The center also boasts an indoor-outdoor public area overlooking the parkway, complete with an outdoor terrace.“Attendees can step out during breaks and take views of the bustling activity below, including restaurants, attractions, shops, and a great view of the tram to Ober Mountain,” Murphy describes, illustrating how these additions provide a scenic and relaxing environment for conference participants to enjoy during downtime. The upgrades also included essential infrastructure improvements such as replacing the entire HVAC system, installing a new roof, and updating carpeting throughout the facility. “We completely renovated our entrance registration areas and expanded all the restrooms, which was a major request from our clients,” Murphy says. These enhancements ensure the facility remains comfortable and modern, meeting the high standards expected by attendees. One of the more visible changes was the installation of brand-new escalators. “With the $13 million investment, we achieved a lot, ensuring the convention center operates efficiently for many years to come,” Murphy states. The feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the new additions and improvements. FUTURE PLANS AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES As the Gatlinburg Convention Center looks toward the next 18 months, its roadmap includes a blend of maintaining its bustling schedule, enhancing its facilities, and expanding its market reach. The center’s leadership is focused on capitalizing on recent growth and further solidifying its status as a premier event destination. “We are busier now than we’ve ever been,” says Murphy. He credits Esslinger and his staff for their exceptional work in filling the calendar.“We’ve gone from changing rooms between events with a day or two in between to doing two or three events simultaneously in different parts of the facility.”This rapid turnover has necessitated hiring temporary services to manage quick transitions and maintain cleanliness. Another top priority is enhancing in-house capabilities to reduce dependency on external vendors. “We’re 155 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07 GATL INBURG CONVENT ION CENTER
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