Expansion Report: More Space in More Places

The tradeshow universe appears to be expanding. At least that's what you could infer from the latest Tradeshow Week Semiannual Update on New and Expanding Venues.

Before the end of the year, convention centers will open or expansions will be completed in locations that are new to many tradeshow organizers.

This summer will bring two openings that should be good news for Mexican show organizers, as well as opportunities for U.S. organizers looking for new international markets. In July, an expansion of Expo Guadalajara will open with 150,000 square feet of exhibit space added to the existing 319,000 sq. ft. A month later, the 355,000 sq. ft. Expo Imperial in Acapulco will host its first event (with an official grand opening to follow in the fall).

Also in the fall, new prime territory will become available as the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center, with 75,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, opens in Anchorage, Alaska. That doesn't mean the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to start stealing shows from Las Vegas or Chicago. However, Dena'ina will be the first modern convention center (there's a much smaller, limited one) in Alaska's biggest city, providing an opportunity not available before in that part of the United States.

In April, Gaylord Entertainment will implement the latest element in its national strategy with the opening of Gaylord Natl. Resort & Convention Center in Prince George's County, Maryland. Along with a hotel and resort, the property's 180,000 sq. ft. convention center will give Gaylord customers one more stop on a rotation that already includes Nashville, Tenn.; Kissimmee, Fla.; and Grapevine, Texas. Also, before the next TSW report on convention center construction, there are likely to be developments on extending Gaylord's reach in the West.

–Michael Hart