| Convention Center Makes Way for Monarch Butterflies | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/3276 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 11/13/2024 7:05:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3276/PCC_NEWS_12.jpg | | Convention Center Makes Way for Monarch Butterflies | <div class="ExternalClass533378C63A4C40EDB1EC444B8EABE1FC"><html>
<p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The Phoenix Convention Center is now trying to bring in new event attendees: monarch butterflies. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">This week, in partnership with the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs and Downtown Phoenix Inc., the Phoenix Convention Center planted a monarch butterfly habitat, also known as a pollinator garden, in an effort to draw more monarchs to Phoenix. </span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The monarch butterfly is an important pollinator indicator species, and Phoenix is on the migration route for western monarch butterflies. They can be found in the Valley from September to May. The garden consists of milkweed and native nectar plants. The plants provide food, shelter and energy for the monarchs.</span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">In 2021, Mayor Kate Gallego joined the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayor’s Monarch pledge to support the monarch butterfly population, which is under threat from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The monarch butterfly migrates through Phoenix in the spring and fall and some even stay over winter. As such, providing milkweed and native nectar plants for this important species is crucial.</span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“We are thrilled to welcome a new pollinator garden to our downtown as part of the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge! Not only will the monarchs cherish and enjoy this space – visitors and residents will, too,” Gallego said. “Beyond bringing another touch of beauty to our community, the garden will provide monarchs and other pollinators the shelter, sustenance, and energy they need for their journeys south. Phoenix is committed to becoming the world’s most sustainable city, and nurturing our desert biodiversity is a crucial part of this mission.”</span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Through the Mayor’s Monarch pledge, the City of Phoenix is not only helping monarch butterflies survive and thrive, but many other pollinators as well.</span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“We are happy to be supporting the mayor’s initiative to increase the presence of monarch butterflies in Phoenix,” said Phoenix Convention Center Director Jerry Harper. “This effort not only brings even more beauty to our campus, but it also allows us to contribute to our ecosystem. The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues are committed to sustainability, and this is yet another way we are enhancing our environmental stewardship and fostering a vibrant community.” </span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The first garden was completed Nov. 6 at the Phoenix Convention Center at the corner of Washington and 3</span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of these newest gardens at the Convention Center, all while the gardens help us become a more sustainable desert city, support biodiversity, and create native respite areas for pollinators and humans alike in our downtown core,” said Tricia Balluff, environmental programs manager for the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs. “We celebrate the work and commitment of the Convention Center to bring this important addition to the City’s monarch pledge work.” </span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The City of Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix Inc., and the Phoenix Convention Center plan to celebrate the opening of both gardens with a ribbon cutting at a later date. </span>
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<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">For more information on how you can help monarch butterflies survive and thrive, visit: </span>
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| Department of Energy Recognizes PCC for Excellence in Integrated Lighting Systems | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/3194 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 8/21/2024 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3194/Lighting_PCC12.jpg | | Department of Energy Recognizes PCC for Excellence in Integrated Lighting Systems | <div class="ExternalClassED45BB563D9741B89E856AD6F59FB7A6"><html>
<p>The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) 2024 <a target="_blank" href="https://integratedlightingcampaign.energy.gov/" aria-label="Integrated Lighting Campaign">Integrated Lighting Campaign</a> (ILC) recognized 16 organizations for exemplary commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in their buildings and outdoor spaces and two organizations for exhibiting exemplary support for this work. Partners were recognized on Aug. 16 at the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) annual conference for projects that showcase how lighting system upgrades can lead to significant energy savings and create more comfortable, productive, and environmentally responsible spaces. <br></p>
<p>Now in its fourth year, the ILC is part of DOE’s <a target="_blank" href="https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/" aria-label="Better Buildings Initiative">Better Buildings Initiative</a>. The campaign is designed to demonstrate that integrated lighting systems enable deeper energy savings in buildings and create an enhanced user and occupant experience. The 2024 campaign features 10 areas of recognition, including integrated controls for plug loads and lighting systems; integrated controls for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems; integrated lighting and horticultural controls; and energy justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in advanced lighting.</p>
