Fairplex in Pomona recently held a ground breaking ceremony for its new Fairplex Conference Center, a high-tech, 85,000-sq-ft venue suited for trade shows, corporate meetings and regional associations. The ceremony marked the beginning of a one-year long construction project with remarks from Congressman David Dreier and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano.

HOK, Summit Builders Break Ground on Fairplex Trade and Conference Center in Pomona

The architect on the $30-million, year-long construction project is HOK and the contractor is Summit Builders Inc.

�The new Fairplex Conference Center will be a great asset to the community as it will support the Fairplex mission to provide hospitality and community service to the greater LA and Inland Empire area,� says Jim Henwood, Fairplex President and CEO. �The conference center will enhance existing spaces by serving as a much-needed meeting facility for the L.A. County Fair as well as surrounding business and philanthropic communities.�

Expected to generate nearly 500 jobs during construction and nearly 300 full-time, sustainable jobs during annual day-to-day operations, the new center will have a strong economic impact for the area with additional sales and occupancy tax related benefits for the city.

�The conference center will bring in businesses and associations from across the world, and create much-needed jobs here in Pomona,� says Congresswoman Napolitano. �This is a great opportunity for chambers of commerce, businesses and entrepreneurs to network and bring opportunities to the area.�

�Fairplex has long been a strong contributor and supporter of the neighboring community and with this new center it will also be bringing new jobs to the community throughout the construction process and on-going day-to-day operations,� says Congressman Dreier.

Incorporating the conversion of an existing 33,600-sq-ft exhibit building with the development of a new 50,000-sq-ft structure, the new conference center will enhance the existing Art Deco qualities of Fairplex grounds as well as the surrounding park-like setting. Adopting a code of sustainability, the new center will also be International Association of Conference Centers and LEED certified.