Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting - Success Stories

Raleigh Convention Center and Hotel - Raleigh, North Carolina

In October 2002, the City of Raleigh retained HVS Convention Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting to create a business plan for a proposed new convention center and hotel in downtown Raleigh on behalf of a nineteen-member Convention Center Steering Committee that was appointed by the Raleigh City Council. HVS managed a multi-disciplinary team that included economic consultants, physical planners, and financial advisors. HVS reviewed a previous convention center feasibility study and developed a distinct set of facility program recommendations, working closely with members of the Steering Committee. HVS also provided an independent analysis of peer markets and facilities and estimates of demand for the proposed hotel and convention center. HVS also worked closely with the Committee to evaluate potential site locations, including downtown and other sites. This site analysis eventually led to the selection of a downtown site near the site of the existing convention center. Within four months, our project team submitted a comprehensive business plan that included recommendations for the facility program, a site selection analysis, a concept plan for development, projections of financial operations, and recommended an approach to financing. The Steering Committee adopted our recommendations and a series of public hearings on the proposed development fostered public acceptance. The City of Raleigh and Wake County subsequently adopted the business plan and the convention center and hotel are currently under construction.