In recent years, Savannah has been beaming amidst a massive economic boom. The Hyundai Plant announcement and Gulfstream's expansion are just two examples of the billions of dollars that are currently being invested in the Greater Savannah area. In addition to these impressive and promising economic expansions, the Savannah Convention Center is on track to contribute to Savannah's growth in the new year.
The expanded center aims to play a vital role in attracting visitors to the city and boosting the local economy through conventions and events. Connect Savannah recently had the opportunity to speak with Kelvin Moore, the center’s new General Manager.
Moore comes to Savannah with over 30 years of industry experience and most recently held the position of regional vice president of ASM Global, a venue and event management company previously named SMG. He shared his thoughts on the positive impact he believes this development will have on the Savannah community.
Convention centers have the potential to play a crucial role in providing a space for individuals, companies, and industries to come together, learn, network, and grow. Moore believes that the new expansion will not only benefit the convention industry but also have a significant impact on the local community. "The convention center plays a role in setting the stage and providing the stage from which a city can sell itself to various industries. Convention centers often play a vital role in showcasing what a city has to offer," Moore said.
One of the most significant advantages of the convention center is its potential for positive economic impact. With every visitor that comes to the city, there is an influx of spending in hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. Moore believes this economic boost provides a significant advantage to the community, as these expenses are not borne by the local citizens."Bringing in out-of-town visitors who spend money in the city ultimately benefits the local economy," he said.
The expansion represents $490 million in economic impact and supports 28,000 tourism and hospitality jobs in coastal Georgia, according to the Savannah Convention Center’s 2023 Annual Report. In 2023, the Savannah Convention Center contributed $1.4 billion in economic impact to Georgia through tourism and hospitality in less than 10 years, according to the report.
The expansion project is a source of excitement for Moore, who believes that the additional space and facilities will take the Savannah Convention Center to a new level of competition. The expansion will also add a 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 40,000 square foot ballroom, 15 meeting rooms and over 900 parking spaces, as outlined in the same annual report. These additions should allow the center to compete with some of the largest cities in the nation.
However, Moore believes that it's not just the physical structure that will make a difference. In recent years, there has been a shift in the preferences of convention attendees, with Millennials and Gen Z becoming the future of the industry, Moore said, who believes it is crucial to cultivate an experience that resonates with younger demographics.
"They want different experiences and engagements. The facilities that recognize and meet those needs will be the ones that excel," he said.
He acknowledged that the future of the convention industry relies on their engagement and preferences, saying, "The younger demographic seeks experiences that align with their work-life balance, including engaging with colleagues, hands-on learning, and different ways of experiencing a convention." Convention centers must adapt and provide value propositions that align with the younger generation's priorities, such as social responsibility and connections with the host city.
Moore believes that by creating an experience that appeals to this demographic, the Savannah Convention Center will attract a new generation of convention-goers.
The expansion will also bring the ability to host larger meetings and increase the overall number of meetings held at the center. This could further contribute to the convention center's economic impact and support the local economy.
The expansion of the Savannah Convention Center not only brings exciting new facilities for conventions and events but also serves as a catalyst for further development in the area. One of the key developments alongside the expansion project is the construction of a new 400-plus-room hotel near the convention center.
The addition of a new hotel on Hutchinson Island will not only enhance the overall experience for convention attendees but could also bring significant economic benefits to the community. With an increase in the number of hotel rooms available, Savannah has the potential to attract larger conventions and events, resulting in increased tourism and revenue for local businesses.
Furthermore, the hotel alone will also create job opportunities and could go a long way in solidifying Savannah's reputation as a premier destination for conventions and conferences. It will also provide visitors with a unique and picturesque experience, being situated on an island with breathtaking views of the river and the historic cityscape.
The convention center's expansion also coincided with projects to make the current building match the expansion.They replaced the 22-year-old roof, repainted the inside of the building, and installed a new outdoor event space on the riverfront, according to the Savannah Convention Center 2023 Annual Report.
When it comes to selling Savannah as a destination, Moore highlighted the unique aspects that make it stand out. He mentioned the city's competitive package, including its rich history, vibrant food scene, arts, and culture. Moore particularly emphasized the city's location by the river and the port system, stating, "It's the total package, the combination of unique factors that cannot be replicated by other cities."
Moore, who will soon be relocating from Chicago to Savannah, has experienced firsthand the charm and beauty of the city during recent trips. He was particularly impressed by the historic squares and the stories behind them. He believes that these unique aspects will captivate convention attendees and make them want to return to explore the city further. Moore encourages the citizens of Savannah to take pride in their city and the development of the new convention center, which he believes will be on par with the best in the world.
The upcoming opening of the new expansion at the Savannah Convention Center is set to bring numerous benefits to the Savannah community. The economic impact, and the ability to cater to the preferences of younger attendees are just a few of the positive outcomes expected. With its unique charm and rich history, Savannah is poised to become a top convention destination, matching its already prodigious reputation for leisure travel. "Once the convention center is up and running, the people of Savannah should feel incredibly proud of their convention center," Moore said.
