LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER TO GET $10 MILLION MAKEOVER

Designed to enhance the customer experience and help attract new shows, the year-long transformation begins next month, with work to occur around shows and events in the building. 
The numerous interior aesthetic and facility systems enhancements include:

• Installing a new, energy efficient solar-ready “cool roof” on the South Hall and Concourse Hall
• Rolling out new carpet throughout the Center, including the Concourse Hall, Concourse Walkway, and hall lobby areas
• Overhauling parking systems to provide more automated options and speedier entrance and exit times
• Completely remodeling the 299-seat Theater and upgrading AV capabilities to accommodate a wide variety of current and next-generation technology options
• Installing the latest in energy-efficient and noise-reducing air handling units
• Upgrading air walls, IT infrastructure, lighting systems and numerous operating systems 
• “The planned changes inside the convention center complement the changes taking place outside the Center including new hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural offerings throughout Downtown L.A.,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., President and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism). “Every aspect of Downtown Los Angeles is on the move and it’s fueling L.A.’s surging popularity as a meetings and convention destination.” 

The makeover builds upon the new services, amenities and policies instituted late last year by AEG Facilities after becoming the private operator of the LACC, including: the “Taste of L.A.” signature food and beverage experience in partnership with Levy Restaurants; the introduction of Southern California organic coffee brewer Groundwork Coffee Company to operate the stand-alone coffee shop locations; partnering with Encore Event Technologies to provide expert AV support; and opening up options for electrical services. 

“All of the exciting changes at the LACC demonstrate the commitment this City has to its convention center,” said Brad Gessner, General Manager of the LACC and Senior Vice President of Convention Centers for AEG Facilities, the new operator of the LACC. “We’re elevating the systems and services we offer across the board and enhancing our position as a competitive meetings and conventions destination.” 

The LACC is also preparing for its first expansion in more than 20 years. This expansion will either occur as part of the development of a new stadium or as a stand-alone development project, pending a decision later this year on whether or not Los Angeles will be awarded a professional football team. 

Currently, Los Angeles is enjoying a strong convention year in 2014 with 28 citywide conventions booked into the Los Angeles Convention Center, approaching decade-high performance.

In 2013, Los Angeles welcomed a record-breaking 42.2 million visitors from around the globe, making it one of the most visited destinations in the United States. L.A. reached record hotel occupancy in 2013 at 76.8%, and saw a record 27.2 million hotel rooms sold. The destination is driving to 50 million visitors by 2020, with tourism boosting the local economy to keep local businesses strong, and leading the way in local job creation. 
About The Los Angeles Convention Center

Operated by AEG Facilities, the Los Angeles Convention Center attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually and is renowned internationally as a prime site for conventions, trade shows and exhibitions. An integral economic component to the Southern California area, total sales from client secondary spending tops $1.1 billion annually, sustaining over 12,000 local jobs. LACC is a model environmental-friendly facility, holding the prestigious US Green Building Council’s LEED-EB GOLD Certification. For more information, please visit lacclink.com.

About AEG Facilities
AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, is the leading sports, entertainment and venue operator in the world. AEG Facilities, a stand-alone affiliate of AEG, owns, operates or consults with more than 100 of the industry’s preeminent venues worldwide, across five continents, providing complete venue management, as well as specialized programs in operations, guest services, ticketing, booking, sales and marketing. For more information, please visit aegworldwide.com.

About the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) was created in 1977 as a private, not-for-profit business association responsible for developing leisure and meetings business for the economic benefit of the community. It is recognized as the official sales and marketing organization for Los Angeles. For more information about meetings and conventions in Los Angeles, visit discoverlosangeles.com/meetLA.

Media Contacts: 
Susan Lomax
Vice President, Communications
LA Tourism
213-236-2397
fax: 213-624-9746
slomax@LATourism.org

Matt Myerhoff
Corporate Communications Manager
LA Tourism
213-236-2357
fax: 213-624-9746
mmyerhoff@LATourism.org

Ellen Schwartz
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
AEG Facilities
213-765-4600 
eschwartz@LACCLink.com