2001 Statewide Meeting and Convention Facilities Feasibility and Siting Study

Conventions Sports & Leisure (CSL) completed a study in March, 2001 for the Maine Meetings and Conventions Committee. The study looks at Lewiston-Auburn as one of six regions statewide (Portland, Augusta, Bangor, Aroostook, and Coastal/Mountain were the others), and is focused on the compatibility of all sites.

Portland and Bangor were identified as the markets for large convention facilities (70,000 SF and 30,000 SF of sellable space respectively). Lewiston-Auburn was slated for a small center to attract smaller conference and other events tied to area colleges and other local events (+/-15,000 – 20,000 SF sellable space).

Lewiston-Auburn market strengths were access to Portland, growth of downtowns and surrounding areas, and the existence of a college and cultural focus. Weaknesses were a lack of a local major airport, size of the corporate base, and the a significant convention quality hotel base.

The executive summary is posted online. To receive the full report email ljeffers@ci.lewiston.me.us.

Mike Carey
Lewiston