"It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage, than the creation of a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institutions and merely lukewarm defenders in those who would gain by the new ones." Machiavelli
Convention Center ForumBy DIA, Section News
I got a little worried that we weren't going to see coverage of the Convention Center Forum that the Times Union sponsored. Then I was quite pleased to find the coverage of the forum in the Business section. It is about time. Up until this point the proponents of the convention center have done zero business analysis. They don't mention the Brookings Institute Report on the convention center industry even though the report specifically discusses Albany, NY. They don't talk about how the convention center meeting planners industry report this year said that due to the market condition's it is a "buyer's market" for people looking to book a convention. Here is what they say about the industry
As stated earlier, as greater pressure for improved financial performance has grown, so has the amount of available space inventory as new communities develop new and expanded convention centers. The resulting “buyers market” has exacerbated an already competitive environment resulting in the need to discount rental rates or increase services that can create a competitive advantage.Typically when launching a $325 million project you would do a bit of analysis of the market conditions. However, up until this point that has been large absent from the discussion. So, to the article in the Business section for some hard facts and figures. Indeed, convention center proponents predict the building will lead to a revitalized downtown and help draw gatherings that now bypass Albany.Yes, indeedy! There is your analysis. Now, how about the head of this whole deal, the great public servant George Levielle. Why is Albany going to succeed when the whole convention center industry is tanking and we have nothing to offer that every other city doesn't have. Take it away George! Some in Tuesday's audience, repeating an oft-heard worry, questioned whether the conventions would come to the city. Albany isn't a tourist destination, and competition among convention centers is fierce.Wow. State capital of one of the largest economies in the world!! Well, that would explain our booming tourism industry and thriving downtown. Can't argue with that kind of business analysis. But while we are "adding" things. Levielle is quoting a completely worthless study done several years ago that was so pathetic it would've gotten you fired in any real business if you presented it as a basis for a $325 million project. But that is what they are going forward with. And that was the extent of the analysis in the business section of the Times Union. Indeed. Its too bad they couldn't have farmed out the coverage to the Wall Street Journal. Or someone who had some basic business skills. Next time I recommend maybe having Bloomberg cover it. Here is Bloomberg on convention centers. ``Space Available'' is a damning piece of work, full of facts and figures you should keep at hand next time someone suggests that your municipality should build or expand a convention center.The Bloomberg article is no longer available online but I've been linking to it for three years now so I'm sure everyone has read it already. So, in conclusion. You are a member of the citizen population of the city of Albany. You have absolutely no say about whether this project happens. Much like you have no say in the budget for the city or for the school district. So, you have two choices. Find new leadership who aren't actively trying to take your tax dollars and transfer them to the rich, or keep paying those taxes while having no voice in how your city is run or your money is spent.
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