They couldn't vote fast enough in support of a resolution accepting a task force recommendation to build a $32 million center adjacent to the Provo Marriott Hotel.
"This is a phenomenal facility that should be coming to Provo," Council Chairman George Stewart said after the unanimous vote. "We're 100 percent behind [it]."
The recommended convention center would bring 20,000 square feet of exhibition space, 7,000 square feet of meeting space, and 27,000 square feet of additional facility.
The conference spot would be built on the block west of the Provo Marriott, facing 100 North, and be connected to the hotel by a sky bridge.
Utah Valley Convention Center Task Force Chairman Kelly Ward said the conference center would bring $10 million in annual economic impact to the area and land more than 200 additional conventions in Provo each year.
"This isn't just a recommendation made based on any particular way the wind is blowing," said Ward, who represents Zions Bank on the task force. "The study process consisted of detailed research and analysis."
The 11-member task force made their recommendation based on a feasibility study completed in November by three out-of-state consulting firms.
Provo and Utah County jointly funded the study, which was conducted by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International, HOK Venue and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors.
The study concluded there was an unmet market demand for a convention center in Utah County and that existing convention facilities were inadequate for current conventions.
"The size of space [in the proposed center] is just excellent for attracting a lot of businesses," said Councilwoman Midge Johnson.
The task force will now look to get similar support from the Utah County Commission so the project can begin churning forward.
The commission's support will be key, especially with another convention center proposed for Pleasant Grove and one in discussion for Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.
"It seems only a matter of fairness that where the money is generated is where the money is spent," Stewart said.
thollingshead@sltrib.com
