News
January 17, 2018Albany Capital Center Hosts 139 Events in Its Inaugural Year
2018 outlook is strong with more than 100 contracted events attracting an estimated 55,000 visitors to downtown Albany
The Albany Capital Center (ACC) is pleased to announce that it has closed out its opening year, surpassing projected convention bookings and hotel room nights with 139 events concluded over 197 event days and 4,285 hotel room nights for the year. Based on event bookings for 2018 by the ACC and the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the groups anticipate nearly 55,000 people will visit downtown Albany, with some new business tourism on the horizon for the first time in the Capital Region.
“While we expected to come out of the gate strong, 2017 proved to be even more successful,” said Doug McClaine, general manager, Albany Capital Center. “The numbers speak for themselves, but what is also very encouraging is the positive response the building is getting from our clients. With the ACC’s high-tech features and endless adaptability, we are able to provide one-of-a-kind events for our guests and truly accommodate them in every form.”
An estimated 7,827 future hotel room nights have been booked for the more than 100 meetings, conventions, tradeshows, sporting events or social events contracted for the year ahead, up by more than 80% from the ACC’s first year of operation. With an industry trending spike of corporate meetings and New York State Association interest, the convention center will be occupied for about 170 event days with dozens of event contracts still in the pipeline.
Notable events on the books for 2018 include the convention facility’s first concert as the Dropkick Murphys take the stage in February; in early April, the ACC will host the Empire State Comic Con for a three-year run utilizing the entire building and expecting to draw more than 5,000 attendees; in mid-April, Transfinder will host its Annual Client Summit, which last year was held in Austin, Texas bringing nearly 300 school district transportation professionals from 48 states, five Canadian providences and the Middle East to the area; and in July, Masters of Leadership, a new conference to Albany, will attract 2,000 attendees over 300 hotel room nights.
“2017 was a very strong opening year for the facility. Adding the Capital Center to Albany’s meeting facilities has made it possible to host a range of new events in Albany. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the ACC team to bring convention and event business to Albany,” says Michele Vennard, President and CEO of Discover Albany.
Continuing to show the facility’s versatility in the fall, the ACC will host The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Boys Volleyball Championships, the center’s first athletic state tournament, bringing more than 700 athletes and spectators to the Albany area. This is the first time these championships will be held in the Capital Region and will remain at the ACC through 2020.
