About St. Louis

St. Louis is a lively destination with an energetic vibe that emanates throughout its award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, artisan distilleries, bustling nightlife, parks and pedestrian-friendly pathways, world-class museums, hotels at every price point, and river-to-sky-high attractions – including one iconic steel Arch. From historic to hip, visitors can immerse themselves in adventure – inside and out – every single day, all year long.

Located in the heart of the country, within a day’s drive of one-half the population of the U.S., visitors can easily achieve a global experience of food and fun at their fingertips. Travel time from one amenity to another is typically a brief walk, drive or metro train ride away. In addition, with an average of 400 daily flights and 75 non-stop destinations, St. Louis Lambert International Airport’s location, just minutes from the epicenter of the city, makes arrivals and departures seamless.

Experience the classic Midwest warmth and hospitality that is St. Louis.

Taxes

  • How much is the total cumulative hotel tax? 18.92%
  • How much is the F&B tax? 13.179%
  • How much is the average F&B gratuity? 20-24%

Airport

  • How many miles from the airport to downtown? 12 miles
  • Is there public transportation, such as a bus or subway available? Yes
  • How much does the public transportation cost? Train – $3, Bus – $4
  • What is the shuttle bus fare from the airport to downtown? N/A
  • What is the taxi fare from airport to downtown? $35 – 50
  • How many daily flights into the airport? 200
  • How many daily flights out of airport? 200
  • Is the airport a hub for any carrier? Southwest
  • What are the major carriers serving airport? Southwest, American, Delta, United, Frontier, Air Canada, Alaska, Lufthansa, Spirit

Hotels

  • How many committable hotel rooms downtown on peak night? 5,000
  • How many committable hotel rooms downtown on peak within walking distance to convention center? 3,500
  • How many headquarter hotel properties? 3
  • How many rooms available on peak night at the largest headquarter property? 800 rooms
  • Can you list hotels by rating?? 5-star, 4-star, 3-star?

Convention Center

  • How many total gross square feet of exhibit space at Convention Center? 502,000 SF
  • How much of this exhibit space is contiguous? 502,000 SF
  • How many total gross square feet of meeting space is available at the Convention center? 140,000 SF
  • How many meeting rooms does the convention center have? 80
  • How big is the largest meeting room? 28,000 SF
  • How big is the largest ballroom? 28,000 SF
  • When was the last renovation or expansion? A $240 million expansion and redesign called AC Next Gen, is currently underway and will provide meeting attendees with an experience like no other. Scheduled for completion in early 2024, some of the highlights include:
    • An outdoor pavilion to serve the needs of convention attendees and improve the convention center district ambiance for residents and area workers as well.
    • A new 72,000 square foot exhibit hall, which changes the exhibit hall layout of the Complex, allowing the facility to host larger events.
    • Double the current amount of loading docks and renovation of existing docks that will all be enclosed to enhance access and aesthetics of the building and surrounding areas.
    • Refurbishment of the central Washington Avenue entrance, which serves as St. Louis’ front door for the hundreds of thousands of event attendees who visit the Complex.
  • Is there free Wi-Fi at the convention center? Negotiable
  • Is there an exclusive in-house Electrical provider? Yes
  • Is there an exclusive in-house AV provider? Preferred but not exclusive
  • Is there an exclusive in-house decorator? Preferred but not exclusive
  • Is there an exclusive in-house caterer? Yes
  • Is the convention center a union property? Yes
  • If union property, can you provide estimated pricing list?
    While America’s Center holds no union contracts, the jurisdictions historically claimed by the unions, are recognized and accepted. Service contractors, i.e., Decorating companies and Audio-Visual companies may sign contracts with the appropriate unions. Most often a Decorating company will contract with the Teamsters, Decorators, and Carpenters to perform exhibit work. An Audio-Visual company at times will contract with the Stagehands, Projectionists, and IBEW, though in most cases, the use of a labor broker will be suggested to hire/supervise the appropriate unions and will hold these contracts. Because the exact terms of these contracts may vary regarding wages and general work rules, it is suggested that customers refer specific questions to their own service contractors. 
  • Here are a list of labor unions with whom planners will be required – to work at the convention center:
  • Union Jurisdictions
    The following represents the type of work performed by each union in general terms. It is NOT meant to be all inclusive of the jurisdictions claimed by each union
  • Audio Visual Unions
    Stagehands-IATSE Local #6 – Erect/dismantle staging, set stage scenery, lighting, camera work for image magnification for ticketed events, Teleprompters, rigging, scaffolding
    IBEW Local #1 – Installation, teardown of audio systems and camera work for image magnification
    IBEW Local #4 – Set up and operation of cameras for live broadcast, radio, television, audio, visual equipment used in live broadcast
    Projectionists – IATSE Local #143 – Installation, and teardown of projection equipment, video monitors, multi-image systems, video signals, video screens, for non-ticketed events
  • Exhibit Hall Unions
    Decorators Local #39/Carpenters District Council – Set/dismantle pipe/drape, skirting, hanging signs/banners, laying carpeting, install/dismantle display booths
    Teamsters Local #600 – Unloading/loading of freight from delivery vehicle, movement of materials to/from booths, movement of empty freight cartons
    IBEW Local #1 – Provide electrical service, networking, electronic voting systems

Off Site Venues

  • How many off site venues within walking distance can host up to 2,000 people? At least 5
  • How many off site venues within a ten-minute bus transfer can host up to 2,000 people? 10+
  • How many restaurants are within walking distance of the convention center? 50+
  • Can you list 3-5 local attractions and their whereabouts?
    National Blues Museum – 3-minute walk from the center
    Gateway Arch – 15-minute walk from the center
    City Museum – 10-minute walk from the center
    CITYPARK Stadium – 18-minute walk from the center
    Ball Park Village – 10-minute walk from the center
    Busch Stadium – 10-minute walk from the center
    Budweiser Brewery Museum – 10-minute bus ride from the center
    St. Louis Union Station and Aquarium – 10-minute walk from the center
    Armory – 11 minute drive
    City Foundry – 11 minute drive