HARLINGEN – Proposed rental rates apparently would make the $16.7 million convention center “competitive” with other event venues in the Rio Grande Valley.
Last week, Brandon Raney, chief executive officer for San Antonio-based BC Lynd Hospitality, presented city commissioners with the convention center’s proposed marketing plan and rental rates.
Next week, commissioners are expected to consider approving the rental rates, a critical step to booking events at the 44,436-square-foot convention center expected to open around January 2019, City Manager Dan Serna said.
The proposed rates would make it “comparable” with the McAllen Convention Center while slightly pricier than conference venues in Brownsville and South Padre Island.
Mayor Chris Boswell said the convention center will offer a better choice because it will be the region’s newest, high-quality conference venue attached to a 150-room Hilton Garden Inn.
According to the proposed rate schedule, the convention center’s 16,200-square-foot ballroom would rent from $5,670 a day, while its smaller meeting rooms would offer daily rates ranging from $175 to $500.
Meanwhile, the facility’s outdoor pavilion would rent for $1,500 a day.
