting the Midwest's largest indoor water park at 100,000 square feet.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• Internet access in all exhibit halls n Wireless Internet access in all three conference center lobbies and Expoteria restaurant
• Equipment rentals, including computers, printers, monitors, and other hardware, through Internet services provider

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• 960,000 square feet of total event space
• 840,000 square feet of exhibit space
• Three ballrooms (30,000 square feet, 22,000 square feet, and 17,360 square feet)
• 50 meeting rooms in 92,000 square feet of space
• 2,500 hotel rooms within walking distance
• 7,000 hotel rooms in area
• Skybridge Network link to three hotels and 8,000-space garage

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rosemont Convention and Visitors Bureau, 9301 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: (847) 823-2100 Fax: (847) 696-9700 Web site: www.rosemont.com

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Facility Offers Full Menu of High-Tech Options

San Antonio continues to shine as a major convention destination, with increased air service, warm hospitality, great hotels, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Located on the famous River Walk, the center features 600,000 square feet of space, including more than 400,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 113,000 square feet of meeting space, and three hotel-quality ballrooms totaling 90,000 square feet. The convention center offers a full menu of high-tech options for planners:

•  Gigabit Cisco switched backbone
• Wi-Fi throughout the facility
• VLAN capability
• DS3 for Internet service
• In-house distributive TV system
• Video conferencing service available
• PowerPoint on 60-inch DLP screens.

Beyond these technical options, the staff and service level at San Antonio's Convention Center is world-class. The facility is also just steps away from the famous River Walk, where dining, shopping, and theme venues abound.

A short walk from the center is the Alamodome, a multipurpose venue that can seat up to 77,000 people and can be configured to offer 160,000 square feet of contiguous floor space and 30,000 square feet of flexible breakout space.

San Antonio is also home to more than 33,000 rooms citywide, about 11,000 of which are in the downtown area. The city offers everything from headquarters hotels to world-class destination resorts. Construction continues on the convention center hotel, with completion slated for early 2008. The 1,000-room Grand Hyatt will rise along the River Walk, next to the convention center. It will feature 80,000 square feet of meeting space, including a grand ballroom and junior ballroom. The PGA Tour and Marriott International are working on a 2,855-acre, world-class golf resort just northeast of downtown. Scheduled to open in 2009, the J.W. Marriott Resort will feature 1,000 rooms and two PGA Tournament Players Club 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman. It will complement the Westin La Cantera Resort and the Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa and San Antonio's many other public and municipal courses.

The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau team is standing by to help you with your San Antonio meeting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Steve Clanton, vice president, sales, San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, 203 S. St. Mary's Street, 2nd Floor, San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (866) 517-7771 E-mail: aconv@sanantoniovisit.com Web site: www.sanantoniovisit.com

Savannah International Trade & Convention Center

Facility Features a Wealth of Technology Options

The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center is a unique venue for association events of all types. The gleaming waterfront complex overlooking Savannah Harbor offers 100,000 square feet of divisible exhibit space; 50,000 square feet of prime meeting space, including 13 meeting rooms; four executive board rooms; a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom; and a state-of-the-art auditorium. In addition to 367 ergonomically designed, fixed seats with retractable writing surfaces, the auditorium has an integrated sound system, built-in front and rear projection rooms, and built-in wireless capacity. Topping it all off is the first-class service provided by SMG, the largest private manager of public assembly facilities in the world.

The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center is also ideally situated in the heart of Savannah's Historic Meetings District, where boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops provide ample post-meeting diversions. Broughton Street, Bull Street, City Market, and River Street are but a few among "must-see" areas. Free transportation is provided within the Historic Meetings District, while the CAT Shuttle moves travelers through the streets of the district.

At the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, technology options are plentiful. Features include shared T1 and full T1 connections, with up to 100 Mbps of service available. Electrical service in the exhibit halls and Chatham Ballroom are of high capacity, ranging from 100 to 400 amps.

Additionally, simultaneous interpretive technology makes communicating in a multitude of languages quick and easy, while distributed television (DTV) throughout the facility aids the broadcast of meeting content and important messages. Full-service, in-house audiovisual support ensures that groups' use of technology is hassle-free and enables planners to focus on other important tasks throughout their meetings. 

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• Shared T1 and full T1 Internet connections, with up to 100 Mbps service available
• High-capacity electrical service (100 to 400 amps) in exhibit halls and Chatham Ballroom
•  Simultaneous interpretive technology
• Full-service, in-house audiovisual support
• Distributed television throughout
• Compressed air, water, and drainage service available in exhibit hall
• Dual lighting system (halide and incandescent) in exhibit hall

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall, divisible into 55,000-square-foot and 45,000-square-foot areas
• 25,000 square feet of ballroom space, divisible into three sections
• 6,600 square feet of prefunction space adjoining ballroom
• 25,000 square feet of meeting rooms, with capacity of 135 to 420 people theater-style
• Four executive board rooms
• Savor Savannah SMG Catering on site
• Oversized entrances to exhibit hall from eight loading docks
• 1,500 parking spaces
• On-site docks for Savannah Belles Ferry, linking with River Street and downtown 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, One International Drive, P.O. Box 428, Savannah, GA 31402-0248 Phone: (912) 447-4000 Fax: (912) 447-4722 Web site: www.savtcc.com

Tampa Convention Center

Hi-Tech, Flexible, Functional, and Convenient

An experienced staff, high-quality service, a premier waterfront location, and a reputation for being just the right size have long attracted groups to the Tampa Convention Center. However, the center's technology offerings are just as appealing.  At the Tampa Convention Center, communication is a snap no matter where attendees convene. Every room boasts analog telephone lines for voice and data transmission. Internet connectivity through DSL at up to 7.1 MB may be arranged anywhere, and a four-port switch/router for each installation is provided within the cost of the line. ISDN lines are readily available, and multiple computers can be networked throughout the entire meeting room area.

