On June 5, 2012, the Onondaga County, N.Y., Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee approved the selection of private convention and entertainment venue management firm SMG Worldwide to operate the Oncenter effective July 1, 2012.
The unanimous decision to privatize management of the Oncenter, through SMG, will nationally publicize the Oncenter and Syracuse, bringing in larger events, concerts, tradeshows and conventions to the City.
“Our goal is to start connecting the facilities, the entertainment venues and the convention center to our national network,” said Gregg Caren, senior vice president for strategic business development, CMG. “By giving them the access to our database and our clients, we can help put Syracuse and Onondaga County in the forefront of the decision-makers who are going to rent this facility.”
The Oncenter, comprised of the War Memorial Arena, Civic Center Theaters and the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, has been home to numerous conferences, conventions, tradeshows, concerts, performances and events for more than 50 years.
“We are very pleased to see the Oncenter merge with SMG,” said Terri Toennies, general manager, SMG. “SMG has an incredible legacy of more than 30 years of private ownership and a commitment to its employees, high quality standards and exceptional service. I look forward to working with SMG and their team as they take the Oncenter to the next level.”
SMG will take over operational responsibilities from the Oncenter Management Corporation, and the current management will become employees of SMG.
Onondaga County lawmakers recognize the need to put Syracuse and venues like the Oncenter on the map.
“We are pleased to partner with SMG,” said Joanie Mahoney, executive, Onondaga County. “The Oncenter provides world class venues to attract events, and SMG is a leader in this industry. This is a partnership that will benefit everyone in our region.”
