The city of Memphis is moving forward with plans to study whether to build a new convention center.
Mayor Willie Herenton appointed a panel to study how to boost the local convention and tourism industry. A new convention center is estimated to cost as much as $600 million to build.
Kevin Kane, president of the Memphis CVB, said Memphis and Shelby County officials need to seriously consider expanding the existing facility or building a new one, or risk being left behind in the convention business, The Commercial Appeal reported.
"We're going to have to ask ourselves, 'Are we going to be a player or are we not going to be a player?'" Kane said. "You have to ask yourself, 'What is the cost of doing nothing?'"
Nashville is moving forward with plans for a $600 million-plus downtown convention center.
