Cincinnati’s bold move to keep big events during convention centre renovations

Thursday, March 7, 2024

During a recent gathering on Wednesday, Cincinnati’s tourism officials unveiled Meetings Made Cincy, an innovative initiative aimed at sustaining the region’s ability to host large-scale events despite the upcoming temporary shutdown of the Duke Energy Convention Center. The initiative seeks to consolidate major vendors within a single venue, offering a platform for event planners from a diverse array of industries to explore the region’s alternative venues and the wealth of opportunities the Tri-State area has to offer.

Acknowledging the impending closure of the convention center, Julie Calvert, the President and CEO of the initiative, emphasized that the region remains an active and strong contender in the convention industry. The Duke Energy Convention Center is slated for an 18-month closure later this year to facilitate a comprehensive $200 million renovation, with construction kicking off on July 1 and expected to conclude by the end of 2025.

The event showcased a wide array of vendors, including Delta Airlines, the Sharonville Convention Center, Rhinegeist Brewery Private Events, 3CDC, and several key hotels from the Cincinnati area. Notably, the Sharonville Convention Center has recently expanded its exhibit space, following significant renovations.

Calvert articulated that the purpose of the event was to amalgamate the region’s various venues and opportunities, offering a one-stop-shop for event planners from sectors such as health care, education, and business, among others. She further indicated that Wednesday’s gathering marked the commencement of a broader initiative, which is anticipated to include additional events of this nature.

While the renovation of the convention center is viewed by many as a necessary step to rejuvenate the region’s facilities and enhance its competitiveness, there are concerns regarding the temporary impact on downtown’s vibrancy. Calvert conceded that the closure might result in the loss of some city-wide convention business but stressed that such impacts would be minimal, with the focus firmly on the long-term benefits.

Calvert cited a study estimating that the renovations would generate an additional $48 million a year in new convention business. In the meantime, she highlighted the city’s other attractions, including music venues, theaters, and cultural institutions, as compelling reasons for planners to consider Cincinnati during the convention center’s closure.

In essence, Cincinnati’s tourism officials are proactively addressing the challenges posed by the convention center’s temporary shutdown by showcasing the region’s capacity to host large-scale events through the Meetings Made Cincy initiative. This approach not only maintains the city’s relevance in the convention sector but also underscores its commitment to future growth and prosperity.

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