FAQ’S

For more information on COVID-19 and to track progress, please visit:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

When does the Greater Columbus Convention Center open and close each day?

Our schedule is dictated by the events we have in the building each day.  Our building typically is open for business by 6 a.m. each day.  The building is locked each day after the close of the last event.  Should you need access after hours, please let your Event Manager know.  He/she can make special arrangements for you through our Public Safety Department.

The GCCC Sales & Administration Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These offices are closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Where can I park at the Greater Columbus Convention Center?

There are six separate on-site parking areas consisting of approximately 4,700 parking spaces.

Vine Street Garage: 37 Vine Street

South Garage: 50 East Nationwide Boulevard

Goodale Garage: 80 East East Goodale Street

North Lot: 50 East Goodale Street

East Lot: 80 East Nationwide Boulevard

Ohio Center Garage: 400 North High Street (GPS directional address Ohio Center Way)

Are bikes available at the Greater Columbus Convention Center? 

Yes, there are four CoGo bike share options at the facility, each near the main entrances and parking garages. For more information, please visit cogobikeshare.com

What are the transportation options for the Greater Columbus Convention Center? 

Getting to and around Columbus and the convention center is easy. Services included are COTA, bike share, scooters, car transportation services, and via plane through the John Glenn International Airport. Our partners at Experience Columbus can provide a plethora of transportation services. Download the transportation guide here. 

Are nursing mother’s rooms available?

The GCCC has a designated nursing mother room located on the Central Atrium. We have also family restrooms located in Upper A-Pod (behind room A-210) and another in the Center Lounge restrooms near the South Café & Marketplace. These single-use areas are equipped with a seat, electricity and a lockable door.

Are wheelchairs available?

Yes. We have a limited number of manual wheelchairs available.  They are stored at our Public Safety Command.  If you (or an attendee) need a wheelchair, simply contact your Event Manager or Public Safety directly at (614) 827-2547.  A member of our Public Safety Department will bring the wheelchair to you.  We do ask that you exchange a photo ID for the wheelchair, which will be returned to you when you are done using the chair.

We also have a limited number of electric wheelchairs available to rent through our Pride Ride program. You can reserve a scooter by calling 614-827-2531 and paying by credit card. Visit our guest services department for details. 

Can I offer tips or gratuities to GCCC employees?

No, the offering of tips and gratuities to our staff and building partners is strictly prohibited.

Is solicitation or picketing allowed at the GCCC?

No, soliciting and picketing are not allowed on premises of the GCCC property.  If either occurs, our Public Safety Department will immediately intercede.

Where can I eat and shop within the facility?

  • South Café & Marketplace offers quick-service restaurants, a visitor center, barber & beauty boutique, Segway tours, convenience store, Ohio State merchandise, games, comics and gifts.
  • Discovery Café, located by the exhibit halls, operated by Levy, includes Crimson Cup, CBUS Tap Room, Columbus Grille and Homegrown Market.
  • Starbucks is located on the south side of the building near the Hyatt Regency (Starbucks is temporarily closed)

Where is lost & found?

Lost & found is located in our Public Safety office. You can fill out a lost & found form here. Public Safety can also be reached by contacting 614-827-2547.

Where can I find a map of the facility?

Maps are located on our website, throughout our facility on wayfinding kiosks, and also with our guest services team. Click here to view our 3D interactive map. A PDF version of the map can be found here.

Where are the coffee locations inside of the facility?

Coffee can be located in two areas of the GCCC.

What job openings does the GCCC have?

Our employment page will have the current job openings: https://columbusconventions.com/employment/. At the ASM Global-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center; you will find a commitment to diversity and inclusion, innovation, teamwork, work/life balance, and opportunities for growth. ASM Global is an equal opportunity employer.

HEALTH & SAFETY

What is VenueShield?

VenueShield is the ASM Global environmental hygiene program. The program was created to provide the highest levels of safety, cleanliness, and reassurance to all guests in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ASM Global is the world leader in venue management, connecting people though the power of the live experience in the safest, cleanest, greenest facilities in the world. View the GCCC Reactivation Plan for details. 

What does GBAC STAR™ accreditation provide?

Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™, a Division of ISSA, is the worldwide cleaning industry association, GCCC has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention in the facility.

With the GBAC STAR™ accreditation, the GCCC has:

  • Maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like COVID-19.
  • Established proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices to combat biohazards and infectious disease.
  • Employed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available? 

Face coverings are recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination is not required. A PPE Resource Center is available online and on-site for guests, click here for details. The GCCC suggests show management to provide face masks for their attendees.

How are you including physical distancing?

All room sets, as well as the layout of event registration and catering services, are created per physical distancing measures. We remind guests to stay 3 – 6 feet distanced from other guests and employees.

How is the air quality at the GCCC?

Improvements to our HVAC system include:

  • Increased building intake/air change rates during occupied event hours
  • MERV-14 (Medical Grade) HVAC air filters in every single air handler (this exceeds LEED IAQ requirements)
  • Charcoal air filters in areas of the facility to increase indoor air quality

Learn more about our health & safety enhancements here.

