Meeting News - April 21, 2008 - (Page 9)

Edited by Elizabeth West elizabeth.west@nielsen.com Convention Centers St. Louis’ Convention Bureau Reaches Deal With Union Workers At America’s Center At press time, both parties announced details they hope will build convention business St. Louis—The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission announced on April 11 an agreement with union workers at America’s Center regarding labor issues that have hovered since last fall. In the fall, the CVC made it clear to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local One, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 6, and the IATSE Local 143 (known as Projectionists) that it wanted to eliminate the practice whereby labor brokers, required to be hired by conventions, arrange for union workers to install wiring, build stages, and run AV projectors. The bureau wanted to employ such workers directly, saying such an arrangement would cut costs, improve services, and get more business for the center. When talks broke down in March, the three unions were ousted, and the CVC implement new rules unilaterally. Kitty Ratcliffe, CVC president, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at that time: “We preferred not get to this point. But we had no choice.” Before talks resumed, questions remained whether other unions would strike in sympathy. The new agreement averts that scenario and establishes more options for convention clients considering the America’s Center. Shreveport Center In Budget Deficit Shreveport, LA—The Shreveport Convention Center, which opened in this northwestern Louisiana city in January 2006, has reportedly ended its second full year $2.2 million in the red, even though it booked more events in 2007 than expected. The loss wasn’t far off what was anticipated by the city, which was to log a $1.7 million deficit last year. Further, the center, with about 190,000 sf of exhibit space, actually gained more business, booking 39 groups last year compared with 27 in 2006. The events ranged from alpaca breeders to cheerleaders, but the utility cost increases led to higher costs last year. “We’re beginning to get the word out that Shreveport is an affordable destination,” said Doug Thornton, a regional VP for SMG, which manages the center. “I think 2008 is a turnaround year for us.” Shreveport may be in a delicate position as the convention center industry matures. While much larger metropolitan facilities resign themselves to losing money as long as they generate revenue to local hotels, restaurants, and shopping, smaller regional centers generally are expected to turn a profit. Shreveport geographically is midway between such competitors as Dallas and Houston to the west and Jackson, MS, and New Orleans to the east. America’s Center groups will have more options for AV and staging. CVC clients and their AV contractors may now bring their own people to the center to perform certain AV functions. Simple stage set-ups no longer require union workers. The customer will have discretionary hiring power regarding the number of AV technicians needed. For the unions, the CVC will refer AV contractors to organized groups. Stagehands will continue their current service contracts and will set up all staging taller than 48inches high. The CVC will also provide space and equipment to cross-train projectionists and electricians so they can share AV workload. “Both parties are pleased to have reached an understanding that meets the changing needs of customers,” said Ratcliffe in a press statement. Speaking for the unions, Robert A. Soutier, president of the St. Louis Labor Council, AFL-CIO, seconded Ratcliffe’s remark: “The CVC and unions have united to advance the momentum of convention bookings, which both have worked hard to achieve.” Union workers returned to America’s Center on April 11. Anaheim Rededicates Arena For CC’s 40th Anniversary Anaheim—As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Anaheim Convention Center recently unveiled its own history walk and rededicated its arena next door. The Anaheim Convention Center www.meetingnews.com Arena rededication comes after recent renovations and aesthetic improvements to reflect the theme and decor of the adjacent convention center, the largest exhibition facility on the West Coast, with 1.6 million sf of space. Such performers as Elvis Presley and Barry Manilow have played the arena, and it is currently home to minor league and college basketball. FedEx Kinko’s Serves LVCC Las Vegas—Three FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Centers have opened in the Las Vegas Convention Center, in the Central and South Hall lobbies and in the Grand Concourse. The facilities offer office, printing, and shipping services, including professional finishing, sign and banner production, and computer rentals, as well as storage services. H —Section by Christopher Hosford April 21, 2008 MeetingNews 9 http://www.meetingnews.com

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