On June 25, 2016, the San Diego Union Tribune (
visit link) reported the following:
"Marriott doubles down on convention business
Mugshot of Lori WeisbergBy Lori Weisberg | 9 a.m. June 25, 2016
When the Marriott Marquis unveils this week a $107 million expansion of its convention venue, the project’s curved glass facade, sprawling Swarovski crystal chandelier, and 16-foot-long digital walls will no doubt wow first-time visitors.
But behind the dazzle of the two-story indoor-outdoor event space is the hotel’s laser-focused effort to remain competitive with its bayfront rivals, all vying for lucrative business from space-hungry groups and corporations who want to meet, eat and sleep all in the same location.
San Diego’s biggest space hog, Comic-Con, which long ago ran out of room to cram its always sold-out event into the neighboring Convention Center, will be among the first beneficiaries of Marriott’s much expanded footprint. For the first time, the July gathering, which already depends heavily on the waterfront hotels for added space, will move its badge pick-up operation from the convention center to the Marriott’s new ground-floor ballroom.
Marriott Marquis convention space
$107 million: Cost of expansion
35,630: Square footage of each of two new ballrooms
45,900: Square footage of upper and lower level ballroom foyers
26,450: Square footage of new outdoor bayfront event space
2: Number of 9-foot-by-16-foot video walls capable of displaying multiple images on one screen.
44,000: Number of Swarovski crystals in main chandelier
The project’s opening also is arriving just in time for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America annual conference, whose 8,300 attendees faced relocating to another city when they learned a year ago that San Diego’s convention center was hosting this year’s MLB All-Star FanFest. Thanks to the Marriott’s new space and the center’s rooftop sails pavilion, the leadership conference will still be heading to San Diego next month.
“We booked this 10 years ago at the center so we’re very lucky to be in the new Marriott facility,” said Sandy Spavone, executive director of the national leadership group. “We didn’t want to lose San Diego and this new facility gives us a more intimate atmosphere than when you’re sending your group to a huge convention center. There aren’t a lot of cities where a hotel like this has this kind of space."