What's Happening in Oklahoma City, OK…

Oklahoma City representatives recently gave the go-ahead to increase the size of the future convention center within MAPS 3 by 20%.

The center is expected to be the most costly MAPS 3 building project to date, and of MAPS’ 20-year history. The expansions will add to the project’s cost, but the new plans were approved by a 6-2 majority on Tuesday, November 4.

The new plans detail an additional 5,000 square feet of meeting space and 40,000 square feet for exhibitions, making the convention center cost $287m instead of the original $252m. The MAPS funds for infrastructure and contingency will cover the additional $35 million, according to city officials.

The city is still planning the specifics of the convention center but has confirmed that the building will be next to the Chesapeake Arena, Myriad Gardens, and the park. There will also be a hotel built as its headquarters that will include more than 700 rooms, although that project will have separate funding. Groundbreaking for the convention center should still be set for the middle of the year 2016, and the entire project will be complete by 2019.

Once the convention center opens, itwill want to bring in business as soon as possible. Brochure printers can advertise the convention center's features in a professional looking pamphlet that can be shown to potential exhibitors.