Successful Meetings - February 2008 - (Page 19) > Associations The outlook for a Javits expansion looks grim right now. Worst case scenario is a “patch the roof” option that would presumably jettison the expansion idea and run the state about $800 million to repair the leaky roof, install new air-conditioning, and build a new facade. Ken McAvoy, senior vice president for Reed Exhibitions, told a local real estate newspaper that this option would keep the Javits center from hosting some shows in its current rotation, as many are outgrowing the space. He also voiced skepticism at HANYC’s strategy to draw whitecollar shows to the city through additional meeting rooms, saying it’s the $400 to $500 hotel room rates that keep them away. State officials hope to wrap up their review this month. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that construction costs skyrocket $17 million for every month construction is delayed. —Elizabeth West Las Vegas May Lose Consumer Electronics Show The Consumer Electronics Show, which attracts more than 140,000 attendees and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues annually to Las Vegas, may be moving away from the city due rising costs, event organizers told NBC affiliate KBVC of Las Vegas according to MSNBC. “We’ve heard from our attendees, from our exhibitors . . . that the rates of hotels during the International CES are increasing out of proportion from what they think [they] should be,” said Jason Oxman, chief spokesman for the show’s organizer, the Consumer Electronics Association, according to the report. Organizers complained of hotel charges five times the normal rate during the four-day event, as well as minimum room-night requirements and food and beverage guarantees. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said in a statement that it was listening carefully “to the concerns of trade show partners.” It said it was in discussions with hotel industry leaders and CES representatives, according to the report. CES organizers said the show would be back next year but said they were planning to pursue new, less expensive arrangements. —Corrie Dosh http://www.trumpsonesta.com http://www.trumpsonesta.com
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