<p>“High-quality, efficient lighting is a cornerstone of DOE’s buildings decarbonization Blueprint and efforts to reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and create healthier communities now and for the next generation,” said Hayes Jones, acting director of DOE’s Building Technologies Office. “These projects and partners are proof positive that our nation is well on its way not only to meet its ambitious decarbonization goals but also to ensure the benefits of these technologies directly reach and impact every American community.”<br><br><strong>Phoenix Convention Center and Venues in Arizona</strong><br>Recognition category: Advanced Use of Sensors and Controls for Lighting <br>The convention center converted existing metal halide and compact fluorescent lighting to LED technology in its exhibit halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and public spaces. The retrofit halved the number of lighting fixtures needed in the building and provided over 3.5 million kWh in energy savings and 24,000 kW in demand reduction. This project also boasts interactive savings from reduced cooling load and over $500,000 per year in cost savings, which includes operational cost savings.<br><br>Read the entire <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/doe-recognizes-18-organizations-excellence-integrated-lighting-systems" target="_blank">press release</a>. <br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/conventioncenter | News | phoenix-convention-center | PCC | | |
| Phoenix Convention Center Names New Deputy Director of Sales and Marketing | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/3090 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 5/2/2024 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3090/749x421_Sarah_F_PCC.jpg | | Phoenix Convention Center Names New Deputy Director of Sales and Marketing | <div class="ExternalClassC9111EC5FA0345269197B08B9E3594F8"><html>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues announced May 1 that Sarah Field will assume the role of Deputy Convention Center Director responsible for the Sales & Marketing Division. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Field will lead the Sales, Marketing, Ticketing, and Guest Experience sections within the division. She comes to the Phoenix Convention Center from Arizona State University, where she served as the Director of Corporate Relations in the Office of Economic Development managing business retention and expansion efforts for ASU’s real estate assets. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Prior to joining ASU, Field spent over 11 years at the Phoenix Convention Center, where she served as the Director of Sales for more than four years</span>
<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. She has extensive experience promoting not only the PCC, but also downtown Phoenix and the destination as a whole. In her role as Director of Sales, she led a dynamic team of sales professionals while fostering strong relationships with downtown stakeholders.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“We could not be more pleased that Sarah is returning to the Phoenix Convention Center in this new capacity,” said Director Jerry Harper. “With her past experience at the Convention Center and her vision for the future, we know she will continue to bolster an already thriving division.” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Field holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from ASU and has a wide array of industry experience and knowledge that will help elevate the Convention Center at a time of growth and increased awareness. She begins in her new role May 6. </span>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/conventioncenter | News | phoenix-convention-center | PCC | | |
| Learn How the Phoenix Convention Center Prepares for the Final Four | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/3047 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 3/18/2024 8:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3047/PCC_12.jpg | | Learn How the Phoenix Convention Center Prepares for the Final Four | <div class="ExternalClassB7C1DD7EA38C4E1A893AA858241796B7"><html>
<p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Long before any basketballs are dribbled through the streets of Phoenix or fans walk through the doors of the facility for the NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">®</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, the team at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues has already been hard at work. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> <br></span></p>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Conversations with the NCAA and local organizing committee have been ongoing on a regular basis for at least a year by the time the events, and thousands of fans, roll into town. In an effort to make sure the facility is ready, and the event is a slam dunk, the team at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues has completed capital improvement projects and cleaned every surface. But it's not just about the physical space—this dedicated crew has also been busy building strong relationships and crafting strategic plans to ensure every fan's experience is a winning one from start to finish.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The Phoenix Convention Center is home to the </span>
