Anchorage is rapidly gaining distinction as a convention and meeting site. The city's downtown convention center is within walking distance of fine restaurants, unique shops, and world-class cultural events. The extraordinary experience of enjoying first-class amenities in close proximity to untouched wilderness attracts an increasing number of groups to Anchorage yearly.
The principal meeting place in Anchorage is the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center. The complex contains 45,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space accommodating groups of 20 to 2,776 people; other features include 189 custom exhibit areas, simultaneous interpreting facilities, and complete catering service. Across the street from Egan Center and adjoined by a skybridge is the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, which provides theater-style meeting halls seating 350 to 2,100 people.
In April 2005 voters will be asked to approve a 4 percent increase in hotel and motel taxes to help fund the new Anchorage Civic & Convention Center. Proponents of the new center say that the city's needs have outgrown the current Egan Civic and Convention Center. At a proposed cost of $93 million, the new center plans include a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, a second 25,000 square foot multiuse exhibit hall, and several breakout rooms totaling 12,000 square feet. The proposal includes a covered walkway attaching the new center to the Egan Center.
Located 2 miles from downtown is the George M. Sullivan Arena, which accommodates trade shows with 32,000 square feet of usable space and parking for 1,800 vehicles. The Anchorage Museum of History and Art is available to host special events in its atrium. Other meeting facilities are available at the University of Alaska–Anchorage, Alaska Pacific University, and major hotels in the metropolitan area. In total, Anchorage features more than 8,000 hotel and motel rooms, and more than 850 beds in bed and breakfast and hostel accommodations.
Convention Information: Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, 524 W. Fourth Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501; telephone (907)276-4118