This spring, U.S. convention and event venues announced new and expanded partnerships, sustainability and cultural accomplishments, and ongoing expansion projects. Here’s our latest roundup of venue news to keep you in the loop.
ASM Global Ditches Plastic, Extends Naming Rights Deal
At the Acura Grand Prix, ASM World Proceedings launched its partnership with r.World introduce reusable service items into locations across the ASM GlobalThe North American portfolio of 93 convention centers. It will be inaugurated in April at Long Beach Convention and Entertainment CenterThe initiative will soon expand to other locations across the country.
Overview: TThe implementation of reusable products is a key element of ASM Global’s Sustainable Development Goals Announced for 2023which include eliminating single-use plastic at the door, according to officials ASM World Proceedingsthe corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform of venue manager and live experience producer ASM Global.
Pass: r.World offers simple, turnkey, and cost-effective reusable alternatives—including r.Cup reusable cups and r.Ware reusable food containers—to replace single-use disposable products. The company works with artists and brands around the world to eradicate single-use waste at concert and sports venues, corporate campuses, theaters, aquariums, zoos, and cultural institutions across the country.
What they say : “Through r.World’s reusable cup program, the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center has become a shining example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of large-scale events,” said Robert Smit, General Manager of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
On May 7, ASM Global entered into a $1.8 million agreement with the City of Worcester, Massachusetts and DCU – Digital Credit Union to extend the naming rights partnership for the DCU Center arena and convention centre until 30 June 2027, with the option for DCU to extend the agreement for a further seven years.
Offer conditions: In addition to the base naming rights fee of $1.8 million for the three-year term, payable in advance, the agreement includes annual incentive bonuses tied to performance metrics. The new contract will include enhanced marketing opportunities for both parties and on-site activations exclusively for DCU members.
Why is this important: Visitors will notice a DCU-branded photo area for high school and college graduations, a designated arena mural to showcase its charitable foundation DCU for Kids, and the rebranding and modernization of the convention center’s Showcase Overlook area for the benefit of event attendees. The agreement calls for the credit union
Pass: DCU became the naming rights partner for the facility in October 2004 with the official launch on 1 March 2005. The initial 10-year agreement was extended in May 2014 for a further 10 years.
What they say : “Since the beginning of our partnership, DCU Center has continued to develop a diverse event offering, assisted the city with strategic capital investments, and evolved to create a dynamic and engaging environment for arena and convention center attendees,” said Sandy Dunn, DCU Center General Manager. “DCU’s commitment to its members aligns with our goal of ensuring the comfort of our guests is our top priority.”
Los Angeles Convention Center Goes Greener, Unveils New Artwork
THE Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) has made another step forward in sustainability. Owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by ASM GlobalThe place has obtained the certification of certified green enterprise within the framework of the California Green Business Network.
Pass: Funded by contributions from local governments and utility partners, Green Certified businesses must exceed all state environmental regulations and implement specific practices to reduce pollution, conserve water, conserve energy and protect human health. The network includes local programs run by counties and cities across California that are dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.
Why is this important: During the LACC certification process, the organization rigorously evaluated the facility’s operations, focusing on key areas including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention, and after a thorough assessment and implementation of sustainable measures, the convention center was found to have met and exceeded the network’s rigorous criteria, according to LACC officials.
What they say : “The entire process with LASAN (LA Sanitation Department) and USGBC-LA helped identify potential areas of improvement to help the Los Angeles Convention Center on its path to carbon neutrality,” said Kimberly Weedmark, LACC Executive Director. “It allowed us to highlight small changes we can make immediately and gave us long-term goals in all areas to work toward as we work toward a zero-waste building in the City of Los Angeles.”
The downtown Los Angeles venue has also recently become home to new artworks from renowned South African artists. Marco OlivierOffering a unique blend of South African heritage and contemporary artistic expression, the artworks were initially showcased at the LA Art Show 2024 and have been widely acclaimed for their intricate craftsmanship and profound storytelling that speaks to the human experience.
What they say : “We are thrilled to welcome these incredible works of art and showcase them to all of our guests who come through our doors,” said Weedmark. “The Convention Center is a place where communities come together and connect. We hope these works will further foster and inspire those connections.”
OVG launches into mobile
The city of Mobile, Alabama, has approved plans to modernize its meeting and event venue offerings with the help of a venue development, management and hosting company. Oak View Group (OVG) and live entertainment company Nation Live.
Why is this important: In March, Mobile City Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced plans to demolish the aging building. Mobile Civic Center and is partnering with OVG and Live Nation to build a new state-of-the-art civic arena. The contract approved by the Mobile City Council also calls on OVG’s expertise to operate and enhance two other Mobile venues: the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center and history Saenger Theatre.
Vision: Under the agreement with the city of Mobile, OVG will prioritize performance at both venues, invest in facility improvements and establish a maintenance fund from a dedicated percentage of ticket sales and reservations.
What they say : “We are thrilled that the city has trusted Oak View Group as their partner to reinvigorate the Mobile Convention Center and Saenger Theater,” said Greg O’Dell, president of venue management at OVG360. “Our priority is to manage a smooth transition process (and our team is meeting) with existing staff as part of our onboarding process to ensure there is no disruption to service for our customers and guests. Additionally, we look forward to meeting with all customers, current and new, as we enhance the customer experience and support the surrounding community.”
Raleigh Convention Center Expansion Set to Begin
In April, the Raleigh Convention Center (RCC) announced the completion of its expansion construction and design team through two additional partnerships.
Why is this important: The expansion will increase the RCC’s footprint by another block, with a sister site Red Hat Amphitheatre The project includes a slight shift to the south and the installation of pedestrian bridges. The expansion is expected to add 80,000 square feet of flexible space and 30 additional meeting rooms to the RCC. To support its visitors, Omni Hotels & Resorts is expected to open a 550-room hotel nearby in 2027.
Deal done: Clancy & Theys, Skanska, DA Everett Joint Venture acting as construction manager joins international architecture firm TVS and local partner RATIO Design to design and build the project, while the Cumming Group team and their partner MWBE Cate Services will act as owner’s representative.
Looking forward:The Red Hat Amphitheatre relocation is expected to be completed in 2026 and the RCC expansion in 2028, according to RCC officials.
What they say : “Our vision for this expansion is to create a space that can be something for everyone – welcoming, accessible, smart and convenient,” said Kerry Painter, executive director of The Complex, the Raleigh-based convention and entertainment venue group that includes the RCC, Red Hat Amphitheatre, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Walnut Creek.
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