AMERICAS – International convention facility and entertainment centre management company, AEG Facilities, has been appointed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to operate the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC).
The current HCC operator is SMG Hawaii, which has held the contract since the venue’s opening in 1998 and will manage the HCC through to December 2013 with AEG’s contract commencing 1 January 2014.
“This announcement represents the rebirth of the Convention Center for a new era in Hawaii,” says President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Mike McCartney. “Our three priorities are to focus on further strengthening our ‘Meet Hawaii’ sales and marketing strategies; realigning HCC’s operations and management to elevate the facility’s global presence; and enhancing and expanding the function, use, and service beyond a traditional convention centre.
“While the total tax revenue of the HCC has covered the cost of operations over the years, the HTA believes there is an opportunity to perform at a more optimal level.
“AEG Facilities will be responsible for boosting and optimising usage of the facility. Their global presence and influence will be a tremendous asset in increasing bookings and drawing international visitors for Hawaii’s growing MCI market, which is in line with the HTA’s strategic plan for diversification and sustainability of Hawaii’s tourism economy.”
Bob Newman, President of AEG Facilities, added: “We are honoured to have been selected by the HTA to manage the HCC. We are truly excited to partner with the HTA and all of the hospitality stakeholders to build on the foundation in place and attract new and diverse events to the facility.”
AEG and its affiliates, including AEG Ogden, currently operates several convention centres in Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Oman and Qatar. In its first year of operation, the Qatar National Convention Centre was awarded the Middle East’s Leading Convention and Exhibition Centre at the 2012 World Travel Awards in Dubai.
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