Boise Centre, Idaho’s premier convention center, had a successful year despite the national and local economic downturn. The Centre hosted 234 events, just ten shy of the number for 2010. There were 148,752 verified guests attending events at the Centre during 2011. Additionally, a total of 47,769 meals were served over the course of the year at most of the events.
“We were pleased at the numbers we saw this year. Like many businesses we weren’t sure what impact the economy would have on us,” said Pat Rice, Executive Director of Boise Centre. “We look forward to a great 2012 as we continue our marketing efforts to bring more events to the Centre and the Treasure Valley.”
Boise Centre made many improvements in 2011 that enhanced the guest experience, as well as building efficiency and energy conservation. Upgrades to the Eyries room with new carpet was completed in December 2010, and wall coverings in August 2011.
A great enhancement for visitors and guest was the expansion the digital signage package. Software was upgraded, nine meeting room monitors, and two interactive touch screen directories were installed. The existing digital signage was redesigned to reflect the Boise Centre brand and services. All these improvements made for a better customer experience, from finding a meeting room, quickly perusing meeting agendas, to mapping out a recommended local eatery.
The Centre completed two major projects that made a huge impact on energy efficiency. By installing a frequency drive control on the chiller, the largest energy consumer at the Centre, electrical consumption was greatly reduced during slower business periods. The second project was a vast improvement to the HVAC system. The two projects qualified the Centre for Idaho Power energy upgrade rebates of $19,250.
About Boise Centre As the largest convention facility in Idaho, Boise Centre is a valuable economic catalyst for downtown Boise and lodging properties throughout the Greater Boise Auditorium District. Opened in 1990, Centre is located in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho within walking distance of approximately eight hundred hotel rooms, a variety of restaurants, retail shops and entertainment attractions. As an operating entity of the Greater Boise Auditorium District, the 85,000 square foot Centre serves more than 145,000 guests and hosts over 230 events and conventions annually. Visit www.BoiseCentre.com or call 208-336-8900 for more information.