Let’s Meet Again (Safely): HCC Offers New Event Options as Oahu Eases COVID-19 Restrictions
The Hawai‘i Convention Center is welcoming guests with industry-leading protocols for meetings and events, including the implementation of health and safety technologies, new food and beverage options, revised layouts for socially distanced gatherings, and extensive staff training. Effective March 11, the City & County of Honolulu eased COVID-19 restrictions for the island of Oahu to allow for select gatherings, meetings and events under the Tier 3 reopening strategy. Tier 3 allows venues such as convention centers, third-party conference room providers, and banquet halls to host low-risk structured events.
Travel to Hawai‘i from other U.S. states is allowed with a confirmed negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, which offers guests the opportunity to opt out of a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. More information on travel to Hawai‘i from within the U.S. is available at hawaiicovid19.com/travel. International travel information is available through the CDC.
Over the past year, the HCC has developed and implemented health and safety measures led by ASM Global’s comprehensive Venue Shield program. These include:
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitation and the use of electrostatic sprayers;
- The installation of thermal cameras and touchless temperature checks;
- The use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Modified food and beverage operations, including fresh, individually packaged meals and snacks;
- Increased availability of hand-sanitizer dispensers;
- Contactless transactions, special signage and social-distancing guidelines.
The HCC has also developed new virtual meetings packages to offer guests the convenience of attending meetings remotely. This full array of turnkey video-production services includes professionally coordinated pre-recording management, webinar and live-stream production, and hybrid meeting design and execution across a variety of popular virtual platforms.
“The Hawai‘i Convention Center offers numerous advantages when holding meetings and events, and we are excited to welcome guests back to Hawai‘i with the legendary Aloha spirit and service that sets us apart as a productive, relaxed and enjoyable place to conduct business,” says Teri Orton (pictured right), general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global. “As Hawai‘i opens up meetings and travel options, we are here to provide large gathering spaces and event options in a safe, open-air environment, while closely following the recommendations of public health officials. As always, the health and saf
ety of our guests and employees are the Center’s top priority.”
The HCC has recently worked with state agencies to provide space for important services such as unemployment claims processing for the Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, COVID-19 contact tracing for the Hawai‘i Department of Health, and vote counting for Hawai‘i’s Office of Elections. The HCC also conducted key improvements, repairs and upgrades throughout the building, allowing for the expedited completion of maintenance projects and the implementation of new safety protocols.
In September 2020 and February 2021, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary selected the Center for the Hawai‘i Bar Exam, due to the availability of large spaces that accommodate social-distancing requirements of at least 6 feet between guests. “The Center was exceptionally well prepared to handle our group while adhering to all recommended COVID-19 protocols,” says Rochelle Kaui of the Office of the Chief Clerk with the Hawai‘i State Judiciary. “The facility was very clean, and we felt safe, comfortable and well cared for throughout the planning process and the event itself. It was such a relief that the HCC had ample space to allow for the social distancing we needed to conduct our business while implementing the stringent health and safety requirements for all of us to follow. From security to custodial to food service, the Center’s staff were so professional and respectful.”
“Where Business and Aloha Meet,” the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a spacious, modern and flexible meeting space in the heart of Honolulu—all with an award-winning team and renowned aloha spirit. Conveniently located between East and West, the Center is a global leader for a diverse array of meetings and events, just steps from 30,000 hotel rooms in iconic Waikiki. The Center is a state-owned facility opened in 1998, and is managed by ASM Global. The Center’s interactive virtual map offers a complete 3D tour of rooms and facilities. For more, visit HawaiiConvention.com.
ASM Global was formed from the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG in October 2019, creating a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. To learn more about ASM Global and the exciting new ways we can serve you, visit ASMGlobal.com.
