Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormously challenging and sustained negative impact on the tourism, convention and theater production industry across the country as well as here in Wichita. Century II experienced an overwhelming increase in 2020-2021 event cancellations, as well as a significant decrease in 2021 event bookings.
Due to the pandemic-caused downturn in bookings and in anticipation of the post COVID-19 “new normal” for reduced bookings in the convention, meetings and community events industry, the City Manager’s Office will release a Request for Proposals seeking a professional management company to manage Century II. The City believes that hiring a professional management company will provide superior management efficiencies that will benefit Century II patrons and events while maximizing cost effectiveness for the City and taxpayers.
Contracting with a professional management company will best position Century II in this new reality to continue hosting conventions, meetings, community events and performances in the years to come. While the City will maintain ownership of the facility, leveraging the professional skills and experience of a management company to run the facility will ensure a full range of day-to-day comprehensive services, as well as an opportunity to increase branding, bookings, marketing and activity at the facility.
