Lecture Hall seats: 1,400

Total breakout rooms: 80

Edward Jones Dome at America’s Center

Total exhibit space: 162,000 square feet

Fixed seats: 67,000

pen duringtheir stay. Prior to the event, theCVCtouches base with each client tomakesure theyhave everythingneeded for the conference. Staffersmakecourtesy visits to the host hotelwhen the meeting starts to ensure that things get off on the right foot, then followupwithaphone call after the meetingtodiscusshow thingswentandwhether changes are needed for future meetings. Planners also can obtain electronic images for promotion-

al use; a link to the official St. Louis website, www.explore stlouis.com; online access to the CVC’s Membership Services Directory; and a publicity questionnaire that provides con- vention information to the St. Louis media. Leads for products and services can be sent to member businesses at planners’ request, and theCVCassistswith coordinatingprofessionally trained, friendly personnel to handle on-site registration needs. TheCVCalso offers a variety ofcomplimentary services and

publications tomeetingplanners hostingsmall and single-hotel meetings.Tohelpattendees enhance their experience in the Gate- way City, the commission provides the Official St. LouisVisi- tors Guide in bulk quantities, alongwith maps, electronic post- cards, a destination video, an “attractions highlights” flyer, and posters that build convention awareness and attendance.Most importantly, every meeting and group—nomatter the size —gets awarmwelcome to the Gateway City. In St. Louis, meetingplanners can enjoy a variety of complimentary services, whether they’re planning a one-hotel meeting, a citywide convention, or some- thingin between. Currently, St. Louis’ America’s Center convention complex is in the midst of a three-year improvement plan that includes more than $48 million in updates and renovations. Recently com- pleted projects include the installation of more than 700newsigns, energy-efficient signage lighting, upgraded elevators, and new security cameras. America’s Center Catering will be

working in a completely redesigned kitchen by this month. The new upgrad- ed and expanded cookingand food-prep areas will be able to support produc-

www.pcma.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call (800) 325- 7962, or visit www.explore stlouis.com.

tion at any level, asnewmechanical, electrical, and plumbinginfras- tructure has been installed to support the renovated kitchen. All- new kitchen equipment is Energy Star–labeled for maximum energy efficiency. Additionally, more than 23,000 square yards of new carpeting will be installedin the ballroom, prefunction area, second-floor gallery, and meeting rooms.Newenergy-efficient lighting will be installed, and painting/finishing improve- ments will bemade in all meetingspaces. By June, the building will have eight new esca- lators, offering improved reliability, energy

efficiency, and a variety of safety enhancements. Escalator instal- lation is beingcoordinated in phases in order to minimize impact on the facility and conventions. Finally, 19 sets of restrooms throughout America’s Center’s

exhibit halls andmeeting spaces will be completely guttedandren- ovated toADAstandards this winter and spring. Each will feature newfinishes and fixtures, includingwater-conserving fixtures com- pliant with EPAct 2005 and energy-efficient lighting.

CONVENTION CENTER HIGHLIGHTS America’s Center Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis and steps away from area hotels and attractions, including the landmark Gateway Arch, America’s Center also offers a light-rail station connecting to both terminals at Lambert–St. Louis International Airport. The 2.7-million-square-foot America’s Center complex offers 502,000 square feet of exhibition space in six contiguous halls.

The Center’s meeting space includes the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre, with a per- manent stage; a 28,000-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate 2,200 peo- ple; 80 flexible meeting rooms; the St. Louis Executive Conference Center (for pri- vate meetings of up to 100 people); and the 67,000-seat Edward Jones Dome.

Area-wide, St. Louis offers nearly 38,000 hotel sleeping rooms. More than 7,800 rooms are within a mile of the convention center. More than 20 area hotels each offer more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

Edward Jones Dome at America’s Center The Edward Jones Dome is the first multipurpose facility in the nation designed primarily as a convention site. Its 162,000 square feet of prime exhibit space con- nects directly to the five other America’s Center exhibit halls to create a seam- less 502,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space.

Specially designed retractable lights, seats, and other engineering features allow the Dome to transform easily from general-session or exhibit space to a football field or concert venue.

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