Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center Re-signs with Smart City
January 24, 2016
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in Houston has extended its partnership with Smart City for an additional 5 years after a competitive bid process.
The new contract will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the organization’s technology provider since 1995.
“Smart City has worked hard to provide the most high-quality services throughout its history with the George R. Brown Convention Center, and we look forward to building on our services at the iconic venue for many years to come,” Haley said.
Under the extended contract, Smart City will continue to offer temporary electrical and plumbing services for all of the venue’s events.
This contract does not include telecommunications services for the facility, which are provided under a separate contract.
The contract includes a number of infrastructure upgrades, which will provide additional support for the upcoming large-scale events at the venue, including the 2017 Super Bowl and the 2016 NCAA Final Four.
These upgrades are provided under both an initial capital fund as well as a post-construction fund received by Houston First Corporation, the convention center’s management company.
“We have worked with Smart City for the past 20 years and are pleased to continue this relationship with them,” said Luther Villagomez, COO, convention center district.
He added, “It is with the support of partner vendors like Smart City that we at the GRB are able to provide the quality and continuity of service our clients deserve and expect.”
Spanning more than five blocks, the GRBCC hosts a wide range of events each year, including the annual NAPE Summit, Comicpalooza, the Houston Marathon and more. Houston First Corporation is currently expanding the Houston Convention District surrounding the convention center.
This large-scale project will provide the facility with a second connected headquarter hotel, a new grand entrance, restaurants, a pedestrian plaza, a concourse connecting exhibit halls and a parking garage linked to a 10-story office tower.
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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