The Phoenix Convention Center just celebrated its 40th Anniversary by having a big block party for the entire downtown Phoenix community. The event took place from 11am until 2pm on Third Street between Washington and Monroe streets and included free food samples and a cornhole tournament benefiting the Phoenix Community Service Fund Drive.
Over 30 vendors were on hand, as well as businesses and nonprofits, from groups like the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Arizona Rattlers. Interim Director for the Convention Center Debbie Cotton, along with Mayor Greg Stanton, Vice Mayor Michael Johnson, Deputy City Manager Rick Naimark and Greater Phoenix Conventions and Visitor Bureau President Steve Moore were on hand to provide a brief presentation that focused on the center’s impact on the community and economic importance.
According to Stanton, “The activities that go on in these two buildings are incredibly important in the short run for our economy and also incredibly important in the long run to build the economic vitality of this community. And it can’t be done except in partnership. ”
Johnson added, “This has been the heart and the centerpiece of downtown Phoenix. It’s the middle between our sports. It’s with the arts district that we have here on the other side. It’s mixed with our hotels and our restaurants. This is the centerpiece that we have that stands out in the city of Phoenix to bring everything that we have here together.”
In its 40 years of operation, the convention center allowed vendors to present themselves to consumers that had never heard of their business before. Events and Administration Program Coordinator at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Keith Chandler stated that the convention center allowed him to be introduced to downtown business.
“I got to sample some great food that I’ve never had before, and also visit with some people that I didn’t even know had businesses downtown and offer some great services,” Chandler added.
The convention center has definitely been a booming industry for downtown Phoenix and is looking to do the same for 40 more years to come.
Source: Downtown Devil – Phoenix Convention Center hosts block party, celebrates 40 years
