(Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. Photo courtesy of ASM Global.)
submitted by ASM Global
ITHACA, N.Y. — ASM Global, the world’s No. 1 development, full-service venue and live-events company, has opened Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, the first fully electric conference center in the U.S. With its innovative design and commitment to eco-friendly practices, this new state-of-the-art facility represents a significant advancement in sustainable event hosting and economic development for the region.
The first fully electric conference center in the United States, IDCC meets the performance standards for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Commercial New Construction. It aligns with Ithaca’s Green New Deal aimed to reach communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030 as well as ASM Global Acts, the company’s social equity and global sustainability commitment.
“The opening of Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is an exciting milestone for our community,” said Suzanne Smith Jablonski, executive director of the Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation. “After 10 years of creative and innovative collaboration amongst community partners, this versatile venue redefines sustainability for meetings and events. We are grateful to all the stakeholders who shared and supported our vision for this important tourism economic development project, expected to drive nearly $150 million in new direct and induced spending in our community over the next 20 years.”
The center’s sustainability features include an all-electric, full-production kitchen, air-source heat pumps for space heating, cooling and domestic hot water, energy-efficient lighting, a robust composting system, and an efficient recycling program. The catering menu includes a minimum of 35% plant-based options, promoting healthier and more sustainable dining choices. Single-use items have been eliminated, leftover prepared food is repurposed in the center’s “Green on the Go” retail store to minimize waste, and fryer oil is reused as fuel for sustainable practices.
Dan Hoffend, executive vice president, convention centers, ASM Global, said, “Ithaca Downtown Convention Center sets a new bar in meetings and conventions as the first all-electric convention center in the United States. We are thrilled about it being part of ASM Global’s worldwide portfolio and setting the example for the events industry. A key economic driver to the local community, it’s what’s next in sustainability and future-ready venues on the national and global scale.”
IDCC features over 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom, an executive boardroom, up to 12 flexible bilevel meeting rooms, and trade show and pre-function space with a nature-inspired color palette and murals of the local scenery. It is steps away from the Ithaca Commons, a vibrant pedestrian mall known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic charm and offers easy access to the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Kathy Taylor, Ithaca Conference Center general manager, ASM Global, said, “As a resident of this community, I could not be more excited for the opening of this much-awaited gem. Its versatility allows us to bring a wide range of events to Ithaca and introduce their attendees to this amazing region all while showcasing true environmental responsibility and meaningful change.”
About Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation:
Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation provides economic development within the Tompkins County community and its downtown Ithaca central city core as the owner of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. A state-of-the-art facility, Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is designed to attract visitors by accommodating trade shows; conferences; meetings; public expositions; and social, sporting and community events.
About ASM Global:
Award-winning ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network spans five continents featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers and performing arts venues.
ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into innovative project development, planning and execution; content programming; curated guest-immersive experiences; locally tailored solutions; and optimized revenue streams for our client’s properties and surrounding communities. Focused on value creation and economic growth, ASM Global realizes venue business potential to elevate the profitability and profile of our clients and partners. We cultivate strong, inclusive relationships with the communities we work and live in while championing the welfare and development of our employees and small-business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient and vibrant community.
ASM Global’s expertise and commitment extends across existing venue management, new venue development, and transformative renovation projects across the most exciting properties in the industry, including Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong), Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana), The Moscone Center (San Francisco, California), AO Arena (Manchester, U.K.), The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, California), Desert Diamond Arena (Glendale, Arizona) and Fishers Event Center (Fishers, Indiana).
