EXHIBITOR today announced the Overland Park Convention Center as one of North America’s best convention centers for trade shows and events. Small, medium and large convention centers throughout North America were considered and evaluated using an objective algorithm and rigorous grading scale.
Last year, EXHIBITOR announced an initiative to identify and recognize North America’s best convention centers for trade shows and events. The recognition considers criteria categorized into five primary areas: Facility & Functionality, Location & Accommodations, Service & Execution, Expansions & Upgrades, and Awards & Industry Participation.
“Simply by virtue of being included in this list, these facilities have proven their ability to host trade shows and events of all shapes and sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accommodations,” said Travis Stanton, editor of EXHIBITOR Magazine, noting that everything from the number of nearby hotel rooms to the cost and quality of Wi-Fi access can have a significant impact on exhibiting companies’ experience at events.
The evaluation process also included a survey of event planners, show organizers and exhibit managers who have recently hosted (or exhibited at) events within each facility, as well as a review of entrants’ event spaces, accreditations and innovations, conducted by a panel of corporate exhibition managers. The highest-scoring venues were named among EXHIBITOR Magazine’s 2021 Centers of Excellence.
“In a year that has been devastating to our entire industry, this award serves as a true reflection of the dedication and hard work our staff continues to put in no matter what obstacles come their way,” said Brett C. Mitchell, general manager of Overland Park Convention Center. Since reopening in July, we’ve worked continuously to ensure the health and safety of the public, starting with the attainment of our Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Facility accreditation. While it was a large undertaking for our staff, their determination is what makes us who we are. And now, we can proudly say we have the industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities.”
The convention center is also in consideration as a finalist for two special award categories: ‘Best Small Convention Center’ and ‘Best Customer Service & On-Site Support.’ Winners will be announced in December 2020.
For more information about the Overland Park Convention Center, please visit opconventioncenter.com/best or call (913) 339-3000. To learn more about EXHIBITOR Magazine and the Centers of Excellence awards, visit exhibitoronline.com/awards/coe.
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