Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Chooses Headquarter Hotel Partner
December 20, 2016
The Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority (GIMTCA), which governs the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center (SITCC), has selected Songy Highroads, LLC., in partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts, to develop a convention headquarters hotel.
It will be located on Hutchison Island adjacent to the riverfront convention center, which is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA).
The next step of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the GIMTCA board at its Dec. 14 meeting, is to work through development agreements, said Sherrie Spinks, SITCC’s General Manager.
The hotel project will feature at least 300 guest rooms and serve to complement events at the SITCC and greater Savannah area, according to the Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposal (RFQ/RFP) filed by GWCCA on behalf of GIMTCA.
It is also envisioned that the project will spur additional development in the area and create new demand for bookings at the SITCC, which features 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, 50,000 square feet of meeting space (four executive board rooms and 13 meeting rooms), a 367-seat state-of-the-art Oglethorpe Auditorium and a 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom.
GIMTCA also announces today its intention to pursue expansion of the convention facility by creating 100,000 square feet of additional exhibit space, more meeting space and another ballroom (50,000 square feet). Various market studies commissioned by GIMTCA in recent years have supported pursuing a convention hotel to enhance the SITCC and that it is also time to expand the facility.
The intention of both Authorities is to develop the hotel without public financing.
Additionally, the hotel will be designed to operate efficiently and use environmentally-sustainable architecture, construction and technology.
Atlanta-based Songy Highroads is a commercial real estate firm that focuses primarily on urban infill projects with particular emphasis in the office and hotel sectors.
The company’s current hotel projects include Hyatt Place Houston and Hyatt Regency Houston in Texas, Hyatt Regency Fairfax, Va. and Sheraton Metairie Galleria, New Orleans. Past hotel projects include the Marriott Residence Inn in Atlanta, Wyndham Vinings in suburban Atlanta, Dallas Hilton Garden Inn Market Center and Starwood Aloft Galleria, Houston, and Hyatt Place Washington, DC.
Omni Hotels & Resorts Convention Collection features world-class hotels near, or connected to, convention centers or other major venues, some of which include the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, Omni Dallas Hotel, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Omni Shoreham Hotel in D.C., and the Omni Providence Hotel in Rhode Island.
Additionally, Omni has two resorts in the southeast region – Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, 130 miles south of Savannah, and Omni Hilton Head which is 30 miles to the northeast.
The GWCCA has managed the SITCC under contract with GIMTCA since April 2014. GIMTCA approved a three-year extension of that agreement at its Aug. 10 board meeting. The partnership connects the state’s top two tourist destinations.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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