I try not to be a negative reviewer, but the service received from Ontario Convention Center left me with no choice. First off, on a positive note: The convention center is a relatively new and aesthetically pleasing site to host a convention. There are ample housing options within walking distance. The airport is practically across the street. The staff are courteous, but always seem nervous. That about ends any positives.
The admin of the OCC seems to be cutting corners and shaving money left and right. The crowd control and traffic flow is atrocious. On the first night of the convention as people were arriving, they had one parking lot attendant selling tickets to their very limited lot. With 4000 anticipated attendees, the line for parking stretched into the boulevard and around the corner. When the lot filled, the guy kept selling tickets which created a nasty snarl inside the parking lot before help arrived to open up an overflow lot across the street. Fortunately, there was only 1 kiosk attendant which restricted the flow of traffic. This is sarcasm for: It was very bad. Do they not know how many parking slots are in their own parking lot? They should've anticipated the masses and had the overflow lot at the ready. They also should've had people to direct the car traffic to that other lot. Btw, on subsequent nights, their remedy was to bring in a second attendant for thousands of attendees. Parking was still a nightmare.
The security checkpoint was a similar nightmare. They claimed it was for your protection, but in the end, I believe they were there to enforce the "No Outside Food and Drink" rule. BTW, check out other reviewers comments on the food situation. How do you have only 1 guard at a main entrance checking the bags of thousands? Again, can you say, "understaffed, bottlenecked, ineffective, idiots."
Ok, to end on a positive note...if you were to have a small event at the OCC that doesn't require staffing. Perhaps a small (50 or less) wedding or company meeting. This would be a decent place for your consideration. However, any event where the attendance is expected to be higher, be wary of your preparations and make sure the OCC staffs your...
Read moreThe Ontario Convention Center, located in Ontario, California, is a premier event venue in the Inland Empire region. The facility is an excellent choice for a variety of events, including conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and social events.
One of the standout features of the Ontario Convention Center is its versatile and spacious floor plans. The venue has over 225,000 square feet of flexible space, including a 70,000 square foot column-free exhibit hall, a 20,000 square foot ballroom, and numerous meeting rooms and breakout spaces. This flexibility allows for a wide range of event configurations and ensures that the venue can accommodate a variety of event sizes and setups.
Another impressive aspect of the Ontario Convention Center is its state-of-the-art technology capabilities. The venue offers a range of advanced audiovisual equipment, including high-definition projectors, sound systems, video walls, and digital signage. The facility also has robust internet capabilities, with high-speed Wi-Fi and wired network connectivity throughout the venue. These features make it easy for event organizers to create engaging and interactive experiences for attendees.
The Ontario Convention Center also offers a variety of catering options, ranging from simple coffee breaks to elaborate multi-course meals. The venue has an in-house culinary team that can create custom menus tailored to the specific needs of each event. The food is consistently fresh, well-prepared, and presented professionally, ensuring that guests are well-fed and satisfied throughout the event.
Ontario Convention Center is an exceptional event venue that offers a wide range of features and capabilities to ensure a successful and memorable event. The facility's flexible floor plans, advanced technology, catering options, and other amenities make it an excellent choice for a variety of events. Despite its location, the Ontario Convention Center remains a top choice for event organizers in the Inland Empire...
Read moreI’ve only ever visited the Ontario Convention Center for Anime Expo Chibi 23 &24 (the pics are from 24). I know a lot of ppl who attend other cons have a lot to say and tend to pick it apart. If you’re looking for a smaller event to express your love for anime and all things Japanese this is it! I personally have enjoyed both years I went. My first year I only went to day 1, this year I did both days. I attended the anime screenings looked in on work shops, saw the game rooms and retro arcade . Did the stamp rally to collect the AXchibi pin, and everyone is so kind and willing to take photos. The food trucks had lots of tasty foods and themed bottles or drinks. The Photo Booths were the same as last year but it was nice to get to actually rotate to different ones this year, they have a cosplay parade for the kids, as well as jumpers and bubbles. They moved the karaoke to an actual stage, so I chickened out this year, the karaoke crowd is always nice no matter how you sound. It’s only in its 3rd year of being a con and I find it wonderful. Yes there are things that can go alil smoother but just like most events I’m sure it’ll get more polished with time so give the Con some grace and make the best of what it...
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