Spokane Convention Center Unveils $55 Million Expansion
April 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space.
Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side.
"The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is being able to share this important new chapter in Spokane's story with meeting planners and groups who we may not have been able to reach before."
The expansion takes full advantage of the riverfront location, offering meeting space with floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of natural light. The riverbank was also transformed with landscaping featuring native plants and nature-friendly habitats that are getting a nod from the local environmental groups.
“The facility is beautiful and it takes great advantage of the proximity to our beautiful river," Backsen said. "We are confident that planners will be very impressed with what we now have to offer."
The expansion maintains the convention center’s Silver LEED certification.
Currently, the convention center is adjacent to 384-room Double Tree Spokane City Center hotel, but by June it also will be connected by a skywalk to a brand new 716-room Marriott.
Local authorities hope that the expansion will allow the facility to compete for larger meetings and conventions particularly in the categories of science, education, engineering, hobby and religion.
First feedback from client has been very positive. Spokane Ag Expo, which recently wrapped up its annual event at the convention center, was pleased to be able to bring it under one roof.
“The Ag Expo filled every inch of space in the expanded convention center,” Backsen said. “They were even able to expand their show to maximum capacity. They were very, very pleased and, of course, so are we!"
Other favorable comments highlight the fact that the north side of the convention center is all glass and looks out over the Spokane River. The natural light, the huge number of breakout rooms, the adjacency to the Spokane River, these all are some of the very positive comments we've heard, Backsen said.
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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