Experts urge exhibit halls, flexible spaces and coordinated operations in Fargo convention center planning

Tammy Vignes, senior conference manager for BBI International, and Warren Wilkinson, president and CEO of Visit Overland Park, told the Fargo Convention Center Study Committee on a recent meeting that a successful new convention center requires large, flexible exhibit space, strong loading and back-of-house facilities, and close coordination with hotels and food-and-beverage operators.

The guidance matters because the city is evaluating sites and an RFP for a convention center project with the aim of driving overnight visitation and economic activity. Committee members said they plan to reflect the site-visit lessons and operator recommendations in an RFP the group aims to issue in April.

Vignes, who plans national trade shows and expositions, emphasized exhibit hall size and configuration. “Exhibit space is really huge for people like me,” she said, adding that planners need clear floor power access, ample loading areas and space that can be reconfigured by air walls. Vignes said exhibit halls…