PCMA Auctions Off Event Space at Washington (D.C.) Center
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 2/5/2007
Want some space for a major tradeshow sometime later in the decade in Washington, D.C. — cheap? If so, get your bid in now.
The Professional Convention Management Assn. and Washington (D.C.) Convention Center Authority announced during PCMA's annual meeting, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Jan. 7–10, the silent auction of a meeting package worth more than $500,000.
Bids started at $100,000 and as of press time the top bid was $125,000. Interested organizers can make bids online at PCMA.org until June 30.
On the block is 703,000 square feet of exhibit space and 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space (including a 52,000 sq. ft. ballroom) at the Washington Convention Center, a $20,000 discount on a reception for up to 500 people, a 50-percent discount on a building-wide buyout of the wireless network and a 10-percent discount on all standard Internet and network products and services. The rental proceeds will benefit PCMA.
"PCMA is delighted to partner with WCCA in such an innovative way, contributing to PCMA and its mission to advance the meetings and convention industry through education, research and advocacy," said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO.
The winning bidder will be able to use the space between 2009 and 2012, subject to availability. There are a few other guidelines:
- Bids will only be accepted for meetings not already tentatively, or actually, booked at the Washington Convention Center.
- The meeting professional with the highest bid may use as much space as needed, based on past events.
- The meeting must use a minimum of 2,500 hotel rooms on peak night.
The Washington D.C. Convention & Tourism Corp. and the Downtown Improve- ment District also will pitch in by promoting the event with welcome street banners and airport signage. The WCTC will also create a Web site linking key events going on while the winner's event is in town.
