On November 11, 2004, IFEZ held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Songdo International Convention Center. The convention center was planned to strengthen international conference and exhibition functions in Songdo International City. The first phase was planned to include a banquet hall accommodating up to 2,000 people, 23 small and medium-sized meeting rooms, a multipurpose exhibition hall, and various visitor amenities. A large convention complex featuring the Northeast Asia Trade Tower, a convention hotel, shopping, cultural, and leisure facilities was also planned around the center, with completion targeted for April 2008.