In a boon for more sustainable corporate events, full-service venue management company ASM Global recently unveiled the country’s first fully electric conference center in Ithaca, N.Y. The new Ithaca Downtown Conference Center (IDCC) is powered by the New York State electric grid, which receives energy from a large portion of renewable sources such as hydroelectric power, nuclear, solar, and wind, according to IDCC officials.  

With cooking, heating, air conditioning, hot water, and the building’s backup systems running off the electric grid, sustainably minded event planners can rest assured that no fossil fuels are used onsite. 

Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York—steps away from the vibrant Ithaca Commons pedestrian mall with its diverse array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment offerings—the three-story IDCC features more than 15,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings, conferences, trade shows, and special events. 

"Ithaca Downtown Conference Center sets a new bar in meetings and conventions as the first all-electric convention center in the United States,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president, convention centers, ASM Global, which operates more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and performing arts venues across five continents. 

What planners need to know about the venue 

Meeting spaces include a 10,620-square-foot grand ballroom; 3,814-square-foot junior ballroom; a 580-square-foot executive boardroom; up to 12 flexible bi-level meeting rooms, and pre-function space with a nature-inspired color palette and murals of the local scenery.  

The IDCC’s bevy of sustainability features include: 

• All-electric, full-production kitchen 
• Air-source heat pumps for space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water 
• Energy-efficient lighting 
• Composting system 
• Reusable water bottle refill stations 
• Recycling program  
• Catering menu featuring a minimum of 35% plant-based options  
• Elimination of single-use items  
• Biodegradable packaging and utensils for grab-and-go food items 
• Leftover prepared food repurposed in the venue’s “Green on the Go” retail store to minimize waste 
• Fryer oil reused as fuel for sustainable practices 
• Floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for natural lighting 

According to IDCC officials, the venue meets the performance standards for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Commercial New Construction, and aligns with Ithaca’s Green New Deal, which aims to achieve communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030. The state has set a goal of sourcing 70% of its energy from renewable energy in the near future. 

The big picture 

“We are thrilled about [the Conference Center] being part of ASM Global’s worldwide portfolio and setting the example for the events industry,” Hoffend said. “A key economic driver to the local community, it’s what’s next in sustainability and future-ready venues on the national and global scale.” 

Kathy Taylor, Ithaca Downtown Conference Center general manager, ASM Global, added, “As a resident of this community, I could not be more excited for the opening of this much-awaited gem. Its versatility allows us to bring a wide range of events to Ithaca and introduce their attendees to this amazing region all while showcasing true environmental responsibility and meaningful change.” 

Why it matters 

Representing a significant advancement in sustainable event hosting and economic development for the region, the new facility is expected to drive nearly $150 million in new direct and induced spending in the local community over the next two decades, said Suzanne Smith Jablonski, executive director of the Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corp. 

“The opening of Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is an exciting milestone for our community,” Jablonski said. “After 10 years of creative and innovative collaboration amongst community partners, this versatile venue redefines sustainability for meetings and events. We are grateful to all the stakeholders who shared and supported our vision for this important tourism economic development project.”  

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