Pasadena Convention Center Expands
-- Tradeshow Week, 4/6/2009
The Pasadena (Calif.) Convention Center more than doubled its exhibit space – from 41,000 square feet to 96,000 sq. ft. – and added a 25,000 sq. ft. ballroom in an effort to lure larger groups to the destination.
“We are thrilled that construction is now compete, and the center is now open for business,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company. “We know that everyone, from clients to partners, as well as PCOC employees have been waiting for this day to arrive.”
The expansion project cost $150 million and was completed just in time to welcome its first group, The California Police Chiefs Assn. Annual Conference, which was held in the beginning of March.
“We are honored that our conference was the first to use the new Pasadena CC,” said Bernard K. Melekian, city of Pasadena police chief and president of the CPCA. “The PCOC staff worked tirelessly to ensure the center was ready for the conference, and they were helpful in every way.”
The expanded facility also has several environmentally friendly features:
- water-conserving restrooms
- low-water landscaping, with water run-off used for irrigation
- high-efficiency lighting
- automated energy control system
According to Pasadena CC officials, the venue also is striving for a minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The official grand opening of the new center was held April 3-5. “The city of Pasadena now has a new, state-of-the-art facility that doubles the size of the previous center, which will attract meeting planners looking for added capacity and features,” Ross said.
