America's Center Convention Complex

venues

MAIN PHOTO: AMERICA'S CENTER CONVENTION COMPLEX; WHERE TO SLEEP PHOTO: MAGNOLIA HOTEL ST. LOUIS; HOW TO GET THERE PHOTO: MATTHEW BLACK

Conventional Wisdom

With more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, the America's Center Convention Complex comprises the Cervantes Convention Center, The Dome at America's Center, the St. Louis Executive Conference Center, and the Ferrara Theatre. In short, it's a one-stop shop for a variety of events. The convention center alone boast s five exhibit halls, a ballroom, and more than 80 meeting rooms, while The Dome has 67,000 seats - great for keynote addresses. Accented by a three-story rotunda, the America's Center entrance features large windows and plenty of natural light. Located in downtown St. Louis, the complex is close to all the action and is a short walk from the iconic Gateway Arch.

WHERE TO SLEEP
The America's Center is within walking distance of several hotels, including the four-star Marriott St. Louis Grand, the all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown, and the chic Magnolia Hotel St. Louis. The downtown area offers more than 7,000 rooms at price points that can accommodate any budget.

WHAT TO EAT
The Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar serves up traditional pub fare with a twist, such as honey, beet powder, and mustard-flavored popcorn. Reservations aren't taken, but group dining and private parties can be arranged. For fine dining with a view, eat at Three Sixty, perfect for client dinners and a gander at the Gateway Arch.

HOW TO GET THERE
It's about a 20-minute drive from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport to the America's Center. Uber can pick up at the terminal, and fares to downtown start at $21. There's a MetroLink stop within walking distance to the convention center, and cash fares are $2 for the bus and $2.50 for the train (www.metrostlouis.org). There is ample parking in multiple lots throughout the downtown area.

Levy Restaurants is the complex's exclusive caterer, and outside food and beverage are not allowed.

Exhibitors must use America's Center Communication Services for internet and Ethernet access and other telecommunications services.

Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services is the exclusive supplier of show management and exhibitor electrical requirements, hardwire cabling for computers, and satellite dishes.

Exhibitors are encouraged to use PSAV presentation services for sound, lighting, projection, rigging, and digital services. PSAV is the exclusive contractor for events in the Ferrara Theatre and ballroom.

Booth and aisle carpet cleaning is done exclusively by the America's Center Cleaning and Plumbing Services, which also handles porter service and special cleaning requests.

Banners and signs cannot be hung with nails or screws, or attached by tape to the venue's walls, ceilings, or painted surfaces.

Exhibitors can load and unload exhibit materials from personally owned vehicles, and two full-time company employees can handle the movement of materials via two-wheeled handcarts.