Jacksonville needs to reposition itself as a destination that attracts business conventions. The downtown area has been deemed boring for business conventions, and Jacksonville needs to reinvent itself to attract convention planners. Currently, the city is missing out on millions of dollars in conventions. The city must reposition itself as a destination that is attractive to businesses and vacationers.
There are many options for Jacksonville business conventions, from large conventions to smaller, more intimate gatherings. Located near the downtown area, the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center offers 275,000 gross square feet of flexible event space. This modern building is complemented by 78,500 square feet of continuous exhibit space. It is also fully equipped with wireless capabilities and is within a mile of Jacksonville International Airport.
The Prime Expo Center is another option for local conventions. The venue is only a half-dozen blocks away from the new convention center. While it doesn't have an on-site hotel, it attracts consumer shows from around the world. The exhibit hall is nearly 80 percent full and is home to many smaller shows. The prime expo center, however, faces stiff competition from other venues in the area.
