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The International Association of Conference Centers has always prided itself on the inclusiveness of the organization and now that inclusiveness is happening on a hemispherical scale. To better reflect the growing meeting venue industries south-of-the-border, the Board of Directors of IACC’s North American Chapter has voted to change its official name from IACC North America to IACC Americas.

A Special Event Facility & Conference Center has returned to the Northeast market with a distinctive flair. After an 18-month hiatus, the Faculty House of Columbia University in New York City has completed an extensive renovation and officially reopened in late September. A landmark building on an historic college campus in upper Manhattan for more than 85 years, the four-floor, 38,000-square-foot conference center is now available to host meetings, seminars, conferences receptions and social events.

The City of North Charleston in South Carolina has reached a long-term agreement with SMG for the destination’s main event, entertainment and meeting facilities. The contract, reached in September, means that SMG will continue to provide day-to-day operational services to the North Charleston Coliseum, Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center—the venues make up the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, considered the largest, multi-purpose, multi-venue complex under one roof in the Southeast.

Indianapolis is on a roll. Next year, the Indianapolis Convention Center is expected to complete its most recent expansion, but the destination has booked in excess of 72 groups—representing 2.7 million attendees and $1.7 billion in estimated direct visitor spending for 2011 and beyond. The latest high-profile, annual convention to select Indy of the National Society of Black Engineers, to be held in 2013. The event is expected to draw 11,000+ attendees and generate approximately $7.3 million.