LYNNWOOD, WA (February 2, 2011) - SMG, the world leader in venue management, marketing and development, announced that the 55,000 square foot Lynnwood Convention Center had its most successful year ever in 2010. SMG's Kelvin D. Moore, General Manager of the Lynnwood Convention Center, made the announcement earlier this week at the Lynnwood Public Facilities District Board Meeting.
The more than $2 Million in gross revenues was the highest in the Center's history, 10% more than 2009 and 23% growth since 2006. Facility users also gave SMG their highest customer satisfaction ratings in the Center's history."SMG has really done an outstanding job," said Mike Echelbarger, Board Chair for the Lynnwood Public Facilities District. "The fact that they were able to exceed the $2 Million mark for the first time and simultaneously increase customer satisfaction is testament to the skill and professionalism of their local management team," Echelbarger added.
"As the economy headed south in 2008, we had to find a new way of doing business that would minimize the impact of the recession while maintaining our focus on providing a first class guest experience," said Moore. "We embraced the challenge and our success in 2010 is a result of the creativity and dedication of every member of our team. I am very proud of them."
Convention centers across the country are designed and programmed to generate positive economic impact. In 2010 over 80,000 people attended 447 events at the Lynnwood Convention Center, generating an estimated $17.3 Million in direct and indirect economic impact for the local economy. "The Lynnwood Convention Center is a catalyst of Lynnwood's economic development and revitalization of our City Center," said David Kleitsch, Lynnwood's Economic Development Director. "The City commends SMG and the Lynnwood Public Facilities District on their success."
The Lynnwood hotel community has seen the positive impact of the Center first hand. "Our hotel experienced tremendous growth in 2010, and a big part of our success is attributable to the Lynnwood Convention Center and SMG," said Ernest G. Matthews, Jr., Director of Sales for the Courtyard by Marriott Lynnwood. Snohomish County Lodging Association president, Julie Horrigan added, "We have seen some really positive steps by the SMG staff towards bringing in additional conventions and meeting business to Lynnwood, and we congratulate them on a banner year."
The Lynnwood Convention Center hosts a wide range of events including, conventions, corporate meetings, auctions, weddings, Quinceañeras, bar mitzvahs, product launches, consumer shows, community gatherings, religious services, and memorial services. Through five full years of operation, the Center has hosted 2,255 events and over 383,000 guests, generating an estimated $70 Million in direct and indirect economic impact for the local economy. The Lynnwood Public Facilities District owns the Lynnwood Convention Center and contracts with SMG to manage the facility.
About Lynnwood Convention Center
Opened in 2005 in Lynnwood, Washington, The Lynnwood Convention Center is situated in the heart of Washington's aerospace, high tech and bio-med corridor.Conveniently located near I-5, I-405 and Hwy 99, the Center offers individualized meeting spaces with full onsite audiovisual and electrical support, and first class, 5-star resort quality in-house catering.The facility has adopted green/sustainable initiatives that include composting, an extensive recycling program, and transitioning to the use of all green chemicals.The Lynnwood Convention Center is owned by the Lynnwood Public Facilities District and is managed by SMG. For more information, visit www.lynnwoodcc.com. Frontier is the official Wi-Fi partner and Media Lounge sponsor of the Lynnwood Convention Center.
