Cleveland’s I-X Center Opens Doors to Outside Contractors for Trade Shows
February 3, 2018
For the past 30 years, the 9th largest convention center in the United States hasn’t permitted outside contractors, until now.
Cleveland, Ohio’s 2.2 million square foot I-X Center now will allow trade shows to utilize outside decorating providers specializing in exhibitor services and experience.
Since 1985, the I-X Center exclusively has provided on-site services, which covered all facets of decorator services for trade shows and large corporate events.
The new policy, effective immediately, provides new opportunities for the convention center and planners worldwide.
“After conversations with potential tradeshow partners and outside contractors, we felt this change in philosophy makes sense not only for our business, but also to allow clients to maintain existing relationships with their current service provider,” said Lisa Vo, I-X Center’s executive vice president.
She added, “Our goal is to offer an option in Cleveland to trade shows that previously wouldn’t consider the city.”
With this change in philosophy, the I-X Center still maintains its long-time reputation of outstanding customer service along with the ease and flexibility of a top 10 convention center.
Conveniently located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the I-X Center offers 1 million square feet of exhibition and conference space, which includes 845,000 contiguous square feet on one level.
Surrounding the building are 30 truck doors, plus seven over-size drive-in doors for added convenience and 55’ to 77’ ceilings for easy move-in of oversized equipment.
“It is exciting to learn that the I-X Center will now be an open building,” said Richard L. Maples, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Shepard.
He added, “This philosophical change now gives exposition organizers another great option in the Midwest especially with the size of the I-X Center. We look forward to developing a great partnership with them in the near future.”
The I-X Center has hosted more than 1,500 events attracting 50 million visitors during the last 30+ years, including the Cleveland Auto Show, The Great Big Home and Garden Show and Ceramics Expo.
The convention center also self-produces five Signature Events annually including: I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama, I-X Christmas Connection, I-X Trick or Treat Street, I-X Indoor Amusement Park and I-X Get Fit, which provides them a unique decorating insight into making a show successful.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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