Cobo Center begins construction on a full-service broadcast studio as part of $279 million renovation

DETROIT October 14, 2013  -- Thom Connors, regional vice president and general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, announced today an agreement with TVS Communications Solutions, a Detroit based video production company, to build out a 5,000 square-foot production studio in Cobo Center.  The studio, scheduled for completion in December, will include a soundstage and equipment to be used by TVS to record and develop video segments for Cobo events and related promotions.

“This studio has been in the planning stages for more than two years, and is part of Cobo’s technology strategy being phased in during the renovation that will be completed in 2015,” said Connors. ”This gives us the technical capacity on-site that is unmatched, and by doing so we have put ourselves ahead in the market, making us very much an industry leader in technology.”

The location inside Cobo Center establishes TVS as a preferred vendor for video production services for all events taking place at the convention center. TVS’ capabilities range from HD remote and studio video services, including creative graphics and animation, to international webcasting and complete live broadcasting and events support. TVS will also provide satellite uplink capability, state-of-the-art e-learning, employee education and on-boarding tools for Cobo Center customers.

“This is making Cobo an attractive one-stop shop for offerings needed to support larger trade shows and conventions. The move makes sense for TVS customers and ours, especially with Cobo’s multi-year North American International Auto Show agreement,” said Connors.

“The Cobo Center team has been tremendous to work with on this initiative and for us the development directly aligns with our future goals in the city of Detroit,” said Rick Ghersi, owner and CEO of TVS.  “Being associated with one of North America’s most innovative convention centers provides endless opportunity for us to further serve our clients needs immediately and effectively during trade shows showcasing the world’s best industries and trend-setting products.” 

On September 7, 2013, the new Cobo Center Grand Riverview Ballroom and atrium opened for business, representing $115 million of the entire $279 million capital improvements project, which will be completed in 2015.  The final phases of the Cobo Center transformation will include: giant exterior video walls for event information and advertising; a state-of-the-art Scala wayfinding system; open-air terrace overlooking the river for event and community programming.

About Cobo Center:  With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Cobo Center boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 19th largest convention center in the country.  Visit online at www.cobocenter.com 

About SMG:  Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 226 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and convention, congress and exhibition centers.  Visit www.smgworld.com for more information.

About the DRCFA: On 9/15/09, operational control of Cobo Center transferred to the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, under a collaborative agreement by the Michigan State Legislature, the City of Detroit, and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Each of these entities has an appointed member on the DRCFA Board. Larry Alexander is Chairman the Board as the member appointed by the Governor of the State of Michigan. For more information visit: http://www.drcfa.org/