Meetings MidAmerica, January/February 2005
Site Scene
Iowa- In December, Hy-Vee Hall opened in Des Moines. Part of the $217 million Iowa Events Center project, Hy-Vee Hall will feature a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall and 15,000 square feet of breakout meeting space. The Iowa Events Center is comprised of Hy-Vee Hall, Veterans Memorial Auditorium and the Wells Fargo Arena. Hy-Vee Hall's exhibit hall is located on the same level as the exhibit hall in Veterans Memorial Auditorium, allowing for 150,000 square feet of exhibit space on one level. The 17,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena is scheduled to open this summer. In addition, the Polk County Convention Center, located two blocks from Hy-Vee Hall and connected to the Iowa Events Center by skywalk, offers 47,000 square feet of exhibit space and 13,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.iowaeventscenter.com.
- The Holiday Inn University Park in West Des Moines, a John Q. Hammons Hotels property, is undertaking a $3 million renovation and is scheduled to be re-flagged as the Sheraton West Des Moines in February. The property's current renovations include updating all guest accommodations, the atrium lounge and all meeting space. Once the conversion to a Sheraton hotel is complete, other renovations are planned, including the addition of lobby self-check-in kiosks and the development of a 10th-floor concierge level. The hotel features 285 guest rooms, including 60 one- and two-bedroom suites, 18,000 square feet of meeting space, high-speed Internet access, a complimentary business center, a cardio fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and sauna, and three dining options. For more information, call the hotel at 515.223.1800 or visit www.jqhhotels.com.
Kansas- John Q. Hammons Hotels opened the Courtyard by Marriott Junction City. Connected via covered walkway to the Geary County Convention Center, also a John Q. Hammons property, the Courtyard by Marriott Junction City features 119 guest rooms, including six two-room suites. Combined with the convention center, the properties offer 16,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 12,000-square-foot ballroom. Hotel amenities include complimentary high-speed Internet access, a fitness center, an indoor pool and whirlpool, and an on-site restaurant. For more information, call 785.210.1500 or visit www.courtyard.com.
Michigan- Grand Rapids is scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of DeVos Place on Feb. 1. DeVos Place, a $211 million convention center and Michigan's second-largest meeting facility, represents Grand Rapids' largest public economic development program. Located on 13 acres that line the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the multi-level, technologically advanced convention center features a 162,000-square-foot exhibition center, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom, 35,000 square feet of breakout meeting space, the 75-foot-high Grand Gallery, and an underground parking garage. In addition, the convention center is connected via covered walkway to the Amway Grand Plaza, a Mobile Four Star-, AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel with 682 guest rooms. For more information, call 616.742.6500 or visit www.devosplace.org.
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