With the end of 2014 fast approaching, the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), managed by leading sports, entertainment and venue operator AEG Facilities, has hosted over 350 events. Showcasing the transformative capabilities of the facility are events ranging from equestrian competitions to celebrity-studded celebrations such as the Emmy Awards Governors Ball.
“We are very fortunate at the Los Angeles Convention Center to have both the physical space as well as a talented and dedicated team that can help our clients’ event vision come alive,” noted Brad Gessner, senior vice president and general manager, LACC.
“This year especially we’ve hosted very unconventional events for the Convention Center such as the Southern California Volleyball Association (SCVA) Junior National Qualifier, which converted the LACC into 80 competition volleyball courts and facilitated 6,000 matches over two weekends in March as well as the high-profile Longines Los Angeles Masters Grand Slam equestrian competition, which brought the world’s best riders and show horses to the LACC in September.”
The Longines Los Angeles Masters Grand Slam utilized the LACC’s Kentia Hall as a space to quarantine and house over 100 of the world’s best show horses for over a week. The Center’s South Hall was transformed into a top-notch competition arena, complete with bleacher stands, an art gallery showcase and designer brand vendors, highlighting the facility’s ability to successfully host unique and challenging events.
Given the LACC’s proximity to Hollywood, the Convention Center is also home to annual celebrations such as the Emmy Awards Governors Ball, which draws the entertainment industry’s top talent to the venue. Rolling out the red carpet is only a small component of the transformation that occurs when the halls are dressed in high-end décor to embody the ambience of an upscale, boutique space.
In addition to entertainment industry events, the facility’s prime location also makes for a desirable filming space for major films, TV shows and commercials. LACC has appeared in various productions, frequently as the backdrop for airport, shopping mall, parking garage, tunnel or electrical room scenes. Since AEG Facilities took over management of the LACC, filming activity has increased by over 30 percent.
“We are excited to host many more of these ‘unconventional’ events in the future and we’re ready for 2015!” stated Carisa Malanum, vice president of event services, LACC.
