Hawaii Convention Center adapts to post-pandemic meeting market
As Honolulu moves into Tier 3 of its reopening strategy, the Hawaii Convention Center is prepared to welcome guests and events back to the state’s largest meeting facility.
The center is touting industry-leading protocols for meetings and events, including the implementation of health and safety technologies, new food and beverage options, revised layouts for socially distanced gatherings, and extensive staff training.
The Hawaii Convention Center has also developed new virtual meetings packages to offer guests the convenience of attending meetings remotely. This full array of turnkey video-production services includes professionally coordinated pre-recording management, webinar and live-stream production, and hybrid meeting design and execution across a variety of popular virtual platforms.
The City & County of Honolulu eased COVID-19 restrictions for the Island of Oahu on March 11 to allow for select gatherings, meetings and events under “Tier 3” guidelines, which allows venues such as convention centers, third-party conference room providers, and banquet halls to host low-risk structured events.
The center had recently worked with state agencies to provide space for important services such as unemployment claims processing, COVID-19 contact tracing for the Hawaii Department of Health, and vote counting Office of Elections. And the Hawaii State Judiciary selected the Center for the Hawaii Bar Exam, due to the availability of large spaces that accommodate social-distancing requirements of at least six feet between guests.
“The Center was exceptionally well prepared to handle our group while adhering to all recommended COVID-19
protocols,” said Rochelle Kaui of the Office of the Chief Clerk with the Hawaii State Judiciary. “The facility was very
clean, and we felt safe, comfortable and well cared for throughout the planning process and the event itself.
“It was such a relief that the HCC had ample space to allow for the social distancing we needed to conduct our business while
implementing the stringent health and safety requirements for all of us to follow,” Kaui added. “From security to custodial to food
service, the Center’s staff were so professional and respectful.”
The Center also conducted key improvements, repairs and upgrades throughout the building, allowing for the expedited completion of maintenance projects and the implementation of new safety protocols. Now, it is opening its doors more widely to accommodate conventions from out of state.
“The Hawaii Convention Center offers numerous advantages when holding meetings and events, and we are excited to welcome guests back to Hawaii with the legendary Aloha spirit and service that sets us apart as a productive, relaxed and enjoyable place to conduct business,” said Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawaii Convention Center. “As Hawaii opens up meetings and travel options, we are here to provide large gathering spaces and event options in a safe, open-air environment, while closely following the recommendations of public health officials.
“As always, the health and safety of our guests and employees are the Center’s top priority,” Orton said.
Travel to Hawaii from other U.S. states is allowed with a confirmed negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, which offers guests the opportunity to opt out of a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. More information on travel to Hawaii from within the U.S. is available at hawaiicovid19.com/travel. International travel information is available through the CDC.
The center has developed and implemented health and safety measures including:
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitation and the use of electrostatic sprayers;
- The installation of thermal cameras and touchless temperature checks;
- The use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Modified food and beverage operations, including fresh, individually packaged meals and snacks;
- Increased availability of hand-sanitizer dispensers;
- Contactless transactions, special signage and social-distancing guidelines.
Opened in 1998, Hawaii Convention Center is Hawaii’s largest meetings facility, located eight miles from the Honolulu International Airport, and near 28,000 guest rooms as well as shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The building offers 1.1 million square feet of ballroom and exhibition floor space.