Maybe the “new” hasn’t worn off the 154,000-square-foot convention center that opened in St. Charles in 2005. That could explain the initial reaction of Martha Little, director of sales for the Greater St. Charles CVB, when she was asked what’s new for meeting planners.
“Things are status quo here,” she said.
The convention center appears to have enough to keep a sales director happy. An architectural masterpiece, it can accommodate from 300 to 3,000; with all the bells and whistles of technology, it also has a cyber cafe, 1,200 complimentary on-site parking spots and a 296-suite Embassy Suites attached.
The convention center is 10 minutes from the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
Despite the convention center’s popularity, it is not the latest achievement for the town of more than 60,000, as Little explained.
The Grand Opera House Banquet and Event Center, in the heart of the North Main Historic District, recently opened and can accommodate 50 to 200 guests, depending on the flair and style of the event, according to Little. The 83-year-old building is within walking distance of the many shops and restaurants in the historic district.
Quintessential Dining and Nightlife, which calls itself a premier event space and nightclub, is also new on the scene. Located in the North Main Historic District, the venue offers meeting and banquet space for up to 150 people.
“The facility is known for its ambiance and rooftop terrace area that overlooks the historic district,” said Little.
Another addition to meeting options in St. Charles is the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood University campus.
“The center houses the Bezemes Family Theater that has 1,200 seats and features Broadway and national tours, concerts, world-renowned dance and celebrity appearances,” said Little.
The center’s Emerson Black Box seats an audience of 150 to 250 for music, dance and experimental theater, and the Boyle Family Gallery features a wide variety of artistic works, including paintings and sculpture.
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