Business View Magazine l October 2022

144 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 objective right now is to communicate that we have the ability, the technology, and the strength to help anyone create any sort of event that they’re looking for,” Licygiewicz says. “Whether it be hybrid, standalone, or virtual, our team has gone through this now for two years. We did not close. So, we actually have the most experience in the area and really the State of New York. We have the ability and the skills to assist any client that comes through our doors with any sort of goals and programs they want.” As for future growth, Licygiewicz would love to see a renovation that would add more square footage to the ACC, although this is not in the plans for the immediate future. She maintains, “We have to really get back to a point where we are closer to operating pre-pandemic, to go back and start to consider what would be the best investment for expansion. There are definitely some options out there, but we have to make sure, as a facility, that we’re in the right position, and it’s the right time for us to start looking at those items again.” With that being said, things are starting to move in the right direction for a return to pre -COVID numbers, with sporting and social events being the quickest to rebound for Albany Capital Center. “Those were two areas that virtual didn’t really work for. You can’t virtually attend a wedding or a gala, it’s just not the same. You can’t virtually play a sporting event,” says Licygiewicz. Adding that on the meeting and convention side, the comeback has been slower, she admits, “We’re very appreciative of all the meeting, convention, and trade show business that we have, but the numbers have been a little bit lower than anticipated or estimated, perhaps. I would say very excitedly, for 2023 and 2024, things are definitely looking like they’re coming back around the corner for all categories.” A return to events like the annual Capital Region Chamber Dinner, with 1,100 attendees, and the Capital District Reptile Expo with over 4000 people in attendance, are evidence that a return