<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest® presented by Capital One from April 5-8 and leadership at the venue say this year’s event will see even more success than the last time the event was here in 2017. City leaders view this event as just one in a series that cements Phoenix as “Championship Valley.” For the Phoenix Convention Center, that means ensuring the accompanying fan fests deliver the kinds of experiences attendees are looking for.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">The Phoenix Convention Center is unique at being able to host these large-scale sporting events, not just because we’ve got the square footage required for these fan events or because we are located in the heart of downtown, but because of our team,” said Phoenix Convention Center Director Jerry Harper. “Our team is highly qualified and specialized for these types of events.” </span>
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<p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">The Phoenix Convention Center’s event serves as a playground for fans to enjoy during the weekend the games are in the Valley, and down the street at Hance Park, fans can also attend a free concert series. Harper said Phoenix serving as the epicenter for fan events is key to making sure everyone gets to participate in these mega events when they come to town. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“Whether it’s the Fan Fest for the Final Four</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> or the Super Bowl Experience, that’s a way for people and families in particular to still enjoy the excitement of these major events and feel like they are a part of it and having something they can take back and say, ‘You know, I was part of that,’ when they see a game on TV. And when they look back, they can say, ‘I remember when that event was in Phoenix because I was able to go to the event at the Phoenix Convention Center.’” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">The event simply wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the work of multiple departments across the Phoenix Convention Center. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Every part of the Convention Center’s 200-plus person team touches a major event in some capacity. In the lead-up to the event, Event Managers are working with the client to get the specific requirements for placing everything from intricate floor set-ups to stanchions. Event Services is diligently preparing for the event, ensuring a pristine facility awaits guests’ arrival. Security is working around-the-clock during the event to make sure everyone who passes through the facility doors is safe. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">The Event Manager role, said Deputy Director Miguel Munguia, is one of the most critical roles to the event’s success. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“For these mega events like Final Four, an event manager will come on a lot sooner than normal compared to the convention and nonconvention events they are assigned,” he said. “They start building relationships years out and so by the time the client is in the building, there’s a really good business relationship that they have. By the time we get to the event, and everyone is stressed out, it makes things go a lot easier when you have a relationship already established where you’ve built trust.” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">The Convention Center’s in-house security team, during and leading up to the event, is working closely with the City of Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix Fire Department in addition to Homeland Security to ensure all attendees are safe within the facility, Munguia said. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“The event manager is there to make sure the event itself is a success,” he said. “Security is there to make sure it's safe. Those are the primary things whenever we have anyone in the building, that the event is safe and successful.” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Meanwhile, the Facilities and Event Services teams are preparing the venue to accommodate the influx of thousands of guests.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“When it comes to preparing for a mega event, we want to look at everything,” said Assistant Director Bob Fingerman. “We want to look at everything from the garages to the exhibit halls and ballrooms. We look at the conditions of our walls and our restrooms, we want to make it is as inviting as possible for our guests. There’s an expectation when you come to the Phoenix Convention Center that we are fully prepared for our attendees and that’s what we deliver on. We dissect the entire campus infrastructure to make sure that what we are providing is a final product that the public and the community can enjoy.” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Event Services, in particular, has a heavy lift in the run-up to the event making sure thousands of square footage of the facility shines. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“Event Services is a really special work group, they really do it all,” Fingerman said. “They are heroes here. They make sure that our facilities are clean, they’re prepared, the rooms are set, and the trash is cleaned up. They’re just a wonderful team that takes all of the specifications and requirements for a given event and make it happen.” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">, the Convention Center completed a lighting overhaul switching the facility over to LED lighting and migrating control panels. Additionally, the team also completed months of work applying new veneer to the walls of the North Ballroom. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“We’re always improving our campus, our infrastructure and it’s all about keeping the community safe, doing </span>
