The age-old competition between cities to attract convention business is getting its latest public debate in Dallas, where stakeholders are preparing a proposal to bring the city's convention center into the modern era.
Karen Robinson-Jacobs: "The head of a mayoral task force looking at the next steps for the aging Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center said Thursday the committee will recommend that something — repair, expansion or both — be done."
The committee fears that the city's convention center has fallen behind competitors, such as Houston, Austin, and Denver. The committee is expected to present a report with options and cost estimates for improving the facility in the next 30 to 60 days.
The project already has one champion, according to Robinson-Jacobs: "Phillip Jones, head of the visitors bureau, has been pushing for more than a year for an investment in the convention center, which he said is not properly configured to attract modern conventions."
Read the full story: Task force head concludes Dallas Convention Center needs upgrades to keep up with competitors
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