Utah Valley Convention Center Set for Grand Opening

Downtown Provo has a new tenant to complement the economic growth of the city. The Utah Valley Convention Center opens this Saturday, May 12. Construction on the new building began in June 2010.

The building is LEED Silver certified for its green design, construction, operation and maintenance. It is 143,000 square feet in total, with 83,578 square feet of combined meeting, pre-function and garden space, and a full-service kitchen. It was carefully planned out to provide complete in-house services including food & beverage, audio visual, internet, electrical and tradeshow decorating services. And, conveniently, walls and rooms are adjustable to fit the sizing requirements for any event.

The Utah Valley Convention Center is the first of its kind in the area, and the UVCVB projects the total economic impact will be approximately $18 million, generated by events and activities.

“We’ll be able to host events that normally wouldn’t have thought of coming to Utah County because now we have a center that can hold true convention groups,” said Tennille Wanner, director of sales & marketing for Global Spectrum. “It will bring more out of town guests to the area, which will bring more shopping. It creates an economic impact that has to do with tourism and dining and entertainment.”

The center is managed by Global Spectrum, owned by Utah County and located in Provo at 220 Ws. Center Street. Utah County’s partners in this effort include Salt Lake City architect MHTN, Kansas City, MO. designer Populous, Okland Construction and worldwide venue management company Global Spectrum. 

Global Spectrums Director of Operations Scott Kavanaugh said, “I have worked in numerous convention centers and few compare in overall elegance and appeal. Populous and MHTN have done an excellent job tying in the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the downtown Provo feel. We can’t wait to add to what has already been done for this great facility.”

(5.10.12)