DCU Center – Arena & Convention Center
A certified staple of downtown Worcester, the DCU Center thrives as a focal point of the city’s Innovation Corridor, comprised of a 14,000-seat Arena and an attached Convention Center with panoramic views of the local skyline. Host to concerts, sporting events, family shows and conventions, the DCU Center is also available to rent for tradeshows, private banquets, meetings and as a competition space.
Worcester's location, congenial atmosphere, rich cultural and recreational attractions make it ideal for hosting. The DCU Center is suited to handle any size group, from 10 to 15,000, with personal service for planners and attendees at all levels.
At the core of the building stands 100,000 square feet of exhibition and display space—made up of two ballrooms (one of which is the largest in Central Massachusetts), two lounges, several meeting rooms, an 8,000-square-foot Swing Hall and a 50,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall. Along with the Exhibition Hall, there is a 30,000-square-foot arena floor and a 12,000-square-foot arena concourse.
Amenities and attractions include a fully equipped box offices, in-house catering and permanent portable concession stands. Whether you’re looking to host in the Arena or the Convention Center, the DCU Center has provided planning guides to consider for both: Arena Event Guide and Convention Center Guide.
The DCU Center is owned by the City of Worcester, which means you’ll have complete attention from the city and access to its resources—the exclusive attention of ASM, the DCU Center's management and professional staff, and Discover Central Massachusetts, all fully prepared to ensure a successful meeting, private function, convention, consumer or trade show.
Locals’ tip: Read through this self-guided tour of downtown Worcester to find several notable attractions, from dining options and street art to local shops and overnight stays. Plus, check out this interactive itinerary map for all downtown attractions.
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
New England charm meets functionality at Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center, with a fully equipped conference and meeting space nestled among 203 elegantly decorated guest rooms. At less than an hour’s drive from Boston, Springfield, Hartford (CT) and Providence (RI), this spot is well worth a trip to offer attendees a truly unique meeting experience.
The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center’s space offers a dedicated Conference Center featuring 24,000 square feet of up-to-date meeting spaces, including a ballroom, distance-learning center and 250-seat auditorium. From a 500-guest company retreat to an intimate, low-key executive board meeting, this flexible space can be tailored to suit your gathering needs. Audiovisual technology—a must for many meetings—graces each meeting space, accompanied by a dedicated supported staff to ensure every nature of presentation flows seamlessly.
And productivity meets down-time for those choosing to stay on property, with overnight accommodations equipped with in-room desks and Wi-Fi. On-site restaurants satisfy any hunger need, with private dining in Visions Restaurant or a catered banquet in the Crystal Ballroom. Outdoor spaces, like the courtyard, offer a fresh setting for an al-fresco gathering.
Meeting packages and a la carte pricing with dedicated planners provide the flexibility to customize your event to meet the vision you desire. Consider the Complete Meeting Package (CMP) for all the elements of a successful conference in a convenient bundle, or a Day Meeting Package (DMP), better suited for those attendees commuting daily. For a full rundown of meeting package details and/or to request a proposal, head here.
The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center is managed by the Shaner Hotel Group and accredited by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). The IACC is a global community of passionate people and companies delivering innovative and exceptional meeting experiences with the mission to bring together the brightest industry minds to promote the best meeting venues and deliver exceptional meeting experiences.
Locals’ tip: If you’re out in Southbridge, take a short trip over to Charlton’s Tree House Brewing Company—an artisan brewery that’s gained major traction in the last several years. Next up, enjoy authentic southern BBQ at B.T.’s Smokehouse, the ultimate compliment to Tree House brews.
Services for Planners
If you’re a planner organizing an event for 100+ attendees, consider reaching out to us directly. Our team can act as a liaison to securing multi-venue bids from across the region, as well as overnight accommodations and entertainment options.
