making sure that we’re really careful about how we’re growing the team and making sure that we can handle the new workload.” Through the Albany Convention Center Authority, the venue partners with SEAT, a second chance program focused on hospitality training. “They work directly with our culinary provider, Mazzone Hospitality,” she expands.“They also work with local restaurants downtown.They have a training facility very close to us, and we’re looking to broaden that partnership. In addition to what the culinary side is, we’re looking to broaden it into event management, and more hospitality based programs to help support the community and give people of all ages a chance to enter our world.” Partnerships also play an essential role in the center’s success.Along with a longstanding collaboration with Mazzone Hospitality and Total Events, Licygiewicz highlights the importance of American Concert and Entertainment Services (ACES). “They are our audio visual provider, and they help the magic happen for each of our events,” she says. Together, these partners and the ACC team have maintained strong relationships with event organizers, many of whom return year after year. The Albany Capital Center is a proud supporter of the Albany community, strengthening downtown business through ongoing participation in local initiatives.That commitment is also evident through the Albany Convention Center Authority’s sponsorship program, which helps local groups access the venue for community based events. PLANNING FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES With a larger facility on the horizon, the ACC’s marketing strategy is preparing for a major shift. “For the next two years, our marketing plan is going to ramp pretty heavily. We are going to be on a whole new playing field, because we’re going to go from a smaller facility to technically a mid-sized facility,” Licygiewicz outlines. This growth means new markets, new messaging, and a broader pool of potential clients.“We are going to be targeting larger groups and perhaps people that have not been able to look at Albany before,” she adds. 73 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01 ALBANY CAPITAL CENTER
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