For Immediate Release

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER OFFERS MOBILE APPS FOR EVERY EVENT AND UPGRADE PROGRAM THROUGH SWIFTMOBILE

The SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) has launched a set of state-of-the-art mobile applications for iPhone, iPad and Android. Built by SwiftMobile of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the free apps will give GCCC visitors an indispensable tool for navigating the 1.7 million-square-foot facility and for getting around Columbus by offering venue floor plans and basics, area maps, local business listings and transportation information.

“Our customizable event apps and the optional upgrade program will enable us to offer a valuable new service and source of revenue to our clients, while improving the guest experience and creating a powerful new link between our visitors and the local business community," said SMG Regional General Manager Craig M. Liston.

The GCCC has also launched an innovative app upgrade program, which enables event planners to customize the apps with their branding, agenda, attendee profiles, show floor maps, exhibitor directories and more.

Some customizations are offered free of charge. More advanced upgrades include opportunities for event planners to sell mobile sponsorships and advertising and are priced competitively with more generic mobile web apps. Event planners can even request special features not included in the standard GCCC app.

“No event can rely exclusively on paper directories at this point. It isn’t green and it isn’t what visitors want,” said Kathleen Gilroy, SwiftMobile chief executive officer. “Through our partnership with the GCCC, we make it incredibly easy and cost-effective for any event headed to Columbus to enjoy the benefits of a high-performance, native mobile app.”

For more information on the upgrade program, visit SwiftMobile at www.swiftmobile.com or call Paul Fitzgerald at (617) 942-1535.

The Greater Columbus Convention Center, located in downtown Columbus, hosted an estimated 2.5 million visitors in 2011. The facility is owned by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and is managed by SMG.

Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and convention, congress and exhibition centers. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 11 million square feet of exhibition space. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides construction and design consulting, pre-opening services, venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through an in-house catering company, Savor, currently servicing more than 100 accounts worldwide.

Visit www.columbusconventions.com and www.smgworld.com for more information.


Contact:
Jennifer B. Davis
Marketing & Communications Manager
Greater Columbus Convention Center
(614) 827-2538