It’s official, the first meeting took place in part of the renovated Catawba meeting rooms at the Hickory Metro Convention Center on July 17, 2024.
About 100 local officials and business leaders attended the Economic Development Corporation of Catawba County Annual Meeting in this newly renovated and fresh space. The renovation includes lower ceilings, new carpet, and paint, new lighting and audio, along with a chic color scheme and design.
Bruce Eckard, Chairman of the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority, welcomed attendees to the newly renovated space at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Attendees got a “sneak peek” of the renovations and toured the additional 46,000 square-foot space, still under construction.
“The entire project is not complete yet, but it’s getting close to the finish line,” said Eckard.
“It is very fitting that the first event held in this space is the EDC’s Annual Meeting because leaders in attendance embrace and understand the importance of economic development. Today, speaking on behalf of the Tourism Development Authority - the Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau – our tourism arm for the county – is also economic development – that is what makes this tie together so nicely.”
The interior is almost complete, and currently, Hickory Construction Company is working on additional outside work, which includes connecting the main entrance to the parking deck with a covered walkway. With some material delays, it may be this fall before the entire project is complete. Once complete, the team at the Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau will have a big celebration and ribbon cutting to mark the momentous completion of this amazing project.
“Throughout construction, the Hickory Metro Convention Center continued to be open, and we are extremely busy,” said Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau CEO Mandy Hildebrand. “The first conference that will use the entire space will be held July 31- August 2, and my team and I look forward to seeing the entire convention center space in use. The NC Association of County Directors of Social Services which brings about 1,000 people to Hickory for its annual conference, is also thrilled to be the first conference that will fill the space too.”
For more information about the Hickory Metro Convention Center renovations and expansion, go to https://www.visithickorymetro.com/construction/