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<strong>The ripple effect</strong>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Eric George, the City of Phoenix Major Events Administrator, plays a key role in coordinating mega events not only within the City’s departments, but with outside organizations as well. For this event, Visit Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix Inc., the City of Glendale, the NCAA, the event producers and the local organizing committee all work together to make sure this event is the best it can be. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“There’s so many details to work through about what streets are going to be closed, where people will park and tons of logistics,” George said. “There’s so many crucial parts that come together and it’s cliché but that wouldn’t happen without all of the collaboration.”</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">The collaboration during these events is part of what brings such significant impact across the region, George said. For example, Super Bowl LVII in the Valley had a $1.3 billion economic impact according to researchers from Arizona State University. A report from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University stated that the estimated total economic impact for the 2017 Final Four in Arizona was $324.5 million and experts expect this year’s events to surpass that. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“We also know that when people come in for these major events, they stay and there’s tourism activity,” George said. “There’s interest generated all around the state. People might go to the Grand Canyon and stay a little bit longer. And we know that our economic development partners work diligently to bring in outside businesses that may want to relocate to Phoenix, and what better commercial than some of these major events where you see Phoenix on a global stage.” </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Harper said that spotlight on the City is integral to continuing to get these major sporting events in the Valley. The entire City is excited about the NCAA Men’s Final Four</span>
<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">® but</span>
<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> is also looking ahead to what is coming in the next few years. The WNBA All-Star Game is here this summer, the NCAA Women’s Final Four</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> is in Phoenix in 2026 and the NBA All-Star Game is in Phoenix in 2027. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">“All of those events are happening in downtown Phoenix,” Harper said. “So not only do we have the fan experiences at the Convention Center, but the games will be just steps away at Footprint Center. So, the energy and excitement will be condensed into this part of downtown and it’s really going to be something people aren’t going to want to miss. And you’ve probably noticed, we have a basketball theme for the next few years and that’s something we are excited about and looking to embrace. I’m looking forward to the rest of the country recognizing this area as the basketball hub for all basketball-related activities in the next few years.” </span>
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<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/fan-fest" target="_blank">
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<em>Get tickets to the NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest</em>
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<em>®</em>
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<em> presented by Capital One.</em></span></a></p><br>
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| Phoenix Convention Center Names New Director, Assistant Director | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/3006 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 2/1/2024 8:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3006/PCC_11.jpg | | Phoenix Convention Center Names New Director, Assistant Director | <div class="ExternalClassF8E3A290ADE94843942EAC35C1A735A8"><html>The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues announced a new director and assistant director February 1. Jerry Harper will serve as Director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues and Bob Fingerman will serve as Assistant Director. <br><div><br></div><div>The Director position was left vacant in 2023 when longtime Phoenix Convention Center & Venues leader John Chan was promoted to Deputy City Manager with the City of Phoenix. Since then, both Harper and Fingerman have served as Acting Director, ensuring seamless leadership within the department. </div><div><br></div><div>Harper first joined the City in 2003 in the Community and Economic Development Department. Since then, he promoted to project and program manager positions in the Downtown Development Office working on redevelopment projects such as Cityscape and managing the development of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. In 2009, Harper joined the Phoenix Convention Center and in 2012 he was promoted to Deputy Director of Sales & Marketing. </div><div><br></div><div>Harper earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California at San Diego. He is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers and the Professional Convention Management Association. </div><div><br></div><div>“I’m honored to serve as Director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues,” Harper said. “Our team has continued to develop strategic plans for maintaining the Phoenix Convention Center’s top-tier reputation among meeting and event planners, while locating places for growth and opportunities to set ourselves apart. I look forward to continuing to work with this exemplary team to bring these forward-thinking ideas to life.” </div><div><br></div><div>Fingerman joined the Phoenix Convention Center in 2007 as Venue Manager after