Northern Arizona University (NAU) High Country Conference Center Return on Investment Presentation.

During the Boards and Commissions updates to the City Council at the June 26, 2012 Work Session, Councilmember Overton requested an update on the High Country Conference Center business activities and what has been the measure of a return on the City's investment. Specifically, the request was for information regarding pricing, audience, potential markets, and any adjustments that have been made or may be needed.

Background and History:  The High Country Conference Center was born out of the need for a conference center with a hotel and parking facility. The project was developed through an intergovernmental agreement between NAU and the City of Flagstaff; Drury Inn built and financed the hotel.  Financial commitments included a capital investment of an initial $24.7 million from NAU and $2 million as a capital contribution from the City to support the construction of public facilities, including but not limited to financial participation in the construction of the conference facility, parking structure and other public improvements.  Total investment for the project, including construction of the Drury Hotel, totaled $45.7 million.

The Center opened in March of 2008 and currently offers more than 25,000 square feet of meeting space. NAU contracts with Sodexo Conferencing to manage the facility and operations.  Representatives from Northern Arizona University, the High Country Conference Center, Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, and Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau will be presenting information on the performance of this partnership to the Council.