How are the food & beverage locations/catering assisting with health and safety?

To further reduce touchpoints, Levy will continue to offer supplemental items such as sanitation stations, breath barriers, and directional signage as add-on services. To learn more about the Levy Adapting to Change program, click here.

How is the GCCC promoting health and safety?

Increased messaging is placed throughout the facility and through websites and social media. Each message reinforces physical distancing and promotes proper hygiene. In our continued commitment to visitor safety and the guest experience, we’re thrilled for our partnership with Clorox to offer trusted protection for the live experience. Complimentary Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are available for guests to use throughout our facility.

Are facial coverings required inside the facility?

The City of Columbus repealed its face covering requirement on March 7, 2022. Face coverings are still strongly recommended for individuals that are not fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination is not required by GCCC, but may be required by certain events. Events and businesses within GCCC may also elect to require face coverings in their leased spaces and those decisions will be fully supported by GCCC staff, contractors and service providers.

CLEANING & SANITATION

Are hand sanitizer stations available?

Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the venue including facility entrances, concourses, pre-function areas and near touch points (i.e. escalators).

What are the sanitation precautions? 

Heightened cleaning measures includes hourly disinfection of high touch points such as doorknobs, handrails and event furniture, and changes to our attendee flow.

What are the hand washing precautions? 

For the safety of all others, we remind you that frequent hand washing for 20 seconds is key in reducing the spread of germs. Bathrooms are available throughout the venue to promote proper hand washing.

EVENT OPERATIONS

What is and how do I set up a Pre-Con or Post-Con Meeting?

Communication is one of the most important aspects to any event. We recommend a pre-convention meeting (pre-con). Your Event Manager will offer to host your pre-con meeting to help you understand and meet all of the departments involved with your meeting.  Usually this meeting will take place within two weeks of your start date, depending on your schedule.  However, we have also scheduled them on your first move-in day.  In addition to “putting names with faces,” we will discuss your event and answer any questions.  After the close of your event we recommend having a post-convention meeting (post-con), your Event Manager can host the post-con meeting to discuss your completed event.  This meeting can be a useful tool to help plan for your next event by bringing out what worked or what could be improved.

Where do I unload?

Depending on what you have to unload and where your contracted space is located within the facility, will determine where you will unload. Your Event Manager will determine the best place to accomplish this.

Do I get dock passes? How many?

A limited number of dock passes are reserved for our clients who have contracted exhibit hall space. They are valid during the dates of your exhibit hall contract.

What is the difference between building security and contract security?

Our GCCC Public Safety team is responsible for securing the building perimeters, including the loading docks.  We are not responsible for your equipment.  A contract security company is responsible for securing items you and your attendees bring into the building and for protecting the spaces you have contracted within our facility.

Can my trade show decorator vacuum carpet or is that an exclusive service?

Your decorator can vacuum aisle carpet, but the GCCC has exclusive rights on vacuuming exhibitor booths.  If you want our contractor to vacuum the aisle carpet, please let your Event Manager know to be informed of the cost.

Code of Conduct

In order to provide a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for all our guests, the following code of conduct must be followed. Violators will be asked to leave the building and charges may be filed for prosecution. The following are prohibited on GCCC property:

  • Face coverings are recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination is not required
  • Concealed firearms are prohibited inside of the facility per Ohio Revised Code 2923.126 (7)
  • Visiting without wearing a shirt and shoes
  • Standing, walking, or sitting in any way that causes inconvenience to other guests
  • Disorderly or disruptive conduct, including the use of obscene or insulting language or gestures, running, yelling, fighting, throwing objects, vandalizing, theft, littering, the loud playing of radios, inciting or instigating physical or verbal confrontations
  • Use or display of slogans or communications of any kind which contain obscenities, racial, sexual, ethnic, fighting words or religious slurs.
  • Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages outside of authorized areas, or the use of illegal substances
  • Possession of pets, except service animals
  • Loitering
  • Unauthorized distribution of literature, offering items for sale, soliciting guests, conducting surveys, videotaping or photography
  • Any act which could result in physical harm to people or property
  • Truancy
  • Any acts prohibited by Federal, State or Local laws
  • Smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices
  • Use of Hover-boards
  • Utilizing escalators and elevators for amusement

Area Hotel Contact Information

Hilton Columbus Downtown: 614-384-8600, www.hilton.com

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus: 614-221-7008, www.druryhotels.com

Sonesta Columbus Downtown: 1-800-SONESTA, https://www.sonesta.com/

Hyatt Regency Columbus: 614-463-1234, www.hyatt.com

Hampton Inn and Suites: 614-559-2000,  www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Red Roof Inn: 614-224-6539, www.redroof.com

COVID-19 ADVISORY

You must follow all policies, including health and safety policies and posted instructions while at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By entering the Greater Columbus Convention Center, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

CONTACT US

MAIN LINE

(614) 827-2500

PUBLIC SAFETY 

(614) 827-2547

PARKING OFFICE

(614) 827-2515

 

ADDRESS

400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215