Expanded Anaheim Convention Center Attracts Multi-Year Event Bookings

August 16, 2018

Thanks to the flexibility and modern allure of the newly expanded Anaheim Convention Center, trade shows including the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and Natural Products Expo West have booked the facility for multiple years. 

Completed in September of last year, the ACC expansion provides an additional 200,000 square feet of meeting space allowing for an even greater variety of event uses at what is known as the West Coast’s largest convention center.

Having met in Anaheim for almost 40 years, NAMM will make ACC its home through 2023. The association’s 2018 show in the expanded space was the largest in its 117-year history with a record-setting 115,000 attendees – a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year. 

For its future winter shows, NAMM has secured peak January dates when attendees from across the nation are especially interested in meeting in Southern California to escape cold weather.

“Our members travel from 140 countries to attend NAMM and look forward to coming to Anaheim to advance global trade in the music and sound products industry, attend the NAMM U educational sessions and to network with friends and peers,” explained Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO.

He continued, Like NAMM, the convention center has grown over the years and we’ve expanded our activities to create a true ‘crossroads’ of the music industry. The Anaheim community has been a great partner and for me personally, having been attending NAMM since 1983, it feels like ‘coming home’ each January!”

The expanded facility also helped Anaheim’s meeting package fulfill the growing needs of Natural Products Expo West. Produced by Natural Hope Media, the 2018 edition of the show at the ACC helped enable a 5.8 percent increase in exhibitors and an 8.5 percent spike in attendance. 

As a result, the show has committed to meeting in Anaheim through 2022. 

“Natural Products Expo West is the gathering place for the rapidly growing natural products industry and a launching pad for industry innovation and trend-setting,” said Lacey Gautier, show director for Natural Products Expo. 

She continued, “The 2018 show was the most successful yet with our much-anticipated expansion into the Anaheim Convention Center’s North Halls and we’re looking forward to future years of continued growth in Anaheim. In addition to the expanded exhibit space, the Anaheim Campus provides many unique and spacious venues for our growing audience. With a robust education program and networking opportunities throughout the week, we are able to offer an enhanced forum for community engagement.”

ACC hosts an average of nearly one million attendees each year. Thanks to its recent expansion, the center officially joined the “1 million-square-foot-club,” becoming the 11thlargest convention center in the U.S.

 

Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.