Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1039775
B M & T ••• September/October 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 11 CENTER OF ATTENTION T he Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an extraordinary 2.3 million-sq. ft. conventions and meetings facility, is equipped to handle events of all sizes, from small groups and break-out meet- ings to events for 500 to 42,000 atten- dees. One of the most energy-efficient buildings for its size, the Convention Center includes a range of mixed-use exhibit spaces, 198,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space with a total of 77 break- out rooms and the largest ballroom in the region. Whatever the size of the event, the service of the Convention Center staff is unparalleled. Meeting and event planners can mold all 703,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space inside the convention center into whatever shape they need. Within its two levels and five exhibit halls is a 473,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall that can be subdivided into three rooms, and a 52,000-sq. ft. ballroom. The space is versatile enough to accommodate events of all sizes. An extraordinary building in a powerful city, the Convention Center, which is owned and operated by Events DC, offers an event planner unprecedented flexibility to create a unique experience. Planners will be happy to learn about the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, connected to the convention center and featuring 1,175 rooms and 49 suites, and more than 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including a 30,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, two 10,800-sq. ft. ballrooms, more than 53,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms, and a 2,500-sq. ft. rooftop terrace. The dazzling property is majority owned by African-American developer Norman Jenkins. The Walter E. Washington Conven- tion Center has the largest digital sig- nage network of its kind in any confer- ence facility in the United States with over 200 digital signage displays located throughout the facility. In the last two years, the convention center has significantly expanded its dig- ital signage program adding 12 new LED video walls, a two-story curved video wall at the Concourse Rotunda, video walls above the exhibit halls and digital flags in front of the salons. The new video walls have resonated with customers since their installation, recording 90% usage of Priority 1 and Priority 2 shows. Another new technology feature, vir- tual reality, uses 360-degree and 3D imagery allowing you to preview your experience inside the venue before book- ing and complimentary WiFi access allows attendees to engage with real-time information. Fall 2018 kicks off a series of fresh renovations for the convention cen- ter. Upgrades include a grand lobby refresh, enhanced digital signage, a streetscape plan and a "mamava pod" for nursing mothers. The grand lobby refresh initiative is geared towards optimizing the public spaces in the convention center by mak- ing them more flexible, user-friendly and tech-forward. Improvements are expect- ed to be completed within a year or so. Events DC's streetscape plans will transform the facade of the convention center, enrich the sidewalks and enhance the exterior streetscape along 9th, N and 7th Street while also intro- ducing new lighting, signage, canopies and furniture. The plans will further brand the revitalized Shaw neighbor- hood as a convention and entertain- ment district and one of the hottest neighborhoods in DC. For more information, contact Events DC at (202) 249-3000 or http://eventsdc.com WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER