Colorado Convention Center

venues

Main PHOTO: Scott Dressle-Martin

The Mile High City is set to wrap up a $233 million expansion of the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) that will add an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, 35,000 square feet of pre-function space, and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor terrace atop the existing roof. Stretching across 2.2 million square feet, the CCC offers an unbeatable mountain view, expansive meeting and event spaces, and a dash of artistic whimsy, courtesy of a 40-foot-tall blue bear standing outside with his nose and paws pressed against the glass wall as if he is curious to see inside. More art is sprinkled throughout the venue, which boasts 577,000 contiguous square feet of exhibit space, 63 meeting rooms, and a 5,000-seat theater.

WHERE TO SLEEP
The 1,100-room Hyatt Regency Denver and the 403-room Embassy Suites Downtown are both across the street from the CCC. For luxury lodging, choose the nearby Brown Palace Hotel and Spa with its stained glass and marble atrium lobby and finely appointed rooms. Approximately 13,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the center.

WHAT TO EAT
Veteran exhibitors suggest grabbing lunch at one of the many eateries adjacent to the CCC. Check out the Stout Street Social and Terra Denver. Rioja's upscale flavors and décor are perfect for sophisticated client dinners. If you're looking for a cocktail reception with a view for up to 125 guests, be sure to check out 54thirty Rooftop.

HOW TO GET THERE
The Denver International Airport is 25 miles from the CCC. Taxis cost $71 each way, while ride sharing begins around $40. The Regional Transportation District offers Skyride buses for airport transfers to downtown for $11. There are more than 600 parking spaces attached to the center, though they are a long walk from the exhibit hall and can fill quickly during large shows. Additional parking garages are available nearby.

The Colorado Convention Center is a LEED Gold certified venue.

The venue is GBAC Star accredited.

Full-time employees of an exhibiting company may install and dismantle their own displays if work can be done in less than 60 minutes and without mechanized tools.

Exhibitors may hand carry materials in and out of the venue without the use of dollies or carts.

The Denver Theatrical Stage Employees Union performs all audiovisual, display, decorating, drayage, theatrical, rigging, production, and material-handling labor.

The convention center offers free wireless Internet in all public spaces and meeting rooms at street level. Smart City Networks is the exclusive provider for other internet/networking needs.

The FedEx Office in the adjacent Hyatt Regency Denver offers exhibitor services, including printing for signs, banners, and other marketing materials.

Any covered exhibit space more 100 square feet must have a smoke detector and fire extinguisher.

Helium balloons may not be distributed in the facility.