News Release

Eco-friendly and High-Tech Features Inside Dena’ina Center Attract More Meetings and Expand Meeting/Event Capabilities

Anchorage, Alaska – Nov. 19, 2008 – Groups holding meetings in Anchorage, Alaska’s new $111 million, 200,000-square-foot Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center not only have lots of room, they also have access to some of the latest in energy efficient and high-tech systems on the market today. From high-speed Wi-Fi to LED lights, the Dena’ina Center is a showcase for the latest in audio visual advances, systems to manage energy efficiency and high-tech capability.-

Dena’ina Center meeting rooms feature advanced technology to centrally control the elements, as well as provide users with cutting-edge audio/videoservices, which is intuitive, and therefore, easy to operate, providing all of the functionality expected in a premier facility.

“The Dena’ina Center design and building team didn’t just create a beautiful building, they also incorporated dozens of great features into the building that save energy, limit waste, conserve, re-use and recycle,” said Julie Saupe, president and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., installed most the high-tech systems including built-in energy and control systems, as well as audio and visual components engineered by leaders in the industry. Siemens used its expertise to modify the systems to suit the unique needs of Alaska’s largest meeting and convention space.

Technology highlights include:

Simple, sophisticated environment control interfaces: Sleek, built-in AMX Touch Panels provide one-touch access for adjusting room layout, electronic window coverings and lighting. The panels also control built-in audio/video equipment such as projectors and projection screens, microphones, cameras and speakers. When spaces are combined, the controls automatically align – acting in concert. Conversely, when the room is subdivided, each space can be controlled by its own individual panel.

Pristine audio quality: Soundweb London is the backbone of a completely unified, state-of-the-art audio system with components that “speak” the same language. High-performance consoles, amplifiers, JBL Professional® loudspeakers, as well as dbx Professional Products® and BSS Audio™ signal processing devices deliver the most advanced audiovisual, sound and display technology including ceiling speakers for speech reinforcement, front-of-house speakers for audio/video replay and paging systems in the breakout areas.

“The systems are tied together in a way that allows events in the Exhibit Hall to be broadcast into pre-function areas or any other space in the Center,” said Shawn Schaefer, an engineering specialist with Siemens Building Technologies. “It’s the best speaker system out there, and the resulting sound is gorgeous -- even in the bathrooms.”

A central system monitors performance and conditions and reports errors back to the operator.

Convenient, centralized media distribution: Endeleo Distributed Media products wirelessly transmit more than 190 channels of cable TV to independent TV receivers – basically mini cable boxes – that plug into any network jack. There are more than 3,000 jacks installed throughout the building, which means there is a connection in all areas of the Dena’ina Center.

“The connectivity is astounding,” added Schaefer. “It is the most clean and professional way to deliver TV media.”

Two-way broadcasts through local origination channel: Through local cable provider GCI, live events or recorded media originating in the Dena’ina Center can be broadcast outside to area hotels or other spaces within the Center. This can allow for great flexibility for conference attendees, while ensuring meeting planners get maximum participation – especially in an overflow situation. The system can also be used to broadcast text or audio messages to attendees on the Dena’ina Center digital LCD display kiosks; it can provide tradeshow exhibitors a creative way to market their booth during an event; or, it can make live video conferencing a cinch.

A showpiece of energy efficiency: The Energy Management and Control System (EMCS), in the Dena’ina Center is an advanced digital system that allows building operators to control heating, cooling and electricity from remote computers, according to use of space. This means no energy is wasted on empty rooms. EMCS also monitors the Dena’ina Center’s natural gas, water and electricity consumption to maintain maximum efficiency. With centralized operation, problems are much easier to troubleshoot, resulting in significant labor cost savings. Another energy-saving feature is an innovative way to heat the building. The system reduces minimum outside air intake from 30 to 10 percent, while monitoring and maintaining a high standard of air quality inside. This means the air inside the building is fresh, but costs are much lower.

“There definitely is a trend toward more eco-friendly meeting facilities, so the Dena’ina Center’s state-of-the-art features will be another great selling point with convention planners and delegates seeking a place to hold their meeting or event,” said Julie Dodds, director of convention sales for the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Intelligent LED light systems: The Dena’ina Center’s versatile structure includes 2,500 pound hang points located in 10- to 20-foot intervals throughout exhibit and ballroom spaces, that accommodate energy efficient and programmable LED lights systems In addition to flexible stage and theatre lighting, thousands of color combinations can be programmed for spectacular effects such as the northern lights dazzling against the ballroom’s shimmer bead wall.

Imig Audio/Video is the preferred provider for audio and visual services in the Anchorage Convention Centers. The Anchorage-based company has a long-standing reputation for cutting-edge quality, equipment and technical staffing for conventions, trade shows, presentations and more. Imig also is the authorized sales dealer for a number of the industry's leading A/V equipment manufacturers. The company offers equipment rental services and can help with the production of audio and video multi-media programs of any size or budget.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, a contribution established in 1978, and one-third goes to the construction and annual maintenance costs of the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center and the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.

Media Contact:

Jeanette Anderson Moores
Public Relations
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
pr@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118

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