When the Anaheim (CA) Convention Center completes its expansion project in the fall of 2000, it will be the biggest convention center on the West Coast, says Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

The facility is adding 40 percent more space. All meeting rooms are being redesigned, and meeting space will be increased from about 80,000 square feet to about 130,000 square feet, including the addition of a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The facility is also adding 175,000 square feet of exhibit space, bringing the total to about 800,000 square feet.

The center has appointed an on-site project representative, Mike Forry, to serve as liaison between the center, clients, and construction contractors during the expansion. Forry, who will oversee the day-to-day progress of the project, will be available to discuss with meeting planners any concerns they have about running conventions during the process.