Morgan Center Complex Hosts Inaugural Event

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- After a summer of construction crews diligently working toward completing what is now the temporary convention center, the first event held in the Morgan Center Complex marked a major milestone for the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA).

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"We are absolutely thrilled with the temporary structures and their surrounding campus," stated JIA Executive Director, Jones Hooks.  "As construction begins on the new convention center, there is no doubt the Morgan Center Complex will allow us to accommodate conventions, banquets, and other gatherings without missing a beat."

The 18,000 square foot Grand Oaks Hall was the chosen venue for the Care Net Dinner on October 14. Over 600 people were in attendance and enjoyed a three course meal which was catered from a preparation chalet by the JIA convention center staff.

"This is our seventeenth annual banquet held on Jekyll Island," stated Care Net Executive Director, Patrick Eades. "For years we utilized the convention center as our venue, but we are as impressed by the size and beauty of the Grand Oaks structure as we ever were with the convention center."

Grand Oaks Hall, Magnolia Hall and 10 chalets provide approximately 34,000 square feet of meeting space operated by the Jekyll Island Authority. All Jekyll Island convention center business held from October 2010 until 2012 has been relocated to these Morgan Center Complex halls and chalets.

The exterior of the halls and chalets resemble structures primarily used at upscale sporting events and high-end resorts. The interior of the halls and chalets are surrounded with steel insulated wall panels and white insulated liner, all are air-conditioned, carpeted contain high-bay lighting and full length windows. For additional space, the chalets can be separated into individual rooms or opened up.

The Morgan Center Complex also includes the J.P. Morgan Tennis Center which will be completely renovated to a full 5,900 square feet by November 1 and operated by the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

The next event held in the Morgan Center Complex halls and chalets will be the Glynn Academy Homecoming on Saturday in Grand Oaks Hall. An anticipated 1200 people will be in attendance. Following Homecoming, the Triumph Car Show will utilize Magnolia and Grand Oaks Hall October 20 and 21.

For more information on the Morgan Center Complex, visit jekyllisland.com.

About Jekyll Island

Located on Georgia's coast, Jekyll Island with its rich history and quiet, laid-back atmosphere has attracted vacationers for more than one hundred years.  Jekyll Island offers a variety of amenities, including 10 miles of beach, a 250-acre Historic Landmark District, four golf courses, a large water park, 20 miles of bike paths, a tennis center, and an array of lodging options including hotels, cottages and campgrounds.  Owned by the state of Georgia and managed by Jekyll Island Authority, the island's development is limited to just 35 percent of the available land area to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem.  Great lengths have been taken to honor this ratio as the highly anticipated revitalization of Jekyll Island moves forward.  By 2012, the island will boast three new hotels, an all-new beachfront convention center with more than 78,000 square feet of function space, a beautifully redesigned entry corridor to the island, beach village shopping and dining area and many more enhancements.  Please visit www.jekyllisland.com for more information or call (877) 4-JEKYLL.

SOURCE Jekyll Island Authority