Business View Magazine - Dec 2023

We are publicly funded, we generate our own profit, but we do get tax revenue. I’m always conscious of the public tax dollars and being a good steward of them. So, I couldn’t just keep people on and pay them to do nothing,” Curran maintains. “We kept working and that enabled us to have a lot of business on the books when we reopened. We didn’t have to start from square one and find out who had gone and found other jobs.” The pandemic also prompted safety and efficiency upgrades at the Spokane Convention Center. While not initially eligible for any funding, the Spokane Public Facilities District eventually secured CARES grants from Spokane County, enabling crucial enhancements to meet COVID standards. These included the installation of advanced air filters and the adoption of cashless and contactless systems, setting a precedent for ongoing event hosting. According to Curran, these upgrades not only prioritized safety but also embraced outdoor access, allowing attendees to step outside for fresh air and a walk during meetings. The experience gained from operating the arena and performing arts center was beneficial in adapting security measures to include metal detectors at the Convention Center. Although initially met with some pushback, Curran says, “We were just diligent about training people that this is the new way, and you just have to adapt to it. I think a lot of convention centers probably don’t use them. It’s a massive, massive expense, not only just to purchase the metal detectors, but also to staff.” These proactive measures illustrate the center’s commitment to security and ensuring a safe environment for all staff and attendees. A SUCCESSFUL EVENT YEAR In the dynamic landscape of post-COVID events, Nic Lawrence, Senior Event Manager, reflects on a whirlwind year at the Spokane Convention Center. He says the center has experienced a surge in activity, resembling three years’ worth of events condensed into one, with a mix of repeat business and the rescheduling of national events that were initially impacted by the pandemic. “It’s been wild,” he admits.“It’s kind of been fast and furious recently with all of that.” 288 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12