Connecticut Convention Center

www.ctconventions.com

The 540,000-square-foot Connecticut Convention Center (CTCC), is the largest, full-service convention facility between New York and Boston. It is the anchor of Adriaen’s Landing, a $775 million economic development project along Hartford’s riverfront. The project also includes the Hartford Marriott Downtown, Front Street-a retail and entertainment district and residential units, additional parking and the Connecticut Science Center. The convention center offers 140,000 square feet of exhibit space; a 40,000 square foot ballroom; 25,000 square feet of meeting space; and 2,339 attached parking spaces. Phase I of Front Street has been completed and fitout for its first tenant, Spotlight Theatres based in Georgia, will begin in mid-July 2011 with an anticipated opening date of December of 2011. 

With the CTCC quickly approaching its seventh year in operation, it has maintained its mission to attract top quality events to Connecticut. Many shows have made the Connecticut Convention Center the permanent home for their annual event. Groups such as XRX-STITCHES-East, which originally came to the CTCC in 2009, has signed a deal to return to Adriaen's Landing through fiscal year 2015. Other shows returning to the Convention Center are the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, National Greek Leadership Association, ConnectiCon, Mary Kay, Inc., Tree Care Industry Association, National Association of Campus Activities, LEGOs KidFest, Northeast Utilities' FIRST Robotics and Price Chopper, to name a few.

The Connecticut Convention Center has ventured out into nonconventional areas beyond the galas, corporate meetings, tradeshows and conferences typically associated with convention center business. The CTCC hosts sporting events such as New England Regional Volleyball and boxing matches and produces original events such as a regional bridal show. The biggest demonstration of what can be done with 140,000 square foot exhibit hall was its transformation into a red carpet affair that served over 1,000 attendees at Dannel P. Malloy's Inaugural Ball.

Although it has hosted approximately 1250 events over the past six years and welcomed more than 1,200,000 guests, it doesn't tell the whole story of the economic contribution the Connecticut Convention Center makes to the Greater Hartford community and the state. Its status as an economic driver has created more than 288 working wage jobs at the CTCC alone. Thirty percent of the employees are Hartford residents with the balance originating from surrounding towns such as East Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Wallingford, Southington, Bristol and Farmington. Convention Center-related events have also produced business for the area hotels generating 168,000 room nights over the last six years as well as parking revenue. The Connecticut Convention Center will continue to work with the Connecticut Science Center, Riverfront, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Old State House, the Mark Twain House, local restaurants and other area attractions to service large groups and their families.

As it works towards the continued future success, it will remain focused on providing world-class food and beverage service, first-rate venue conditions, develop green initiatives and work with the community in creating positive memories and a remarkable experience for all of our Adriaen's Landing guests.