San Antonio Convention Center Driving Revenues, Customer Satisfaction with PSAV
Establishing an exclusive, preferred partnership with the leading provider of audiovisual and event technologies, is making more than sense . . . its making millions of dollars
Since PSAV® Presentation Services began operating as the exclusive provider of event technologies to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (HBGCC), business has proven to be "wildly successful," according to Michael Sawaya, Director of Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Facilities Department for the City of San Antonio. The HBGCC, located in the historic downtown district, has earned more than $500 thousand annually in revenues generated from event-technology services provided by PSAV.
PSAV is the leading supplier of audiovisual and event technology to hotels, associations, producers and meeting planners worldwide.
"although we hold more than 300 events each year, drawing about 750,000 convention delegates from around the world, we felt we were missing out on considerable revenues," Sawaya said. "Therefore, we alerted the event-management community that we were looking for an exclusive partner in the audio/visual and event technology arena. Only PSAV came to the table with considerable local and national expertise and the willingness to share with us a percentage of the revenues they receive by providing audiovisual services. Because of PSAV, our business is thriving – and so are our customer satisfaction scores.
"PSAV is a great partner in every sense of the word," he said. "They always have the customer's best interest in mind. They provide considerable value through the services and technologies they support, and they exceed our expectations at every turn. Having a partner whose philosophies mirror our own makes for a great relationship in both the short and long run. We highly recommend PSAV to Convention Centers around the world looking to increase bottom line revenues and customer loyalty."
Sawaya, a former hotel General Manager with more than 20 years of experience, had worked with PSAV previously at hotels he managed. He said he had confidence in PSAV as a partner due to the company's exceptional customer service and satisfaction track record, and the expertise of its on-site staff.
"Convention Center operators are always looking for new ways to generate revenue while exhibitors and meeting planners are looking for new ways to cut costs," Sawaya said. "PSAV is a true partner who enables us to do both. Event goers aren't happy with a run-of-the-mill presentation or trade show experience. They expect to be 'wowed' when they enter one of our rooms or exhibit halls. PSAV's general assembly technologies and multimedia presentations make what was once ordinary – extraordinary. We are thrilled to be their partner."
Tom Brewer, PSAV Director of Convention Center Operations, echoes Sawaya's enthusiasm.
"PSAV is thrilled with the success achieved for the HBGCC," Brewer said. "This is just one example showing that market size doesn't matter when it comes to our ability to dramatically drive revenues. The key to facility success is having a team in place dedicated to inspiring great events. Michael and his group trust PSAV to deliver an unforgettable experience, and together, everyone who visits the San Antonio convention center will truly feel like they attended a one-of-a-kind event."
The HBGCC, built as part of the 1968 World's Fair and expanded three times since, is now a beautifully designed and spacious facility that encompasses a total of 1.3 million square feet. The facility features: 67 meeting rooms, four exhibit halls with more than 440,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, three elegant ballrooms including Ballroom C with approximately 40,000 sq. ft., a full service UPS Business Center, 36 loading docks, WiFi connectivity, and compressed air, electricity, water and drainage available in the exhibit halls.
The HBGCC complex also features the newly-renovated Lila Cockrell Theatre, a 2,400 seat Performing Arts and General Assembly Theatre. The Alamodome and more than 13,000 of the City's downtown hotel rooms (over 42,000 citywide), are within minutes and walking distance as well as restaurants and entertainment on the world-famous San Antonio River Walk.
About PSAV® Presentation Services
PSAV provides the ideas and technology that inspire great meetings. This has made PSAV the leading provider of event technology for meeting planners and producers across the corporate, association, and tradeshow markets. PSAV provides an unparalleled range of event technology to support its customers' ability to create, collaborate, and communicate. With more than 800 partner locations worldwide, PSAV provides people and resources right where you want to have your meeting. www.psav.com
Glen Adamik
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