working at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. In 2011, Fingerman promoted to Deputy Director overseeing the Venue Operations division. Fingerman currently manages the Facilities and Services division, with a staff of 130 employees responsible for facility maintenance, event services, IT services and capital projects. </div><div><br></div><div>Fingerman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media Studies from Penn State University and his Master of Public Administration from Northern Arizona University. He is also a Certified Venue Executive and a member of the International Association of Venue Managers. </div><div><br></div><div>“It’s a privilege to continue to work alongside Jerry and with all of our leadership team,” Fingerman said. “We’ve accomplished incredible triumphs in the last decade, and I know the next decade will see even more success. I’m honored to play a role in helping to shape our bright future.” </div><div><br></div><div>Harper and Fingerman’s appointments are effective February 12. </div><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/conventioncenter | News | phoenix-convention-center | PCC | | |
| New Coffee Shop, Gift Shop Open at the Phoenix Convention Center | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/2993 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 1/23/2024 7:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2993/PCC_10.jpg | | New Coffee Shop, Gift Shop Open at the Phoenix Convention Center | <div class="ExternalClassD127B389F18C42C283F4CF5446735C3A"><html>The Phoenix Convention Center celebrated the grand opening of PRESS Coffee and Retail Therapy AZ Monday, January 22. PRESS Coffee, a locally-owned coffee shop, and Retail Therapy AZ, an artisan souvenir market showcasing 80 local makers, hosted a ribbon-cutting for their new locations highlighting the importance of bringing local amenities to the Convention Center’s hub of out-of-state visitor activity. <br><br><div>“We pride ourselves on cultivating unique experiences for our guests, and with Retail Therapy AZ and PRESS Coffee we can continue to make a lasting impact on all those who come to our facility,” said Phoenix Convention Center & Venues Acting Director Jerry Harper. </div><div><br>Aventura Catering, a subsidiary of Aramark Sports + Entertainment and the Phoenix Convention Center’s exclusive food, beverage and retail provider, helped to bring the two businesses to the PCC along with the help of Local First Arizona. Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari attended the grand opening celebration January 22 and offered her excitement at the Phoenix Convention Center’s collaboration with local businesses. <br></div><div><br></div><div>“The out of towners and locals who visit our Convention Center will be able to purchase local goods to take home with them, and Downtown residents will now have more retail and coffee options right at their doorstep,” Ansari said. </div><div><br></div><div>PRESS Coffee was founded 15 years ago in Phoenix and since then has opened several locations across the Valley, all while maintaining the specialty coffee quality PRESS became known for. </div><div><br></div><div>“Our presence at the Convention Center marks a significant milestone, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to introduce our passion for specialty coffee to visitors from across the country,” said John Cantu, head of marketing for PRESS Coffee. “Opening our doors in this iconic venue represents not just an achievement for us but a commitment to contributing to the thriving local culture. We’re excited to create memorable experiences alongside other outstanding businesses and welcoming visitors at the center." </div><div><br></div><div>Retail Therapy AZ co-owner Erica Jerido said the Phoenix Convention Center location for the artisan market was beyond her wildest dreams. The business started as a dream the two co-owners, Jerido and her business partner Jacqueline Thomas, had of creating a space to support a wide array of small businesses all inside one storefront. </div><div><br></div><div>"As new business owners, we never imagined in a million years that we would even be considered for such a monumental and staple location to our city,” Jerido said. “We are so grateful to Aventura, Aramark, and the Phoenix Convention Center for making our small business dreams come true and supporting our local community.” <br></div><br><br><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/conventioncenter | News | phoenix-convention-center | PCC | | |
| Orpheum Theatre Celebrates 95 Years of Entertainment | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/2968 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 1/5/2024 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2968/PCC_OT_1.jpg | | Orpheum Theatre Celebrates 95 Years of Entertainment | <div class="ExternalClassB6F9D24696CD4A81BFC9E06DEAD20D31"><html>
<p>The Orpheum Theatre Phoenix turns 95 on January 5, 2024. The historic theatre has remained a mainstay of downtown Phoenix for nearly a century, and as the decades passed Orpheum Theatre was reimagined to remain a pillar of the performing arts community. <br></p>
<p>With a new digital cinema package designed for the ultimate movie-going experience, Orpheum Theatre continues to support varied shows—from comedy to ballet performances to movie premieres to concerts. <br></p>
<p>Opened on January 5, 1929, it was the last major construction project in Phoenix before the onset of the Great Depression and was the pride of the City. With 1,800 seats and an early form of air conditioning, it was the only theatre between Los Angeles and Denver able to handle the traveling vaudeville shows that rotated weekly. <br></p>
