Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Revving Up Business, Raving About PSAV Partnership

Receiving a broad range of services from a single provider, including Audiovisual, Rigging, HSIA, and Tradeshow support has helped the Georgia facility to stay ahead; PSAV's quality of service, technology expertise and personal attention are integral to success

Savannah, Ga., November 1, 2011 – The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center is generating business today like never before, thanks to its four-year partnership with PSAV_® Presentation Services. Since 2007, the stunning 350,000 square foot waterfront complex has been receiving production support and sales guidance from the event technology leader, and it has paid off in bottom-line revenues and steady an upswing in business.

"PSAV is far more than an event technology provider," said Bob Coffey, Savannah International Trade & Convention Center General Manager. "We're capturing new service revenues and business opportunities because PSAV offers such a broad range of services to our facility, and they do it exceptionally well. Our joint strategy – to offer the best possible service and support to our customers – also results in commissionable revenues for us, and helps us promote Savannah as an exceptional choice for successful and memorable events. We take great pride in that, and in our partnership with PSAV."

PSAV is the leading supplier of audiovisual and event technology to hotels, associations, producers and meeting planners worldwide.

"When we began to look for a new event technology partner, PSAV offered the best rates, the widest variety of commissionable services, and exhibited valuable insights into customer needs – from initial planning to on-the-spot assistance – ensuring a spectacular event," Coffey said.

"It's very satisfying to have such a reliable partner to count on," he said. "They do not just deliver great service, they go out looking for revenue opportunities too."

Prior to PSAV's arrival, the Center was accustomed to working with third-party production firms to support larger and more technologically sophisticated events. Now, PSAV offers those same complete "production house" services on-premises, generating more commissionable revenues for the Center, along with satisfied customers.

"I'm not sure who enjoys working with PSAV more - us or our customers," Coffey said. "We plan to keep PSAV around for a long time, expecting they'll continue to bring the same quality service, dedication, and exceptional personnel (and personalities) to this partnership."

Tom Brewer, PSAV director of convention center operations, said the Savannah International Trade & and Convention Center is a perfect example of how a convention venue in a smaller market can achieve big returns in business and revenues when working with PSAV.

"Savannah certainly isn't one of the larger convention destinations, but it's certainly becoming one of the most desireable..and conventioneers here are experiencing the same technical sophistication they'd expect in larger markets like Orlando, Dallas, Los Angeles or New York," Brewer said. "We're proud that Bob and his team see PSAV as their partner in the Center's success and in delivering an unforgettable experience for everyone passing through entering their doors. Having a great partner is key, and together PSAV and SITCC are committed to Savannah's growth as a premium convention destination."

The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center features 100,000 sq ft. of divisible exhibit space, and 50,000 sq. ft. of prime meeting space, including the 25,000 sq. ft. Chatham Ballroom and the 370-seat Oglethorpe Auditorium. The Center's broad esplanades and sweeping riverfront vistas--along with those of the adjacent 400-room Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa--create a compelling reason for convention and meeting planners to choose Savannah, one of America's most beautiful cities. Additionally, the Center and Westin are just a few minutes by water ferry from Savannah's famed River Street, and the panoply of hotels, restaurants and attractions of the Historic Meetings District. The Center is managed by SMG, the foremost private manager of public assembly facilities in the US and around the world.