After a year of quarantining, isolating, mask-wearing, disinfecting, social distancing, and Zooming, many of us are eager to reconnect face-to-face. If we have learned anything this year, it's the importance of family and friends. While we can't predict the future, all signs are indicating that a return to a somewhat “normal life” is on the horizon. Though it's hard to imagine now, the time is coming soon where we will be able to gather safely once again. Many of us missed important milestones this year like graduations, anniversaries, and/or a special reunion and are eager to plan a post-Covid gathering. Whether it's a college/high school reunion, family reunion or a military reunion; these celebrations are a rite of passage and give us a chance to reconnect and reestablish ties with those who have added meaning to our lives at some point. The Salem Convention Center has been the site of many wonderful reunions through the years, both formal and informal, in a wide range of size and scope. In other words, we've seen it all! As we look back at the memorable reunions that have taken place here, it got us thinking about the reasons why families, schools and organizers would want to choose the Salem Convention Center for their special event. Here are a few that come to mind. #1 We are committed to keeping Salem Convention Center visitors and staff healthy and safe. When the pandemic affected our region, we quickly implemented enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures to keep all visitors and staff safe. All practices and business decisions are informed by guidance from the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and guidance from our local public health agencies. Our new health and safety protocols include 6-feet social distancing, mandatory masks, hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility, changes in our food & beverage operations, changes to exits & entrances, and contact tracing among other things. #2 Salem Convention Center still has “Wow-Factor”. Yeah, we still got it! The moment you walk through our doors, you will be greeted with an open and inviting space featuring natural lighting, museum-quality art along impeccable design and interior furnishings. The attractive contemporary design and Pacific Northwest-inspired architecture is one of the most desired features of our facility. #3 You can't beat the location. Planning an event with the goal of accommodating everyone in your group is no easy task. While you won't appeal to everyone's schedule and preference, you can at least feel comfortable hosting your reunion in a central location. Salem, Oregon is not only central to the Willamette Valley region, we are central to Oregon, making this area an ideal place for out-of-towners living all over the region to gather. Just off I-5, reunion guests will have no problems finding our facility. #4 We offer flexible and impressive event spaces. Booking an event at The Salem Convention Center means you will have access to a variety of flexible and beautiful rooms to choose from with plenty of space to spread out! Whether your reunion is large or small, we will help you choose the perfect environment to create a memorable experience for all who attend. #5 You will get more bang for your buck in our all-inclusive venue. When you book an event with The Salem Convention Center, you're not merely getting an attractive space to host your party. You're getting an on-site event coordinator, full catering services, tables, chairs, centerpieces, linens, a professional banquet staff to set up and tear down the room, large dance floors, entertainment staging, and complete audio-visual services. It's practically a no-brainer! #6 We are a “Green Facility”. Event-goers and hosts are becoming more and more eco-conscious. Our LEED and EarthWISE certified facility has been designed from the ground up to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. We also adhere to a strict “no-waste” policy and eco-conscious business model to minimize the carbon footprint your event will leave. #7 You will have access to state-of-the-art technology. As part of your all-inclusive package, we will support your audio-visual needs; whether it's simply a single microphone for speeches or special lighting, video presentations on the big screens, sound support, artistic direction, and much more. Guests can also rely on having access to high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building. #8 You will never need to worry about the weather! Rain or shine, your reunion will be a hit! Ample natural lighting throughout the facility will ensure fabulous photo ops and an outdoor ambiance. Though it might be hard to imagine now, the time will come when our doors will be open and celebrations and meetings will be back! They might look a little different from what we've seen in the past, but we're ready to adapt! Whatever your needs are, we have a dedicated staff, unmatched amenities along with over 30,000 square feet of beautiful event space to host the reunion of your dreams. There is a reason we have been named “Best Oregon Convention Center” by Northwest Meetings + Events for two years in a row! Contact us to learn more about our Social Event Packages at 1-866-614-1900 or email.