Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission

History

Venue Management Leadership

MERC has served as the region’s public venue management authority for the past 20 years with a market-driven approach and a focus on customer service excellence. Under MERC’s guidance, the Oregon Convention Center doubled in size, two modern exhibit halls were built at the Portland Expo Center, and the theatres within the Portland Center for Performing Arts received major investments in capital renovation and improvement.

Highlights

  • 2008:
    • The architectural drawings, proposed budget, financing plan, and construction schedule for the convention headquarters hotel will be completed. Metro will make its decision about whether to proceed with hotel development.
  • 2007:
    • Metro and MERC assume ownership of the convention headquarters hotel development project from the Portland Development Commission.
  • 2006:
    • The Friends of the Performing Arts Center and the Portland Center for the Performing Arts announce Antoinette Hatfield Hall naming (formerly The New Theatre Building).
  • 2005:
    • The Oregon Convention Center has generated $6 billion in economic impact and generated 92,620 jobs for the region since opening in 1990.
  • 2004:
    • The MAX Interstate light rail expansion places its north terminus at Portland Expo Center.
  • 2003:
    • A $116 million expansion that doubles the size of the Oregon Convention Center is complete. At one million square feet, it’s the largest convention venue in the Pacific Northwest.
    • The Oregon Convention Center becomes a LEED-EB® certified venue.
    • The Keller Auditorium receives its first significant interior renovation since 1967.
  • 2001:
    • The Portland Expo Center’s Exhibit Hall D is replaced with a new 112,000 square-foot exhibit building.
    • Groundbreaking occurs on the expansion of the Oregon Convention Center.
    • Management authority of the Civic Stadium (PGE Park) is transferred by the City of Portland to a private sports company.
  • 1997:
    • The Portland Expo Center completes construction of the first new exhibit hall in more than 30 years. The 108,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall E opens in time to house the American Smithsonian national traveling tour in the spring.
  • 1994:
    • Multnomah County transfers ownership of the Portland Expo Center to Metro.
  • 1992:
    • Authority for the operation of Memorial Coliseum is assumed by Oregon Arena Corporation as part of an agreement with the City of Portland related to the construction and operation of the Rose Garden Arena.
  • 1990:
    • The City of Portland transfers the authority and duties of its Exposition Recreation Commission (ERC) and operation of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Civic Stadium (PGE Park) and Memorial Coliseum to Metro and MERC. The City of Portland retains ownership of these properties.
    • The Oregon Convention Center opens.
  • 1989:
    • Metro and City of Portland agree to consolidate the operations of regional trade, convention and spectator facilities under the management authority of MERC.
  • 1988:
    • Metro breaks ground on the Oregon Convention Center.
  • 1987:
    • Metro establishes the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) to develop, operate and manage the region’s public convention, tradeshow and spectator facilities.
    • Portland Center for the Performing Arts is expanded with the opening of The New Theatre Building (now Antoinette Hatfield Hall).
  • 1986:
    • Community leaders recommend to the City of Portland and Metro a plan to manage regional convention, trade and spectator facilities under a single regional authority.

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