Funds were approved Thursday to conduct a study on expanding the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, which has been the subject of complaints from exhibitors due to lack of space and hasn’t had a major face-lift in 17 years.
The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) board awarded an $88,000 contract to Johnson Consulting. The study is expected to take 14 weeks. The Nevada Legislature would need to approve expansion and lawmakers would require a feasibility study. Such study is also required for any bonding.
Located at 4590 S. Virginia St., the convention center was built in 1965 as Centennial Coliseum. It’s 759,161 square feet, according to the Washoe County Assessor, and 500,000 square feet of it is used for single-level exhibition and meeting space.
Trade show organizers have told RSCVA staff they’re considering moving events elsewhere because Reno’s space is too small. Others have mentioned the potential inconvenience of having to use outside facilities at various hotels to run breakout sessions.
“Many of the current conventions and trade shows, as their success, exhibitor base, and participation grows, may find that the current size of the convention center is not adequate,” RSCVA CEO Phil DeLone wrote in a letter to board members. “In addition, many potential conventions and trade shows do not find the current size of the convention center large enough to meet their needs, thereby the convention center is not considered in the booking process.
Past clients of Johnson Consulting include the Kansas City Convention Center, Chicago’s Navy Pier, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Philadelphia Convention Center, and South San Francisco Conference Center.
The feasibility study objectives are as follows:
- Market – An evaluation will independently determine the demand, market, comparable and competitive analysis for expansion versus current configuration to include event characteristics. Number of events by type, utilization days, space used, attendance, attendees, room nights, growth characteristics, and rental and service rates will also be considered.
- Characteristics – Use results of the evaluation to develop characteristics of an expanded convention center such as physical size, components, configuration, functionality, amenities, location, and parking. This includes preliminary drawings, parking logistics, and ancillary requirements.
- Cost – Prepare a financial analysis that determines the estimated cost of expansion and potential revenue. The report would consist of comparable facility data, anticipated levels of utilization, and attendance derived from the market demand analysis.
- Funding – Potential options for financing an expansion will be reviewed.
