Come Discover Close to $1 Billion in New Experiences
COLUMBUS T 112
HERE ARE A NUMER OF REA- sons why 2012 will be an impor- tant year for Columbus. Not only will the city celebrate its bicentennial, but Columbus will cement its burgeoning status as a top-tier convention destination with the debut of close to $1 bil- lion in expansions and enhance-
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WELL CONNECTED: Columbus makes afford- ability and connectiv- ity between meeting facilities, hotels, and entertainment districts a main priority. As a
ments, including everything from a convention-cen- ter-connected hotel in downtown to a casino on the West Side. Topping off the year of grand debuts, the $140-million Hilton Columbus Downtown will open in late 2012 with a glass skywalk directly con- nected to the Greater Columbus Convention Cen- ter. The 532-room, full-service hotel will offer meet- ing planners 22,800 square feet of meeting space, in addition to the 1.7 million square feet at the Greater Columbus Convention Center next door, which renovated its 74,000-square-foot Battelle Grand multifunc- tional space in 2010. New parks and green spaces are brightening up downtown
result, the city is emerg- ing as a destination of choice for meetings and conventions.
AT A GLANCE
Columbus as well. Columbus Commons opened in 2011 with a nine-acre outdoor park, and, just two blocks south, the new Sci- oto Mile includes a one-mile stretch of green space along the Columbus riverfront. Visitors can also stroll the Short North Arts District, known for its funky galleries, hip restaurants, and lively bars, or opt for the nonstop nightlife of the Arena District — both within walking distance of the convention center. Another night- life option will soon debut: the Hollywood Casino Columbus. With 3,000 slot machines, live poker, and 70 table games, the casino complex will open in late 2012 with plenty of bar and restaurant options as well. In addition to new enhancements for meetings, Columbus is
making a name for itself as an emerging destination for other spe- cialty travel markets, including GLBT visitors. And the press is taking notice: Forbes recently named Columbus one of the top 10 shop- ping cities in the U.S., and a number of journalists have noted that the independent and entrepreneurial spirit which drives Columbus has also produced one of the most innovative culinary and arts scenes in the country. n
pcma convene November 2011
Convention facilities: The Greater Columbus Convention Center has 1.7 million square feet of total available space and 65 meet- ing rooms. Five exhibit halls offer 336,000 square feet of contiguous space, or 410,000 square feet when including the Battelle Grand mul- tifunctional space. Guest rooms: 23,076 citywide and 3,800 downtown, including the new Hilton Columbus Downtown Attractions: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Center of Science and Industry, Short North Arts District, Arena District, Nationwide Arena (home to the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team), and Huntington Park (home to the Columbus Clippers basketball team)