Ahead of $50-million renovation, convention business up at La Crosse Center

The La Crosse Center just finished its best year for convention business since 2012.

A report to the center board shows that 25 conventions took place in the building in 2017 — an increase of six over the previous year.

The La Crosse Center routinely had 30 or more conventions a year until 2010, but the number has dropped off.

For 2018, 25 conventions are already confirmed. One of those being the MOSES organic farming conference next month.

Attempts to reverse a decline in convention business are part of the motivation for the $50-million renovation of the 38-year-old building to keep it competitive with newer meeting halls in the region.