Micras Congress Center
The Micras Congress Center (Martino: Centro de Congresos de Micras), abbreviated CCM, also known as the World Congress Center, is an international venue for conventions and conferences, located in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Generally regarded as one of the largest conference centers on Micras, it has been host to international events, including festivals, conventions, and conferences, since its opening in 1696 AN. It is operated by the independent company FFC (Martino: Federación de Ferias de Cárdenas).
History
The CCM was chosen as the focal point of the Hotel Sector of Cárdenas during the Cárdenas Plan in 1686 AN, intended to become an international venue for hosting world-renowned events and conferences. It was strategically located at the north side of the Plaza Jocores, the epicenter of the district. Construction took over 10 years, with the main façade known for its groundbreaking curved steel and glass structure.
The building received a major renovation in 1736 AN to upgrade multimedia systems, electronics fixtures, and structural stability. At that time, a small museum was opened on the second floor that is dedicated to temporary exhibitions of the Music and Culture of Nouvelle Alexandrie, including props, multimedia, and art. It is also renown for its permanent exhibition of "Planeta Vida", about climate and nature.
Description
The total area of the building exceeds 75,000 m2, with a further 55,000 m2 in the adjoined hotels and offices. The main hall can play host to between 5,000 to 15,000 guests, with 5,000 m2 of floor space. Three convention halls and an exhibition hall have capacity for a further 20,000 guests, with over 15,000 m2 of floor space. A further 8 lecture halls can be modulated for the needs of every event.
The conference building has three floors, connected by two major mezzanines, as well as a restaurant and multiple toilet blocks. Staff offices are located at the third floor of the building, which include dressing rooms, storage, a security complex, and a multimedia library.
Facilities
Sala del Foro
The main convention hall, located directly at the back of the main hall, is known colloquially as the 'Forum Room'. It has 7,000 m2 of floor space, and is well-known for its major central stage with multiple television screens. Historically, the room has been host to international conferences dedicated to Culture, such as the world-famous "International Forum of Cultures" in 1699 AN and 1731 AN. The hall is also known for hosting campaign events of political parties, most notably the victory campaign of Marissa Santini in 1729 AN and José Manuel Montero in 1749 AN.
Sala Azul
The Blue Room, located on the left of the main hall, has historically been used for conventions in the world of entertainment, like the annual "World Games Expo" and the "Cárdenas Jazz & Blues Festival"; as well as award shows like the annual "Lacara Jazz & Blues Awards". It has 3,000 m2 of floor space. Its name is derived from its use of blue overhead light, as well as its extensive use of fog machines during its events.
Sala Rojo
The Red Room, located on the right of the main hall, is usually reserved for scientific and economic conferences, like the famous biannual "Science & Technology Expo" held by the FSRC; and the "World Climate Convention" held in 1733 AN. It has 3,000 m2 of floor space. It is renowned for its multimedia stands, including VR and 4DX technology. Its name, like the Blue Room, derives from its red overhead lights, but is has also become synonymous with the 4DX suite, which has red lighting.
Exposition Hall
The large Exposition Hall, located to the right of the Forum Room, is dedicated to the showcasing and preservation of temporary expositions. It is usually reserved to important arts and culture conventions, like the renowned "National Cultural Exhibition" held in 1712 AN, which showcased artifacts of Wechua and Aldurian origin. It has 2,000 m2 of floor space, with a large center stage for major showcases.
Lecture Halls
The second and third floor are host to a total of 8 lecture halls, with 1,000 m2 of floor space each, capable of hosting between 800 and 1,200 guests, depending on seat configuration. Each is furnished with a multimedia system to allow hosts to present.
Restaurant
The congress restaurant is located at the front of the main hall, and can host up to 400 guests. It prides itself on catering high-quality food from a variety of cuisines, as well as its high-end cocktail bar.
Transportation
Transport to the Congress Center is conveniently located at Plaza Jocores in front of the complex, which is a transit hub for the Metro. It is also a major hub for the Capital Bus routes. The Tram stop is located at the Museum of Modern Arts, about 200 m east of the square, halfway between the metro stops of Plaza Jocores and Vida Nueva on Line B. Underground parking is also available underneath the building, with lifts and staircases exiting directly aside the Main Hall.
