BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is currently hosting the American Association of Airport Executives annual snow symposium, where airports who deal with snow can figure out the latest methods to battle it with lessons, an equipment showcase, and other features necessary for the airport industry.
The convention center hosted the event for the last 34 years, though the symposium's growth over the years might push them out of Buffalo because of the convention center's age and lack of amenities.
"Parts of the building still look like it's in the 80's," he said.
Braley and AAAE Regional President Ed Foster both said they don't want to leave Buffalo. Foster said they have no problems with physically getting the equipment into the building but he said a future convention center needs to have increased technologies with better displays and presentations. Last year, the group had to lease its own equipment that would typically be available at a modernized convention center.
"Logistically if anything can be improved for us is a staging area for this equipment," Braley said. "For years we've had great offerings where we've used empty lots at the airport or empty lots at the waterfront. As your community keeps growing, those lots keep getting lease or bought and owned. A large parking lot adjacent to the conference center would make our logistics even easier."
Foster said that their last equipment year (2016) saw $3 million generated for the local economy. He said he'd like a future convention center to have more way-finding so people know how to get to the convention center.
The problems with the convention center are nothing new to Visit Buffalo Niagara's Patrick Kaler, who told WBEN that it generates $42 million per year annually and could generate much more if its expanded. Among the problems Kaler noted is that its size restrains them from hosting multiple events at the same time and it lacks enthusiasm because of its age, lack of lighting, poor meeting spaces, unwelcoming lobby.
"It's definitely a true example of brutalism architecture," Kaler said.
Erie County will unveil the results of the viability study at the end of this year. Cost estimates of a new or upgraded convention center range from $263 million to $343 million.
