VAIL, CO— A 50,000-square-foot conference center is slated to open in spring 2005, after voters here approved a referendum to fund construction of the facility. A 1.5% increase to Vails lodging tax and a half-cent increase to the towns sales tax (excluding groceries) will be dedicated to repaying bonds for the $46 million facility. The new taxes will go into effect Jan. 1, and construction is expected to begin next year. “We are thrilled that Vail voters chose to support the conference center,” said Frank Johnson, president/Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau. “This is a tremendous step to improve our communitys year-round economy and it will solidify our position as a premier resort destination for both independent and group travelers.” The conference center will be constructed on a portion of a six-acre site located in Lionshead Village, proximate more than 1,250 lodging accommodations. Vail Resorts donated the land for the center, which is currently occupied by a maintenance facility. “This is an exciting outcome for the community of Vail,” said Bill Jensen, COO/Vail. “I strongly believe the conference center will benefit the current economic climate in Vail, as well as its long-term future.” The proposed conference facility will include two 20,000-square-foot flexible meeting rooms that can be combined to create one large open space accommodating 4,000 persons theater-style or 2,000 persons classroom-style. The facility also will have two smaller 5,000-square-foot meeting spaces and food and beverage support facilities. “A conference center that could host groups of more than 800 delegates, which is our current capacity, has been a priority for the Town of Vail for many years and will be a huge success for this community in the future,” said town manager Bob McLaurin. “We are comfortable with the financing plan and now look forward to getting the facility built.” Projections have shown that the conference center will boost Vails economy by generating 70,000 additional room nights by year five, and contribute more than $34 million to the community through lodging revenues, restaurant, retail and activity expenditures. “We will soon be able to attract large groups during the shoulder seasons,” said Pam Stenmark of the Evergreen Lodge. “Vails lodging community was very committed to making sure a conference center was approved because we are confident that it will drive business to all the lodges and condominiums, as well as shops and restaurants, throughout Lionshead and Vail Village.”
