Anaheim Convention Center Joins 1 Million Sq. ft. Club with Unveiling of New ACC North Building
October 3, 2017
Last week, the Anaheim Convention Center unveiled its biggest and most significant expansion in nearly two decades: ACC North, boasting 200,000 square feet of flexible, two-level meeting and event space.
The addition of the new building officially marks the ACC’s induction into the “1 million-square-foot-club,” increasing its ranking to the 11th largest convention facility in the U.S. and preserving its standing as the largest on the West Coast.
“This is a transformative event for the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Anaheim’s Convention Sports & Entertainment Department. “Not only is this our largest expansion since 2000, it is one of the most significant in terms of the features and innovation it brings to Anaheim.”
Designed in conjunction with Populous architectural firm and Turner Construction Company, the ACC North’s modern design esthetics include a 10,000 sq. ft. balcony overlooking Katella Avenue and Disneyland Resort and a wall of windows that allow natural light to flow through the interior space.
This seventh expansion enlarges the 50-year-old ACC to 1.8 million square feet, with more than one million square feet of exhibit space that allows the facility to not only grow with its largest shows but better meet the needs of a variety of events all under one roof.
ACC North also includes the following features:
- 100,000 sq. ft. of column-free space (on the top level)
- 1,350 new parking spots and new loading docks
- Rigging points spaced 10 x10 ft. on each level and pre-function space totaling more than 2,000 rigging points
- 25-foot ceilings and a climate-controlled pedestrian bridge connection to the convention center
According to Visit Anaheim officials, ACC North has already booked 75 meetings and conventions, including the American Heart Association, Oncology Nursing Society, Society for Science & the Public and the International Society for Technology in Education.
Meetings and events utilizing ACC North are expected to yield approximately 1 million room nights and welcome an estimated 1.1 million attendees to Anaheim and Orange County, according to Visit Anaheim officials.
“This is a historical moment for the Anaheim Convention Center and the City of Anaheim,” said Jay Burress, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim.
He continued, “ACC North delivers on the vision we had to build a modern, expansive space that can be completely customizable for a variety of industries and meeting planner needs. This beautiful new space considerably adds to our client offerings and ability to attract more groups to choose Anaheim.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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