Convention Center Committee - April 4, 2025

CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT COMMITTEE MEETING
April 4, 2025
2:00 p.m.

Present: Katlyn Balstad, Charley Johnson, Mallari Ackerman, Clare Hughes, Joe Raso, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney, Dave Piepkorn, Shannon Full (via video conference), Michelle Turnberg.

Absent: John Strand.

Others Present: Jim Gilmour, Assistant City Attorney Erik Johnson (via video conference), Brenda Derrig, Senior Conference Manager for BBI International Tami Vigness, President/CEO of Visit Overland Park Warren Wilkinson.
Tami Vigness shared her experience with planning international events and her perspective on what is important in Convention Center spaces. She said some of the key things to consider in a Convention Centers are:
• Exhibit Space: Large exhibit spaces (100,000-200,000 sq. ft.) are crucial.
• Ballroom and Meeting Room Space: Flexible spaces with air walls are highly desirable.
• Logistics:
 Adequate loading space and access for trucks.
 Easy access to ballroom space for AV and production.
 Advanced warehouse availability for off-site storage.
• Infrastructure:
 Column-free exhibit halls are preferred.
 Power drops in the floor (every 20 ft.) are more convenient.
 Built-in signage (digital signage) is a plus.
• Networking:
 Spaces conducive to networking events with bars and comfortable seating.
• Amenities:
 Charging stations.
• Proximity:
 Proximity to full-service hotels, restaurants and attractions is essential.
• Communication:
 Communication with local vendors regarding large events to ensure adequate staffing.
The group discussed the importance of advanced warehouse space and the availability of warehouses in Fargo.
Commissioner Turnberg raised the importance of spaces conducive to networking events and charging stations.
Ms. Vigness emphasized the importance of a convention center's proximity to hotels, restaurants and attractions in addition to the importance of helpful and flexible staff and venue flexibility.
In response to a question from Joe Raso regarding the ideal distance to retail and entertainment options, Ms. Vigness suggested within a half-mile radius, but safety and weather should be considered.
In response to a question from Shannon Full about the economic engine component of the Convention Center and the relationship between the Convention Center and the development of surrounding retail and restaurants, Ms. Vigness said that “if you build it they will come” but also said it is nice to have some things already available and accessible.
Warren Wilkinson provided an overview of the Overland Park Convention Center and its surrounding development.
• The Overland Park Convention Center is a 100,000 sq. ft. facility connected to a 412-room hotel.
• The center has 60,000 sq. ft. of show space and 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
• The hotel is managed by Marriott International, the Convention Center by Oak View Group (OVG360) and catering by Aramark.
He suggested that having one entity manage all aspects (hotel, Convention Center and catering) is more efficient. He said Convention Centers should be viewed as economic engines to drive overnight visitation. He said the meeting planning cycle has shortened, requiring a faster sales approach and sporting events can drive significant economic impact. He emphasized the importance of a complete package for meeting planners. He said it is important to be intentional about the development around the convention center, including retail, dining and entertainment, to create a successful convention district. A hotel adjacent to a convention center is a must, he said.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn regarding key elements to include in the project, Mr. Wilkinson said his recommendations would be that an attached hotel is very important and having a single operator for the hotel, convention center and catering is ideal. He also said an adjacent entertainment district with restaurants, retail and bars is helpful. He said that he would recommend creating a sense of place to drive demand.
In response to a question from Commissioner Piepkorn asking about the importance of expandability, Mr. Wilkinson said creating space for future expansion is smart, but building it before it is needed is not ideal. He said creating a destination with meeting space, a hotel and entertainment should be prioritized.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:01 p.m.