REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Update on Santa Clara Convention Center Transition Activities and Work Efforts
Report
BACKGROUND
Following the termination of the 1984 Management Agreement with the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce, on February 5, 2019, the City Council authorized the execution of an agreement with Global Spectrum L.P. dba Spectra Venue Management (Spectra) to manage and operate the Santa Clara Convention Center (SCCC). A Management Agreement with Spectra was successfully executed on March 12, 2019 and Spectra assumed management of the Convention Center on March 18, 2019.
As the Chamber operated the SCCC for more than 30 years, significant transition-related activity has been necessary for Spectra to continue delivering a high-quality experience for convention center attendees and to enable Spectra to meet performance standards as required under the new Management Agreement. This report highlights several of the key activities undertaken including Spectra's transition activities and the City's release of a food and beverage service RFP.
DISCUSSION
Management and Operation of the Convention Center
The new Convention Center Management Agreement with Spectra is for an initial five-year term with options to renew for two five-year subsequent terms. Many transition activities have been undertaken by Spectra since March 18 as summarized below.
Personnel/Operations
* All employees eligible to work under the City's Employee Retention Ordinance transitioned from Chamber employment to Spectra employment. In addition, many management positions (which are not covered by the Employee Retention Ordinance) also successfully transitioned to Spectra.
* As a priority effort, Spectra is working diligently to fill vacant positions in their sales and marketing department. Job offers have been extended for key positions and onboarding is expected to occur during the month of May.
* New internal operating policies and procedures are being developed including sta...
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