Event Spaces Get Creative
With large public gatherings prohibited, event spaces have found unique ways to stay in business.
In 2018 the Seaside Civic and Convention Center underwent a $15 million renovation. The city had high hopes for the new facility. With more trade shows and conferences taking place year-round, the hope was that local businesses would be less dependent on summer tourists.
But like many in-person businesses over the past year, event spaces have taken a hit from COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings.
By hosting smaller events and finding creative sources of revenue, some meeting spaces have managed to adapt. Others have had to furlough staff and face indefinite closure.