throughout construction.“All the action is happening outside our windows, not inside our doors,” says Licygiewicz.“It’s allowed us to still have a very robust calendar for next year. We have a mix of all different types of events, like we always do.” These include a range of sports, conferences, and conventions, as well as social gatherings and meetings. “We really have a good mix going into 2026, and I think the energy and excitement of the expansion is really going to carry us into a pretty rockin’ 2027,” she affirms. “We have already signed the first official contract to use the entire expanded space. We’re already starting the process of selling and securing business.” INSPIRING DOWNTOWN GROWTH As the ACC welcomes more conferences and events, an increase in hotel bookings, along with shopping, dining and visits to attractions is expected, putting money directly into the local economy. “There are discussions around increasing the hotel capacity and making sure, first and foremost, that we fill the hotels that we have,” notes Licygiewicz. “We’re not looking to take business from any of our hotel partners that have been so supportive of us through this process. I think the conversation on a higher level is around what we can do to complement what we already have, to help us with this new venture.” With over 180 annual events, growth projections are already supported by current numbers.“We will have the largest attendance ever this year. We’ve had over 115,000 people come through our doors, which is a phenomenal milestone,” Licygiewicz recounts. “I would expect in year one of the newly expanded venue, we’re going to be well over 220 events and that number will just continue to grow.” HISTORIC CHARACTER MEETS MODERN TECHNOLOGY Situated along one of the oldest streets in downtown 69 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01 ALBANY CAPITAL CENTER
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