HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Convention Center has officially celebrated its 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of driving economic development, urban revitalization, and collaborative public-private partnerships in Downtown Hartford. The milestone event brought together Governor Ned Lamont, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, and key leaders from business and civic communities to honor the Center’s legacy and future promise.
Since its opening on June 2, 2005, the 540,000-square-foot facility has hosted over 3,000 events and welcomed more than six million visitors. Strategically positioned between Boston and New York, the Center has evolved into a vital driver of regional tourism, commerce, and workforce opportunity.
A Symbol of Public-Private Collaboration
The event highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the State of Connecticut, the City of Hartford, Waterford Group, and the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). As part of the state’s Adriaen’s Landing revitalization initiative, the Center was developed as a publicly owned facility, with Waterford Venue Services managing operations and CRDA overseeing ongoing investment and stewardship of the broader district.
Michael Freimuth, Executive Director of CRDA, reflected on the Center’s transformative role:
“What was once a geographic challenge—our location between two major metros—has become a strategic advantage. We’ve become a go-to destination for expos, galas, and national events.”
A Record of Scale and Service
The Connecticut Convention Center’s impact is not just economic, but also deeply human. 55% of the Center’s full-time staff have been employed for over a decade, totaling more than 800 combined years of service. From world-class hospitality to meticulous operations, the Center has built a reputation for reliability and excellence.
Notably:
- Over 168,000 chicken breasts have been served
- 373,000+ pounds of fry oil used
- 21 million feet of paper towels and 60 million feet of toilet paper dispensed
- 150,000 square feet of carpet vacuumed more than 4,000 times
“Events here succeed because of the people behind the scenes,” said Len Wolman, Chairman and CEO of Waterford Group.
Left to right: Michael Freimuth, Executive Director of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), and Len Wolman, Chairman and CEO of Waterford Group, unveil a commemorative plaque honoring the 20th anniversary of the Connecticut Convention Center. The plaque recognizes the enduring public-private partnership that has driven two decades of economic impact and community revitalization in Downtown Hartford.Economic Catalyst for Hartford
The Convention Center has been a cornerstone of Hartford’s Front Street District, fueling surrounding developments such as the Connecticut Science Center, the Hartford Marriott Downtown, and various mixed-use housing and entertainment venues.
Kristie Gonsalves, President of North East Expos and long-time client, noted the center’s role in scaling events like the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, which now draws 40,000+ attendees annually.
Looking Forward
The anniversary celebration concluded with the unveiling of a permanent commemorative plaque, honoring CRDA board members, staff, and long-standing community partners whose vision helped shape the Center’s ongoing success.
As the Connecticut Convention Center looks ahead, its legacy as a model of state-led economic development and regional collaboration continues to inspire investment, innovation, and inclusion in Hartford’s urban core.