FirstMerit Convention Center of Cleveland

Specialties

Located in the heart of a vibrant downtown on the shores of Lake Erie, the new Cleveland Convention Center includes 225,000 gross square feet of Class A exhibit space divisible into three exhibition halls, 35 state-​of-​the-​art meeting rooms, an expansive truck loading dock, and a 32,000-square-foot, column-​free ballroom with spectacular views of Cleveland’s lakefront. The Grand Ballroom, along with all meeting rooms, include the latest high-​tech audiovisual equipment along with a unique, individualized lighting grid controlled by the latest in iPad technology.

The adjacent Global Center for Health Innovation is the only facility in the world that displays the future of health and healthcare presented on four themed floors. The Global Center will serve health and healthcare innovation, technology, education and commerce through state-​of-​the-​art spaces, programs and virtual offerings.

History

Established in 1977.

SMG, the nation’s largest and most experienced convention center and facility management firm, assumed management operations for the Cuyahoga County-​owned Global Center for Health Innovation and the Cleveland Convention Center in December, 2013.

SMG manages 233 facilities throughout North America, including 72 convention centers, 71 arenas, 60 theaters and performance venues, nine stadiums, and 23 equestrian centers. Founded in 1977, SMG is the industry leader in exhibition venues throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean and will bring experience and significant connections to national conventions and trade shows within the convention industry.