Art and the Convention Center

June 7, 2015

Lisa Apolinski

Lisa Apolinski is a professional speaker, blogger, and digital strategist. With her company, 3DogWrite.com, she works with event managers to get their message to attendees, particularly through digital channels, on and off the show floor.

We all have considered having meeting and events in art and museum galleries, both of which provide a unique atmosphere and exposure to art and culture. 

What has been most notable in recent years is the addition of art into the convention center.  This investment, which is rather substantial, is focused around the attendee experience of the destination while in the venue. 

And there are a few convention centers that have done this remarkably well.

Phoenix Convention Center:  With approximately $3 million in art installed, the Phoenix Convention Center uses art to help bring the beauty of the southwest within the design. The art is a homage to the native environment, and visitors can plan an Artwork Tour while onsite.

Colorado Convention Center:  A 1988 city executive order directs 1 percent of a capital improvement project over $1 million to be set aside for the inclusion of art in the design.  That allows the city to provide art in public places, and support local artists in the process. 

Hawaii Convention Center:  The Hawaii Convention Center utilizes both the indoor and outdoor spaces to bring native Hawaiian art to visitors and locals alike. The art pays tribute to Hawaiian culture and influences, and embodies the spirit of aloha within this destination.

You may be rushing from meeting to show floor to meeting, but take a few minutes out to experience the art installations and get a visual representation of the location’s history and culture. 

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