News
December 10, 2025Albany Capital Center Experiences Milestone Year with Highest Attendance on Record and Eight Award Recognitions
2025 stands as the most decorated year in the Albany Capital Center (ACC)’s history after setting an attendance record with 114,000+ guests, the highest total in the venue’s eight-year history, and being recognized with eight prestigious industry awards.
The best-ever attendance eclipses the prior record in 2019 by an estimated 8%, an accomplishment showcasing that events and meetings interest has not only returned, but exceeds, pre-pandemic levels in downtown Albany and New York’s Capital Region.
The ACC also received national publication recognition from across the event and meeting industry with the prestigious honors showcasing the facility as a premier destination in the Capital Region. From the ACC’s state-of-the-art features to the staff members that run its daily operations through a customer-first, innovative mindset, the eight awards exemplify the facility’s affordable luxury philosophy.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to our exceptional staff, committed partners, event organizers and attendees. Their collective dedication has made the record-breaking attendance and recognitions possible,” said Shannon Licygiewicz, general manager of the Albany Capital Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “As we reflect on a milestone year, we not only celebrate our achievements, but look ahead with confidence to the expanded opportunities that will further strengthen and elevate our event and meeting service capabilities.”
Industry awards that the Albany Capital Center received in 2025 include:
• Albany Business Review: 2025 Best Places to Work (Small Companies category)
• Association Conventions & Facilities: 2025 America’s Premier Convention Centers
• Business View Magazine: Five Time Best Managed Convention Center Award
• EXHIBITOR Magazine: 2026 Centers of Excellence Award
• Facilities & Destinations: 2025 Prime Site Award
• Northstar Meetings Group: Stella Award for Best Convention Center, Northeast Region Category, Bronze Medal
• Smart Meetings: 2025 Platinum Choice Award for Extraordinary Venue – State of New York
• Smart Meetings: 2025 Catalyst Kinetic Award (Shannon Licygiewicz)
“This year’s achievements underscore the Albany Capital Center’s vital role in strengthening our region’s economic and cultural landscape,” said Albany Convention Center Authority Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski. “The ACC continues to exceed expectations, and these recognitions reflect the momentum building in downtown Albany. With the expansion underway, we are poised to deliver even greater opportunities for our community, our partners and the events that choose to call Albany home.”
Altogether, the recognition spans six national awards and one local award for the facility, one national award for facility leadership and one national certification (ISSA Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR).
The historic level of acknowledgement comes on the heels of the Albany Convention Center Authority’s recent groundbreaking on a $54.9 million expansion of the Albany Capital Center in October. The expansion project will connect State and Eagle Streets, add two ballrooms, multiuse space, five meeting rooms, 3,000-square foot outdoor courtyard and more, resulting in a total of 84,000 square feet of rentable space.
“This remarkable year is a testament to the Albany Capital Center’s growing reputation as a premier gathering place,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of convention centers for Legends Global. “These awards reflect the strength of the market, as well as the professionalism of the team delivering exceptional experiences every day. As we prepare for the ACC’s expansion, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead and committed to elevating the venue’s impact for event organizers, attendees and the entire community.”
