The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center has opened as the first fully electric venue for business and public events in the United States with a commitment to sustainability and the wider development of Tompkins County, New York.
IDCC, which is being managed by ASM Global, meets sustainability standards set by The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for new commercial buildings, and aligns with Ithaca’s Green New Deal commitment to communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030.
ASM Global is also aligning its operation of the venue with pledges made its social equity and global sustainability commitment, ASM Global Acts.
ASM Global is also aligning its operation of the venue with pledges made its social equity and global sustainability commitment, ASM Global Acts.
We are grateful to all the stakeholders who shared and supported our vision for this important tourism economic development project, expected to drive nearly US $150 million in new direct and induced spending in our community over the next 20 years.”
The center’s sustainability features include an all-electric, full-production kitchen, air-source heat pumps for space heating, cooling and domestic hot water, energy-efficient lighting, a robust composting system, and an efficient recycling program.
The catering menu includes a minimum of 35% plant-based options, promoting healthier and more sustainable dining choices.
Single-use items have been eliminated, leftover prepared food is repurposed in the center's “Green on the Go” retail store to minimize waste, and fryer oil is reused as fuel for sustainable practices.
Dan Hoffend, executive vice president, convention centers, ASM Global, adds, “Ithaca Downtown Convention Center sets a new bar in meetings and conventions as the first all-electric convention center in the United States.
After 10 years of creative and innovative collaboration amongst community partners, this versatile venue redefines sustainability for meetings and events.
The Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation provides economic development within the Tompkins County community and its downtown Ithaca central city core as the owner of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. A state-of-the-art facility, Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is designed to attract visitors by accommodating trade shows; conferences; meetings; public expositions; and social, sporting and community events.
A key economic driver to the local community, it’s what’s next in sustainability and future-ready venues on the national and global scale.”
IDCC features over 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom, an executive boardroom, up to 12 flexible bilevel meeting rooms, and trade show and pre-function space with a nature-inspired color palette and murals of the local scenery.
It is steps away from the Ithaca Commons, a vibrant pedestrian mall known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic charm and offers easy access to the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Kathy Taylor, Ithaca Conference Center general manager, ASM Global, says, “As a resident of this community, I could not be more excited for the opening of this much-awaited gem.
Its versatility allows us to bring a wide range of events to Ithaca and introduce their attendees to this amazing region all while showcasing true environmental responsibility and meaningful change.”
The Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation provides economic development within the Tompkins County community and its downtown Ithaca central city core as the owner of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.
A state-of-the-art facility, Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is designed to attract visitors by accommodating trade shows; conferences; meetings; public expositions; and social, sporting and community events.