<p>The theatre was designed by architects Lescher & Mahoney and built for $750,000 by Jo E. Rickards and Harry Nace. The Orpheum was designed in the atmospheric style, with the audience sitting in a garden surrounded by Spanish-style buildings, murals of mountains, and forests, under puffy white clouds moving across a deep blue, domed sky. <br></p>
<p>In 1984, the City of Phoenix acquired the block containing Orpheum Theatre as a site for its new 20-story city hall and that very next year, the theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. <br></p>
<p>"I am proud that our team gets to play a role in the rich history of the Orpheum Theatre,” said Jerry Harper, acting director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues. "Maintaining the storied architectural and structural elements is as crucial to us as remembering the early days of the theatre and how it has changed over time. We are thrilled to celebrate 95 years of the Orpheum Theatre and look forward to many more."<br></p>
<p>In 1988, voters approved $7 million for the restoration of the theatre. The following year, the Orpheum Theatre Foundation was established to raise the remaining funds. In 1991, the theatre’s original name, Orpheum, was restored after several name changes over the years. <br></p>
<p>Today, the theatre still inspires and entertains audiences, offering a glimpse into the past while also looking to the future. Friends of the Orpheum Theatre, the nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the theatre, is celebrating this historic milestone with "Arizona Unzipped," a production showcasing the essence of the Roaring Twenties and beyond. <br></p>
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| Local Market Retail Therapy AZ to Open Storefront at Phoenix Convention Center | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phoenix-convention-center/2938 | Phoenix Convention Center | | 11/17/2023 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2938/PCC_5.png | | Local Market Retail Therapy AZ to Open Storefront at Phoenix Convention Center | <div class="ExternalClassF7E0DA348EF74FC7B4A94D97EDFAD2E2"><html><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Visitors to the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues can now look no further than our very own West Building for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, artisan souvenirs from local Phoenix makers. </span><br><div> </div><div>Retail Therapy AZ, a gift shop offering work exclusively from local artisans, Aventura Catering, an exclusive brand of Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark; NYSE: ARMK), and the Phoenix Convention Center announced today plans to open a new Retail Therapy AZ storefront inside the Phoenix Convention Center. The shop, located at the Phoenix Convention Center’s West Building facing 2nd Street, is expected to open by January 2024. IMG_6079.jpg</div><div> </div><div>“We are excited for Retail Therapy AZ to open at the Phoenix Convention Center,” said acting director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues Jerry Harper. “Retail Therapy AZ supports local makers, and we are grateful for their partnership to create a storefront for the thousands of people who come through the Phoenix Convention Center for meetings, events, and conventions each year. We are proud to partner with yet another local business and provide handmade, artisan goods to those looking to take a piece of Phoenix home with them.” </div><div> </div><div>The one-of-a-kind shopping experience is a testament to the mission of Aramark’s Aventura Catering, the convention center’s exclusive food, beverage and retail operations provider, and the Phoenix Convention Center to support local businesses and creators. Retail Therapy AZ marks the third locally owned business to open in the Phoenix Convention Center in partnership with Aramark’s Aventura Catering, joining Huss Brewpub and PRESS Coffee. </div><div> </div><div>“The Phoenix Convention Center is at the center of it all in downtown Phoenix, a premier destination for visitors from around the world,” said Danielle Lazor, Vice President, West Region, at Aramark Sports + Entertainment. “The opportunity to partner with Retail Therapy offers a new and unique shopping experience that reflects the city, its artisans, and the community, adding to the existing range of authentic and diverse offerings for guests.”</div><div> </div><div>Retail Therapy AZ co-owners Erica Jerido and Jacqueline Thomas are thrilled to be opening a downtown Phoenix storefront. </div><div> </div><div>“We began our business in 2021 as a mobile clothing boutique, vending at local pop-up events and we found that we weren’t passionate about the clothing, but really we were excited about all the connections we were making with other local businesses,” Jerido said. “We then started coordinating community markets throughout the Valley, but we had the dream that one day we would have a storefront where all the small businesses we loved could have a permanent space to sell their products.” </div><div> <br></div><div>The duo’s storefront dream became a reality after 40 local businesses showed interest in partnering. The Phoenix Convention Center location marks the company’s fourth location and will offer products from 80 local businesses and feature space for classes or team building. </div><div> </div><div>“We are so grateful to be able to have this amazing space at the Phoenix Convention Center,” Jerido said. “We’ve definitely realized throughout our journey that we attract people from out of town who want to take something truly local back from Arizona. The Phoenix Convention Center landed perfectly in that realm, we are excited to be able to reach people from all over the world and offer them unique and custom gifts.” </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div></div><div><br><br></div><br><br><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/conventioncenter | News | phoenix-convention-center | PCC | | |
