Opening 2024!
First Fully Electric Conference Center in the U.S.

Our Facility

Meet, Engage, Inspire

For world-class meeting services in a “Gorges” location in Ithaca, New York, the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is the perfect choice. Our new center will feature 15,000+ square feet of bi-level meeting space including a first-floor junior ballroom and boardroom, a second-floor grand ballroom and an additional 6300+ square feet of pre-function space.

Centrally located near hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions, the new Ithaca Downtown Conference Center will take meeting attendees beyond the boardroom and inspire creativity with so much to discover and explore.  Open spaces will open minds with inspiration from nature, fostering innovation and creativity. 

Community Collaboration

The Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation owns the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. The Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation was formed as a non-profit local development corporation to provide economic development within the Ithaca community and its downtown central city core by:

  • Driving new economic activity which will support hundreds of local jobs and dozens of local businesses
  • Attracting new and returning visitors to our community, especially during the times of week and season of the year when our visitation is low
  • Contributing to the vibrancy and success of downtown Ithaca, our community’s core, as a community partner and a respectful and supportive neighbor

Progress for the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center continues with the support of numerous organizations, elected officials, New York State grant funding and developer investments. We are excited to show the progress of the construction, and to welcome your event to Ithaca!

The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center was a shared vision of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, City of Ithaca, Tompkins County Tourism Program, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Our partner in the development of this project, Vecino Group, is rooted in the desire to maximize social impact and respond to broader community needs. They have a proven track record of completing difficult projects on schedule and on budget under exacting compliance-driven conditions.

The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is supported by all lodging partners in Tompkins County, specifically hotels in the city of Ithaca, with the four Downtown Hotel partners as the anchor. Canopy by Hilton Ithaca DowntownIthaca Marriott Downtown on the CommonsHilton Garden Inn and Hotel Ithaca have been critical in supporting this project since day one, investing in its success by committing to capital project funding as well as annual financial contributions.

World-Class Management

ASM Global business logo

The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center will be operated by ASM Global. ASM is a world-class leader in conference center management and a true partner to advancing this initiative and advising the project team.

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

 

CLICK HERE for current job openings at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.

 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter

 

 

Conference Services

Let Us Help You Plan Your Gorges Event!

Visit Ithaca offers a variety of Conference Services to make planning your next event fun and stress-free! 

Assistance with Accommodations
and Off-Site Activities

Visit Ithaca will distribute leads for accommodations and manage responses from hotels. We can also identify, recommend and assist in planning group activities, events, programs, and spousal activities as well as coordinate site visits of hotels and attractions.

A large group of people gathered inside of Cinemapolis attending the create upstate presentation.
three women of varying ages sitting next to one another with their laptops in front of them. Looking at the screen of the person sitting in the middle.

Pre-Conference Ithaca 101 Virtual Session -
Unlock Ithaca's Best Kept Secrets For Your Attendees

 “Ithaca 101” is a virtual program that is presented in real time and tailored to your group!  We will explore all the incredible things that Ithaca, Tompkins County and the Finger Lakes have to offer including Health and Wellness, History & Culture, Restaurants & Craft Beverages, Theatre & Museums, and more. This virtual program has been wildly successful in helping visitors understand the community prior to arrival so that they can make the most of their time in Ithaca.   

On-Site Support

Our Visit Experience Specialists would be delighted to set up an informational table at your event. The most opportune times are pre and post meeting or during breaks. If your group provides us with an agenda, we will work with you to identify these key time slots and schedule our team members accordingly.

We can also provide team members to assist with conference registration so that your group leaders can focus on stakeholders, attendees, sponsors and presenters.

Informational Materials

Visit Ithaca produces an annual Visitor Guide which we would be happy to provide for each of your attendees. We can also collect and distribute brochures for local activities and attractions, as well as provide maps of the downtown and a list of popular restaurants.

About Ithaca

There’s always something to discover, explore and share in Ithaca – any time of year! 

With over 150 stunning waterfalls, a world-class food scene, vibrant live music and performances, and a multitude of indoor and outdoor recreation choices, Ithaca offers endless opportunities to welcome your guests.

Aurora St off of the downtown Ithaca Commons. Image of the Marriott Hotel in the background and a rainbow hot air balloon flying above the hotel.

Things to Explore

Explore Restaurant Row and the Downtown Ithaca Commons, a walkable pedestrian mall just around the corner from the new center. 

Experience the stunning natural beauty Ithaca is known for with a short walk from the downtown to nearby waterfalls and gorgesCheck out Visit Ithaca’s Waterfalls Challenge and explore our “Gorges” assets, carved by glaciers millions of years ago

Immerse yourself in Ithaca’s diverse food scene! There is a delight for every palate with a varity of cuisines availble with influence from all over the globe.  Many of our local establisments pride themselves on using fresh ingredients from area farms allowing them to create exceptional dishes.  Attendees can also explore the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the oldest wine trail in the United States or visit a wide array of breweries, cideries and distilleries.

