Branson committee recommends convention center manager

A committee commissioned by the Branson Board of Aldermen to select the next manager of the city-owned convention center last night presented its choice to the governing body of the city.

The Convention Center Management Evaluation Committee recommended to the board West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG, one of two companies selected to be interviewed - along with Global Spectrum - out of three proposals received to manage the city-owned convention center. The selection of SMG also is recommended by city staff.

Branson city officials were informed last month that Hilton Management Services would end its management contract of Branson Convention Center, setting a termination date of March 31.

Last night, the board of aldermen reviewed a first-reading bill that would appoint SMG as convention center manager.

If approved during the board's March 11 meeting, the city would enter into a three-year contract with SMG. The city would pay the company a base rate of $135,000 per year, with up to $135,000 in incentive pay, for a total of up to $277,000 a year maximum.

The proposal from Global Spectrum included annual management costs of $144,000 and up to $288,000, including incentive pay. The city paid Hilton Worldwide Inc. $150,000 a year for management services.

In its proposal, SMG estimated operating Branson Convention Center at a first-year operating loss of $315,501, compared to the current budgeted loss this year of $764,972.

SMG has managed more than 230 facilities worldwide since its 1977 inception, including convention centers, stadiums, arenas and theaters. Convention centers currently under management include Baton Rouge River Center in Louisiana; Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City; and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in California, according to SMG's website.