The Meydenbauer Center saw its biggest annual growth, and had the second highest operating revenue in its nearly 20-year history in 2011.

The resurgence in the center’s bottom line comes after two bad years. In 2008, Meydenbauer had its best year ever, but the economy dropped and so did business for the Eastside’s largest gathering place. The center’s revenue dropped 22 percent in 2009 and stayed flat the following year. The big increase, a growth of 17 percent in 2011, can be attributed to a number of large national corporations holding company-wide meetings and conventions.

“It was exciting to see they were in a place to bring those large groups together to celebrate and learn,” said Sharon Linton, marketing and communications manager for Meydenbauer Center.

The primary purpose of the center has always been for large groups and conventions, said Operations Manager Tim Carr. Large company meetings and conventions and other bookings fell off in the slim years for the 3,500-seat venue. Carr said the center staffing has to remain flexible and able to respond to both growth potential and economic setbacks.

In those leaner times, Meydenbauer was a great resource for local nonprofits. This year, organizations raised more than $7.5 million, the most since 2008, in 36 nonprofit events.

Going forward, the center is looking to diversify the events it hosts. Weekend conventions are the next frontier, Carr said. Events such as cheerleading competitions and a recent bodybuilding convention show the range of conventions Meydenbauer wants to see. Considered a primary economic engine for the city, the overall goal is to get more people to travel to Bellevue, stay in its hotels, and spend money at its shops, Carr said.

This concept was the driving force behind Meydenbauer’s tourism campaign, Visit Bellevue Washington. The website debuted in June after more than two years of planning. The site gives an overview of what to do in the city, and local company Expedia partnered with the site to make booking accommodations simple for potential visitors.

Coming up on its 20-year anniversary, Meydenbauer remains an important part of Bellevue’s future. Not just for its ability to help nonprofits and local business, but its ability as a draw for large national companies to hold meetings, even if they have no connection to Bellevue.

“I think the investment is paying off,” said Councilmember John Chelminiak, the council liaison to the center. “It’s an important element of the city, and it’s important to have that meeting space and convention space.”