The Potato Expo 2024 was held at the Austin Convention Center, which is currently undergoing an expansion that will nearly double the amount of rentable space available. Courtesy Photo

From state-of-the-art meeting spaces to large tradeshow-style facilities, there are a wealth of new and renovated convention centers gracing the landscape of the meeting and event space throughout the country.

Seattle

When developing the initial vision for the Seattle Convention Center (SCC) addition, the convention center’s board of directors gave the building architects two prevailing design principles: to create a feeling of connection between those attending an event and the people who live or work downtown, and that it be beautiful, functional and celebrate the history of the city and Native culture.

“Construction of the addition was also another opportunity to bolster our community,” says Jeff Blosser, president and CEO of the Seattle Convention Center. “Even after expanding Arch (the original convention center building) twice, we were still having to turn away business because we didn’t have the availability, capacity or flexibility to accommodate new clients or existing groups whose event size had grown.” The goal was to add an additional building close by so event attendees had easy access to all the retail, restaurants, hotels and public transportation, and experience opportunities that downtown offers. That’s how they ended up as a single convention center with two buildings just a block apart.

They also set a high bar for sustainability, and they’re proud to report the convention center’s Summit building achieved LEED Platinum certification — one of very few convention centers in the country to attain this certification.

Being in the heart of Seattle and within walking distance to hotels, restaurants, public transportation, entertainment and attractions, the center is ideal for meeting planners looking for a centrally located facility. And with 1 million sf of flexible, configurable event space, the Seattle Convention Center can accommodate small groups in beautifully appointed spaces in either building all the way up to conventions of 35,000 by using both buildings.

For such a big venue, they pay attention to the little things. “You can count on us to orchestrate the dozens of personal touches you and your attendees will appreciate, from customized menus and audiovisual, to precise room sets and environmental sustainability,” Blosser says.

Denver

Lee Ann Benavidez, Visit Denver’s senior vice president, says in 2013 Visit Denver ran a feasibility study to determine upcoming trends in meeting venues based on requests from their customers, including organizations, companies, 150 meeting and event professionals and attendees. The overwhelming response was that a sizeable multifunctional space showcasing the city’s brand, offering outdoor access and plenty of networking opportunities, was needed. Located on the roof of the existing building, the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) includes the new 80,000 sf Bluebird Ballroom that can be subdivided into 19 rooms of varying sizes, allowing for countless configurations. It’s now the largest multifunction ballroom in Colorado, with the capacity to host more than 7,500 attendees for a general session or 4,600 guests for a catered event.

“The expansion also includes 35,000 sf of wrap-around pre-function concourse space with floor to ceiling windows, providing new areas for between-the-meetings networking that is so highly sought after by today’s meeting professionals,” Benavidez says. “The third signature feature is a 20,000-sf outdoor rooftop terrace with dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains and Denver’s city skyline.”

The expansion of the facility was designed by meeting planners, for meeting planners. With picturesque mountain views alongside flexible multi-function spaces and both industry-leading sustainability and technology features, the expansion focuses on innovation while meeting demand for new and improved meeting spaces.

“In addition to providing meeting professionals the space they desired, the new space allows us to retain the larger conventions with the ability to book small and midsize conventions at the same time,” Benavidez says.

New features of the expansion include various technological improvements and seamless integration with the existing building, providing easy access to its 600,000 sf of exhibit space, 105,000 sf of meeting space, two existing ballrooms of 50,000 sf and 35,000 sf respectively, and the 5,000-seat Bellco Theatre.

“Both function and beauty are at the forefront of these new best-in-class offerings, setting Denver apart in a very competitive meetings and conventions industry,” Benavidez says. “This expansion allows us to host multiple groups simultaneously to maximize capacity. And these improvements will drive new business for Denver and create a better experience for the meeting professional and attendees.”

Fort Lauderdale

The expansion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center is a flagship accomplishment for Broward County, with the goal of becoming a world-class meetings destination and compete with national and international destinations.

“By expanding our space, we will attract larger events, driving more revenue spend to our local businesses and additional jobs for our residents,” says Mike Pouey, vice president of business development and sales operations at Visit Lauderdale. The plan for the city’s expanded convention center is to double its current size for a total of 1.2 million sf of space. Included in this space is an expanded expo hall and a new building consisting of a 65,000-sf waterfront ballroom, several breakout rooms and a smaller ballroom. The Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, a new 801-room hotel is set to open in Fall 2025. It will connect to the existing convention center and a six-acre outdoor, tropical waterfront plaza.

“The plaza will offer stunning views of the intracoastal waterwater which will be ideal for group receptions and networking events,” Pouey says.

Meeting planners and attendees will now be able to enjoy all the amenities of a 4-star upscale Omni resort while having the convenience of being steps away from their general session and expo hall.

“The additional indoor and outdoor meeting space, the lavish entertainment areas and fresh dining options will generate great excitement and ultimately boost attendee engagement and attendance,” Pouey says. “Set to be completed in late 2025, technology will be a big focus as we will have multiple electronic display boards through the building creating branding opportunities. The convention center is adjacent to the Everglades Cruise Port, which is ideal for tagging on a few days of R&R pre or post the convention.”

