The city of Monterey announced plans to raise funds for a much-needed major renovation of the Monterey Conference Center. The center has not seen significant updates since it was built in the 1970s. The Monterey County Visitors Bureau is looking forward to expanded group capacity and updated space and technology offerings that will help attract new corporate business from the nearby San Francisco Bay Area.
Neighboring hotel owners have agreed to tax themselves to fund the renovation project, with major players including the Portola Hotel and the Monterey Marriott, which are both attached to the center and offer 50,000 square feet and 56,000 square feet of event space, respectively.
There is no timeline set for the project, and the projected cost is approximately $32 million.
The renovation will not include any major additions, but the center will gain approximately 30,000 square feet of usable space due to reconfigurations. Officials are aiming for LEED certification and enhanced flexibility.
Home to the legendary Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, historic Monterey has allure for groups looking for a relaxed oceanside retreat.
The independent Portola Hotel has 379 guest rooms, a full-service spa, private dining and reception venues, and offers planners a variety of green meeting services and teambuilding excursions, like paddle boarding with Adventures By The Sea and farm tours and tastings with Tanimura & Antle.