But that's just the start of the technology story. Building-wide closed circuit television permits communications, advertising, and meeting broadcasts to be seen throughout the facility. A full-service cybercenter on the third level offers computer, printing, faxing, and copying services, while the JavaZone serves up wireless Internet access along with coffee and snacks. Audiovisual services that suit every need and budget are also available.

Providing flexibility, functionality, and convenience, the 600,000-square-foot center boasts a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall with 125,000 square feet of unobstructed space, 84,000 square feet of useful prefunction areas, a 36,000-square-foot ballroom, and 36 breakout rooms. Cafes, restaurants, and gorgeous outdoor areas with waterfront views complete the facility's long list of amenities.

What's more, Tampa Bay is a very affordable destination with a wide variety of budget-friendly accommodations to suit every need. Getting around the area is very convenient, with easy on-foot access to facilities, accommodations, and entertainment venues. Attendees will also love the area's near-constant sunshine, 35 miles of award-winning nearby beaches, thrilling attractions, remarkable shopping, prestigious golf courses, and multiple water recreation options.

As for accessibility, Tampa Bay's user-friendly international airport lies minutes from the convention center and accommodations. A streetcar system connects hotels, sporting events, restaurants, festive marketplaces, and nightlife. Hotel accommodations are plentiful, with 10,000 rooms within 10 minutes of the convention center and the 717-room Marriott Waterside convention center headquarters hotel a few steps across the street from the facility.

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• ISDN lines
• Internet connectivity through DSL anywhere in the building
• Full-color LED screen on outdoor marquee
• Closed-circuit television
• Cybercenter business center
• Full audiovisual capabilities

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• 600,000-square-foot building
• 200,000 square feet of exhibit space (125,000 square feet unobstructed)
• 36 meeting rooms
• 36,000-square-foot ballroom
• 80,000-plus square feet of flexible prefunction space
• Beautiful exterior event space

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tampa Convention Center Phone: (813) 274-7772 Fax: (813) 274-7776 E-mail: mary.rocereto@tampa conventioncenter.com Web site: www.tampaconvention center.com

Walt Disney World Resort

Melds Creativity, High-tech Support

Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration is now in full swing. Driving record-breaking attendance for meetings and conventions, it's a "dream come true" for association planners and other meeting professionals who count on destination appeal to drive attendance.  Hosting an event at Disney opens the door to world-famous creativity and unmatched service blended with state-of-the-art technology. Disney can exceed the expectations of attendees who demand more lightning-fast access and modern amenities as part of their convention experience.

The recently opened Veracruz exhibit hall at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort exemplifies Disney's dedication to technology. Here, planners will find an information-technology backbone that supports virtually any high-tech communications need, including customized LAN, VLAN, WAN, and VPN networking. At 86,000 square feet, the hall also boosts the total function space at Disney's largest convention resort to more than 220,000 square feet, all conveniently located on one level. Attendees and exhibitors will also appreciate having Wi-Fi availability throughout the hall and all public areas. Similar technology is available at all six of its convention resorts. Disney resorts offer full-service support of an on-site telecommunications company.

Complementing the latest technology is an array of exceptional services for planners and attendees - exclusive benefits that are part of the Disney Difference.

One of the newest benefits is Disney's Magical Express. This groundbreaking service provides Disney resort guests with complimentary airport transfers, luggage delivery, and advance airline check-in. Disney's Magical Express eliminates the need for groups to book private shuttles or taxis, saving money.

Another unique advantage for planners is Disney's Exhibitor Concierge. This complimentary service is offered at select resorts and is exhibitors' single source for everything from in-booth support and technology needs to planning assistance for private client events.

Boasting six convention resorts and more than 600,000 square feet of function space, the Walt Disney World Resort is unparalleled for conventions, trade shows, and meetings. The resort is also home to Disney Institute professional development programs, four Theme Parks, championship golf courses, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, two entertainment nighttime entertainment districts, and a complimentary Disney transportation system.

No other destination on Earth compares to the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether yours is an intimate board meeting or an annual event of 10,000, Disney can create a meetings experience that your attendees and you will never forget. 

HIGH-TECH SPECIFICATIONS

• Exclusive on-site technical support
• Fiber-optic cable throughout
• Customized networking including LAN, VLAN, WAN, and VPN
• Dedicated T1, DS3, and OC3 lines
• Gigabit ethernet
• Webcasting and video-conferencing from the show floor via ISDN or IP
• Satellite uplink/downlink
• Wi-Fi Internet access in public areas
• High-Speed Internet access in all guest rooms

CONVENTION CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

• Six spectacular convention resorts offering 5,000+ guest rooms and suites (additional accommodations available at other Disney resorts)
• 600,000+ square feet of function space
• Unforgettable private events in the world-famous Disney Theme Parks
• Disney's Exhibitor Concierge - full-service support exclusively for exhibitors
• Disney's Magical Express - complimentary airport transfers, luggage delivery, and advance airline check-in for all guests 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Walt Disney World Resort P.O. Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 Phone: (321) 939-7107 Fax: (321) 939-7173 E-mail: meetings@disneyworld.com Web site: www.disneymeetings.com