Cincinnati

Visit Cincy President & CEO, Julie Calvert, likes to use the word “reimagining” when speaking of the Duke Energy Convention Center’s newest upgrades. “We are reimagining the entire area around the center and creating a Convention District. The Duke Energy Convention Center (DECC) is 55 years old, and the last time it was renovated was in 2006,” Calvert says. They envision a modern, state-of-the-art facility that not only meets but exceeds the evolving needs of the convention industry. With a focus on innovation and versatility, their goal is to create an environment that fosters creativity, connectivity and collaboration, setting a new standard for convention centers nationwide.

This includes overhauling the building’s exterior façade while opening up the interior space of the center by removing obstructions and blank walls from the exterior and bringing in natural light to the space.

The “reimaging” also involves extending exhibit hall space, adding roughly 12,000 sf of contiguous space to the convention hall’s east side, connecting the hall with the new outdoor plaza.

“This creates opportunities for various functions and pre-function activities and adds to the overall offering and flexibility of the center,” Calvert says. “The proposed design of the eastern section of the building provides an opportunity for a seamless expansion of the exhibit hall in the future. This was never about an expansion, rather, a major operational, aesthetic and functional reinvention for the meeting planner and attendee. This is beyond new paint and carpet, which is why we have refused to call this a renovation of the Duke Energy Center. It’s a reinvention — a rebirth.”

These enhancements will profoundly enhance the experience of convention center attendees in several ways.

“Firstly, we’re investing in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and support for the latest digital innovations, facilitating interactive presentations, live streaming and virtual participation,” Calvert says. Secondly, the redesigned spaces will offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing for dynamic configurations tailored to the unique needs of each event. This adaptability ensures a personalized and impactful experience for attendees and provides event planners with endless possibilities to create memorable and engaging programs.

“Moreover, our commitment to sustainability and accessibility underscores our dedication to inclusivity and responsible stewardship of resources, making the DECC an attractive choice for environmentally conscious organizations and planners seeking venues that align with their values,” Calvert says. “Beyond the physical enhancements, meeting and event planners should know that our team at Visit Cincy is deeply committed to their success. With our passion for hospitality and dedication to excellence, we invited meeting and event planners to the limitless possibilities awaiting them at the DECC.”

Dallas

The current convention center in Dallas, TX is a compilation of decades of construction and renovations, so it lacks continuity, flexibility and space for many types of groups, specifically those who need large ballrooms and breakout space. As well, meeting planners, attendees and other customers report that Dallas needs to offer more connected hotel rooms, and dining and entertainment options, within walking distance to the center.

Therefore, the initial vision for the new and expanded Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) master plan is to build a $3 billion dollar convention center campus that will address all of these challenges.

“We plan to double our convention business at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and provide a world-class meeting destination for existing and prospective clients,” says Craig Davis, CEO of Visit Dallas. “We have sold this new concept, sight unseen, to over 40 customers with more than 90 others considering Dallas for their future conventions and business events.

The new convention center, scheduled for completion in 2029, will drastically improve Dallas’ urban landscape and offer 800,000 sf of exhibit space, 430,000 sf of breakout space, a 105,000-sf ballroom, and a walkable entertainment district with new retail, hotels, restaurants and entertainment, housing and office space.

Fort Worth

Nearby in Fort Worth, the expansion of the city’s convention center has been in planning for more than a decade and city leaders decided then that the center would remain in operation during construction, which would necessitate a phased approach.

According to Mike Crum, director of the public events department for the City of Fort Worth, Phase one of the project is focused on back-of-house improvements. The project will deliver new state-of-the-art food and beverage facilities, demolish an outdated 1983 annex, increase the center’s loading docks from six to 11, create a grand atrium southeast entrance and realign Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel. This $95 million phase is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

Phase two of the project is focused on customer-facing improvements. The 1968 convention center area will be demolished, and in its place, traditional convention space (exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting rooms) will be constructed. Phase two is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and finish in early 2030. “Phase one, from a back-of-house and logistics perspective, will tee us up to accommodate larger meetings and conventions, which we know through several research studies that Fort Worth’s ‘Modern West’ brand can attract,” Crum says.

After completion of Phase one, attendees will notice upgrades on the southern part of the center.

“For planners, of course, the more docks, the faster that shows with exhibits can move in and out, saving them time and money,” Crum says.

Phase two planning calls for demolishing the 1968 arena, creating approximately 346,000 sf of flexible meeting and exhibit space, and renovating the existing building with enhancements that are projected to help double the number of annual events here.

Future uses for the areas surrounding the convention center include the new hotel, Deco 969 residential tower and a new Texas A&M Fort Worth Campus with walkable streetscapes that draw retail and restaurant foot traffic to the new “Convention Center District.”

“According to the State of Texas, Fort Worth’s visitor economy generates more than $3 billion annually and employs over 30,000 people,” Crum says. “This expansion will allow us to deliver an even more delightful experience to our guests and remain competitive with other Texas cities who are also expanding their convention centers.”

