Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center Re-signs with Smart City

January 24, 2016

The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in Houston has extended its partnership with Smart City for an additional 5 years after a competitive bid process.

The new contract will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the organization’s technology provider since 1995.

“Smart City has worked hard to provide the most high-quality services throughout its history with the George R. Brown Convention Center, and we look forward to building on our services at the iconic venue for many years to come,” Haley said.

Under the extended contract, Smart City will continue to offer temporary electrical and plumbing services for all of the venue’s events.

This contract does not include telecommunications services for the facility, which are provided under a separate contract.

The contract includes a number of infrastructure upgrades, which will provide additional support for the upcoming large-scale events at the venue, including the 2017 Super Bowl and the 2016 NCAA Final Four.

These upgrades are provided under both an initial capital fund as well as a post-construction fund received by Houston First Corporation, the convention center’s management company.

“We have worked with Smart City for the past 20 years and are pleased to continue this relationship with them,” said Luther Villagomez, COO, convention center district.

He added, “It is with the support of partner vendors like Smart City that we at the GRB are able to provide the quality and continuity of service our clients deserve and expect.”

Spanning more than five blocks, the GRBCC hosts a wide range of events each year, including the annual NAPE Summit, Comicpalooza, the Houston Marathon and more. Houston First Corporation is currently expanding the Houston Convention District surrounding the convention center.

This large-scale project will provide the facility with a second connected headquarter hotel, a new grand entrance, restaurants, a pedestrian plaza, a concourse connecting exhibit halls and a parking garage linked to a 10-story office tower.

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