 

Holding a glass of wine over the vineyard at Six Mile Creek Winery
An overcast day on the Ithaca Commons showing two people walking in sync past a flower box.

Create a meeting that is part of an experience with Ithaca’s abundance of history, arts, and culture. In addition to a wealth of educational resources to enhance programming with Cornell University and Ithaca College campuses woven into the vibrant and diverse landscape, Ithaca also offers rich attractions such as the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of ArtCornell Lab of Ornithology,  and lively entertainment options such as The State Theatre and CinemapolisThese unique venues can also serve as potential breakout spaces or plenary expansion opportunities!

overhead image of brick buildings on Cornell Universities Campus

Lodging

The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is just blocks from each of our four Downtown Hotel Partners, Canopy by Hilton Ithaca DowntownIthaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons, Hilton Garden Inn and Hotel Ithaca who collectively hold 564 of Ithaca’s 1800 hotel rooms. There are accommodation options for everyone ranging from boutique and independently owned properties to larger flagship brands.

We would like to sincerely thank these four downtown properties for their efforts of collaboration and commitment to the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.  We are confident that each of these hotel partners will make finding lodging for your attendees effortless and convenient, offering top-notch service and accommodations.

Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons is a full-service hotel in Ithaca, New York set in the heart of downtown, in the midst of gorgeous surroundings. Enjoy convenient access to popular attractions like Finger Lakes, Ithaca College, and Stewart Park. After a busy day, retire to your comfortable room or suite featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with Netflix, and mini-refrigerators. Dine on the patio at our restaurant, Monks on the Commons, offering American cuisine and cocktails, and maintain your fitness routine at the on-site fitness center.

The Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown is perfectly situated among Ithaca’s most walkable streets of unique shops and local restaurants. Grab a complimentary Canopy Bike and explore the Ithaca Commons. At Canopy, we’ve got you covered. Rest well in a Just-Right Room with positively local décor and residential comforts. Each includes free WiFi, a 55-inch TV, built-in refrigerated drawer, and bed designed exclusively for Canopy. Choose a suite for additional space, stunning views of downtown Ithaca, living area and cozy extras like bathrobes and Canopy socks. Every floor has a filtered spring water station so you can refresh and feel great going forward. Welcome the day in the Strand Café with a delicious artisanal breakfast made with fresh ingredients and local produce. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, The Strand Café is a welcoming and comfortable space featuring thoughtful American and globally inspired fare and handcrafted cocktails. Keep up your routine in our 24-hour fitness center. We also offer two meeting rooms for events and gatherings for up to 40 people.

The Hilton Garden Inn is situated on the Downtown Ithaca Commons near Cornell University and Ithaca College. The hotel is also conveniently located to the Finger Lakes region, just a short drive from Cayuga and Seneca Lake Wineries.

The Hilton Garden Inn has built a quality reputation for excellence in our area and has always been considered by the local community as one of the top hotels in Ithaca. We deliver the highest degree of service and uphold high quality standards associated with the Hilton brand.

The beautiful renovated Hotel Ithaca is a full-service property, located in the heart of downtown Ithaca and is less than 1 mile from both Cornell University and Ithaca College.  For our guests’ convenience, we offer complimentary shuttle service to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, Cornell University, and Ithaca College (subject to availability). We offer deluxe rooms and suites, an indoor heated pool (currently closed for routine maintenance), and a large state-of-the-art fitness center.

Hotel Ithaca pictured at night

Getting Here

Map of New TYork State highlighting where Ithaca is located in reference to other cities

Navigating To and Around Ithaca Is Easier Than You Think!

By Car – The main routes into the city are New York highways 13, 79, 89, and 96. Interstate 86 intersects NY State Rt. 13 in Elmira, about 30 minutes southwest of Ithaca. Interstate 81 connects with NY State Rt. 79 half an hour from Ithaca at Whitney Point, and with NY State Rt. 13 about 35 minutes from Ithaca in Cortland.

By Bus – Cornell Campus-to-Campus, FlixbusOurBus, Shortline Bus / Coach USA, Megabus and Greyhound operate buses into Ithaca from a variety of cities, including daily service to/from NYC.

By Air – Ithaca Tompkins International Airport has direct flights to and from major US cities, including a flight to and from JFK

Interactive Floorplans

Submit an RFP

Our ASM Global team is here to provide valuable support and information.  Tell us about your meeting and allow us the opportunity to show you why Ithaca should be the “Natural” choice for your “Gorges” meeting!

For immediate assistance, please contact Taryn Mullenix, Director of Sales at 607.882.4814 or [email protected]

While you are waiting to hear from one of our team members, look beyond the boardroom and check out some of the fun and exciting things Ithaca has to offer your meeting attendees!

To learn more about the destination, please contact Lisa Conarton, Conference Sales Manager at 607.272.1313 or [email protected]

Contact Us

Taryn Mullenix | Director of Sales

Phone | 607.882.4814

Email | [email protected]