Austin

The renovation and expansion of the Austin Convention Center, alongside initiatives such as Waterloo Greenway, the Palm District and Project Connect, will revamp the southeast corner of Austin’s downtown into a vibrant community hub.

“We aim to craft the new Austin Convention Center into an emblematic, forward-thinking venue that embodies the essence of Austin. Beyond expanding rental space, our vision includes an iconic design integrating cutting-edge technologies, ensuring we surpass the expectations of future clients while offering an authentic Austin experience to all,” says Trisha Tatro, director, Austin Convention Center Department.

The primary aim with this project is to establish a larger, more efficient facility within a smaller footprint, cultivating an engaging, community-oriented nucleus that enhances the colorful fabric of the Palm District.

“Through the replacement of the current Convention Center, we seek to reintegrate street grids and introduce additional green spaces, drawing both visitors and residents to the southeast corner of downtown Austin,” says Tatro. The strategy will nearly double the available rentable space while guaranteeing adaptability to market dynamics and responsiveness to customer needs. As Paul Barnes, deputy director — chief operations officer, Austin Convention Center Department, explains, existing and prospective clients eagerly anticipate the reimagined and expanded Austin Convention Center because it will offer significantly more space to accommodate the growth they’ve witnessed over the past years.

“Building upon our current technological advancements, and our reputation for providing best-in-class service, the new center will provide an even more advanced and cutting-edge technology experience,” Barnes says. “The redesigned layout will feature expanded exhibit areas, meeting rooms, flex halls, ballrooms, enhanced arrival experiences, and retail spaces, all aimed at improving attendee satisfaction.”

Miami Beach

The initial vision for the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) renovation and expansion from 2015-2020 was to transform the facility into a world-class, state-of-the-art venue that would attract large national and international events and more visitors to the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County. The $640 million reimagination project improved the functionality, technical infrastructure, aesthetics and sustainability of the MBCC, as well as creating new public spaces and amenities.

Last year, two additional buildings on the MBCC Campus were renovated: Venu, a space for private events and upscale meetings, and Rum Room, a 1920s restaurant with an enticing tapas-style menu and local South Florida rums.

“The renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) has enhanced the experience for event and meeting attendees in many ways,” says Freddie Peterson, general manager, Miami Beach Convention Center.

Located on the MBCC’s Campus, preparations are now under way for the 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel, which will have 52 suites, a signature restaurant and lobby lounge and bar, and a resort-style pool deck with a panoramic view. The MBCC’s vision is clear: delivering exceptional events, driving excellence in customer service and venue management while creating memorable experiences all within an iconic destination that is Miami Beach.

Raleigh

The initial vision for the Raleigh Convention Center’s expansion, which will grow the current building by 330,000 sf, was intended to create more space that felt equal to the center they currently have.

“We strive to make a welcoming place for all guests regardless of abilities or mobility. It should feel exciting with fully activated fun and also feature quiet places to recharge and rest,” says Kerry Painter, CMP, executive director at Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex.

“We’re bringing the outside to our guests with patio spaces and natural elements. It will be sustainable and demonstrate our care for the environment. It’s important to us to show the best of Raleigh, give a strong sense of place and help people see what is so special about our city and region.”

After a record-breaking year in 2023 and strong success this year, the convention center had to turn away business that would make a tremendous economic impact for the region. “We are so excited that Omni Hotels & Resorts is building a 550-room hotel that will alleviate some of the pressure for more hotel rooms but we still need additional square footage in the facility to capitalize on the very palpable interest in meetings and events in Downtown Raleigh,” Painter says.

“We have clients and prospective clients who would love to bring and/or keep their event here, but the size of our existing building is holding them back from signing future or repeat years. The expansion and renovation have been planned for years and we are hard at work to bring planners’ wish lists to fruition.”

Pasadena

The Pasadena Arena & Convention Center Renovation & Expansion Project is a collaborative project between the City of Pasadena, TX, and the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC). The facility is now approximately 50 years old and the new Pasadena Arena & Convention Center will let Pasadena host larger-scale entertainment events and conferences and set the city up as a major contender in the multipurpose venue category in the region.

“The goal is to create a more accommodating vessel to gather, celebrate learn and discover,” says Rick Guerrero, executive director, PEDC. “The renovation and expansion at the Pasadena Arena & Convention Center will provide a unique experience for guests.”

The 130,000 sf arena will be added to the existing convention center. The arena will have a 7,500-seating capacity and will be integrated with the existing Pasadena Convention Center to form a complex totaling about 170,000 sf.

Plans include adding new AV equipment, upgrades to finishes and quality infrastructure. The multi-functional use of the new facility will provide for many opportunities to collaborate with businesses and community members from all over the region looking to participate in events and experiences the arena will host in the future.

“Event planners all over the area will benefit from the new arena as this region doesn’t have a facility of this caliber and multi-functionality,” Guerrero says. “Our community, and those surrounding, host high-traffic events and need a facility that will accommodate them plus give them room for expansion. Our community also has solid amenities and attractions that will be better showcased due to the construction of this state-of-the-art facility.” | AC&F |