Thursday, January 28, 1999
N.Ky. convention center opening gala sold out
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Next month's formal gala marking the grand opening of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center proved so popular the event already is sold out.
But while reservations for the black-and-white-themed event — which includes a dinner, dancing, and entertainment by the Four Tops — were filled last week, center officials hope the public will take advantage of other grand opening activities.
“This is one of those good news, bad news things,” said Kathy Ivie, marketing director for the center.
“We're pleased with the response (to the Feb. 20 gala), but we feel terrible that we're not going to be able to accommodate everybody.”
Although the 1,200-person black-tie optional event sold out last week, center officials still hope to accommodate as many as possible on the waiting list through cancellations and other opportunities.
Others are encouraged to “Celebrate the Future” at the center's Family Fun Day from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 21. The free events will include games, rides, a petting zoo, and everything from magicians and face painters to puppet shows.
Throughout the grand opening weekend, participants can park free at Kenton County's nearby garage.
Center officials hope to lure those who have yet to discover the $30.5 million facility at Madison Avenue and RiverCenter Boulevard.
“We want to give people a chance to go inside and see what's going on,” Ms. Ivie said.
Charles Wheeler Jr., the center's executive director, said the convention center is a prime example of a public-private partnership that's helped fill a void in the Tristate.
At three times the size of Sharonville's convention center and one-third the size of the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center in Cincinnati, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center's target market is small to mid-size groups.
“We each have our own market segment that we cater to,” Mr. Wheeler said.
Since last fall, the Sabin center has sent some of its mid-size shows to Northern Kentucky, Ms. Ivie said.
That has allowed the Cincinnati-based convention center to book bigger shows.
The Northern Kentucky Convention Center has 150 events booked through 2003, with one-third of those scheduled for next year.
Upcoming shows and events include the National Knife Collectors Association, March 25-28; International Dance Challenge, on March 27; the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Chamber Business Showplace, April 21 and 22; and the American Memories' Country Peddlers Show, Nov. 5-7.
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