Century Center Board Selects SMG to Manage Century Center
4/25/2013 – On April 18, 2013, the Century Center Board of Managers approved the city’s Board of Public Works’ unanimous recommendation to contract with SMG-a professional convention and entertainment venue management firm-to operate the Century Center effective July 1, 2013. With the decision to change management firms, the Century Center will also take advantage of the firm’s internal catering division, SAVOR, as well as the company’s recognized brand amongst meeting and convention planners both regionally and nationally.
“Our immediate goal is to focus on a smooth transition for staff, and ensure clients a first class experience by engaging them in our hospitality approach to managing convention centers. At the same time, we will immediately seek to link this ‘Michiana’-based convention venue and Bendix Theater with our regional and national network. By providing access to our systems, resources and clients, we can help enhance performance and broaden exposure for the Center, city and county,” said Gregg Caren, SMG Senior Vice President for Strategic Business Development.
The Century Center, including over 60,000 square feet of exhibition, meeting and banquet space and a 694-seat theater has been home to numerous conferences, conventions, trade shows, concerts, performances and events for more than 36 years. SMG will take over operational responsibilities from Global Spectrum, who held the contract since 2006.
“We are very pleased to see the Century Center join the SMG network. SMG has an incredible legacy of more than 30 years of professional management and a commitment to its employees, high quality standards and exceptional service in dozens of venues and destinations like ours. I look forward to working with SMG and their team as they help take the Century Center to the next level,” said Century Center Board President, Greg Downes.
“In the selection process, we heard nothing but praise for SMG’s performance in many of those other cities, as well as a commitment and plan to engage key local stakeholders like Visit South Bend Mishawaka, the Doubletree Hotel and numerous local eateries, vendors and suppliers,” Downes added.
Local officials and hospitality leaders recognize the vital need to expand market share through a creative team approach to marketing. “We are most excited about SMG’s South Bend Alliance, which will help us all focus our efforts in a collaborative way to benefit the local economy,” noted convention bureau executive director Rob DeCleene. “In speaking with my counterparts at convention bureaus around the country, SMG was definitely noted as the industry leader with proven results. We are pleased to partner with SMG.”
SMG will also focus on reducing the deficit for the facility, which averages about one million dollars per year. This deficit is offset by hotel occupancy taxes, which are paid by out of town visitors to St. Joseph County hotels, and not by local residents as is commonly misperceived.
About the Century Center
Located in downtown South Bend overlooking the St. Joseph River and waterfall, the Century Center has hosted hundreds of conferences, conventions, trade shows, concerts, performances and events since 1977. The multi-purpose complex includes exhibit, ballroom and public space totaling over 60,000 square feet, plus the 694-seat Bendix Theater, serving everything from convention general sessions to concerts and family shows. The Center is attached to the 292-room DoubleTree by Hilton, and also houses the South Bend Regional Museum of Art. For more information visit www.centurycenter.org.
About SMGFounded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 14.4 million square feet of exhibition space and over 1.75 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Solider Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s Reliant Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions, catering and special events division, SAVOR, currently servicing more than 100 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com
About SAVOR
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to more than 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm-to-table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.
