58 Business View Magazine - June 2016
The Greater Columbus
Convention Center
A perfect destination from the inside out
The Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) is
owned and developed by the Franklin County Conven-
tion Facilities Authority (FCCFA), a quasi-governmental
agency charged with a similar role in regard to the Hil-
ton Columbus Downtown and Nationwide Arena. For
the past 19 years, the GCCC has been managed by
SMG. As the industry leader in venue management,
SMG offers expertise in sales and marketing, event
booking and programming, food and beverage opera-
tions, construction and design consulting, and pre-
opening services for more than 250 public assembly
facilities. These venues include a variety of convention
and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters,
performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and sci-
ence centers, worldwide.
Construction of the GCCC began in February 1978, af-
ter Battelle Memorial Institute contributed $36.5 mil-
lion and established the Battelle Commons Company
to develop a convention facility in downtown Colum-
bus, Ohio. The doors opened in September 1980, and
Battelle Hall, the Center’s premier venue, quickly be-
came known as a versatile site for family shows, mu-
sic concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events,
