As Norris Centers celebrates 32 years of operations, founder Dave Norris reflects on where it all began. He has been asked on many occasions why he started Norris Conference Centers. Dave notes that, “the answer is really quite simple, it was based on my experience attending numerous meetings in my previous career, many of which I found to be quite unsatisfying for a variety of reasons. I thought someone should create a facility that would do better.”
When asked for details about what negative experiences he has endured, Dave shared:
- Being stuck in meeting rooms that were poorly lit
- Distracted by hearing loud laughter from the meeting next door
- Frustrated being able to only book events a few weeks out, since they had no
overnight accommodation needs - And, a basic lack of customer service, as well as numerous other disappointing experiences
Budget also played a factor. “My team was spending serious money and time on planning, preparing and attending these events” Mr. Norris said, “which only made the lack of available support and service all the more frustrating.”
After extensive research, including touring a number of “in-house” conference facilities at Fortune 500 companies, Dave started Norris Conference Centers in Austin, Texas in 1990. It consisted of two meeting rooms, a Trainer’s lounge, Business Center and lobby. The concept was so successful that shortly more space was being leased to expand the number of meeting rooms offered at the location. The market had responded – Dave Norris had scored a hit.
Norris Centers has found that conference centers represent a unique niche in the hospitality industry. They offer a wide range of services and support, which are designed specifically around the needs of meeting planners, trainers & attendees. It is this “putting the customers first” perspective that has made the Norris Centers so successful.
Since opening their first events venue in Austin, Texas in 1990, Norris Centers has expanded across the State of Texas. What was one small facility has grown to six (6) event venues located in Austin, Dallas, Houston (3 venues) and San Antonio. Three of the venues have ballrooms to accommodate social events. Further expansion includes two (2) catering divisions located in San Antonio and Houston to service in-house and off-site catering customers.
As an organization, they remain constantly on guard to maintain their commitment to excellence in event planning and execution. That’s it – that’s what they do.
