NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

For more information contact:  Ann Mort, Executive Director, P O Box 1245, Middletown, OH 45042, info@visitMiddletown.org,  Phone/Fax 513-422-3030

December 16, 2004

MIDDLETOWN EXHIBIT CENTER OFF TO GOOD START

Since the Middletown Exhibit Center was opened for events just a year ago, several groups, both local and from out-of-town, have arranged to use the space.

The Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton has held two Business Expos in the building, Middfest International has used it twice for displays at their annual event and most recently, the PRO Gun show held the first of three scheduled shows in the building.

PRO Gun, the first out-of-town group to use the center, drew a total of 1,640 people to the show over the weekend of December 4-5.  According to the show organizer and those attending, the over 100 vendors selling their wares expressed positive responses to their experience in Middletown. 

Several local businesses also saw an increase in sales connected to that event. Hotels, restaurants, equipment rental services and individuals hired to assist with the event all benefited from the event being held in downtown Middletown.

Future events scheduled at the Middletown Exhibit Center are:

Easton Storm Baseball Club – Texas Hold Em Tournament – January 8, 2005

PRO-Gun Show – January 22-23

Crohn & Colitis Foundation of Dayton and Cincinnati – Texas Hold Em Tournament –

February 25

PRO Gun Show – March 5-6

Three other groups have tentatively scheduled the center for events this winter and spring.

For the next few months, rental on the space will continue to be complimentary, requiring only a refundable $200 damage deposit.

The 41,000 square foot first floor space is available for trade shows, car shows, fund-raiser craft shows, etc.  The attached 700 space parking garage is an attractive addition to the exhibit center. Arrangements can be made to “rent” the garage (except the monthly prepaid parking spaces) for a day to offer free downtown parking during events.

Another option chosen by some groups using the exhibit center or holding downtown events is to have announcements of events posted on the parking garage sign at $50 per event to cover the cost  to the city of having the lettering changed.

For more information about use of the Middletown Exhibit Center, contact the Middletown Convention and Visitors Bureau at 513-422-3030 or info@visitMiddletown.org.