Coast-to-coast convention center renovations, upgrades and total rebuilds
Convention centers are to planners what a canvas is to a painter; a planner’s vision must align with the dimensions and capabilities of the space they use. That’s why updates and renovations are crucial—they help elevate an event from functional to unforgettable, creating moments that live rent-free in attendees’ minds long after the final session ends.
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America’s Center (St. Louis, MO)
St. Louis’ America’s Center has undergone key renovations that enhance its appeal for meeting planners.
Highlights include a new 72,000-square-foot pillarless hall with flexible lighting controls—ideal for immersive, customized event setups. Daylighting or blackout options allow planners to design the experience they envision.
Planners now have access to the new Hall 4X, flexible breakout rooms and the 67,000-seat Dome. Outdoor garden space is also available for those who want an open-air option without leaving the property.
For a sustainable food and beverage experience, Levy Restaurants utilizes an on-site 40-bed farm-to-table garden, allowing guests to see where their meals are grown.
Its central downtown location also makes nearby attractions like the Gateway Arch, City Museum, Ballpark Village and Union Station walkable for guests.
Duke Energy Convention Center (Cincinnati, OH)
The Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati is closed for a comprehensive renovation. The facility is scheduled to reopen in January 2026.
Instead of phased renovations, the full closure allows construction to be completed in 18 months.
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Upon reopening, planners will benefit from refreshed exhibit halls, upgraded lobbies and modernized public spaces. The redesign focuses on improving exhibitor setup and enhancing attendee comfort.
Tech upgrades include new digital signage for branding and sponsorships, high-capacity Wi-Fi and AV-ready meeting rooms built for hybrid and in-person events.
Sustainability is a significant priority. DECC is pursuing LEED Gold certification. A new 359.7-kW solar system will produce over 460,000 kWh annually. The lighting system will be 86% LED, with smart sensors and automated scheduling to reduce energy use.
During the renovation, cost-effective event packages are available at other venues across the city.
Austin Convention Center (Austin, TX)
Austin Convention Center is undergoing a complete teardown and rebuild. The expansion will increase the space from 365,000 to 620,000 sq. ft., and completion is slated for early 2029.
“This expansion will allow the center to host multiple large-scale events at once seamlessly,” said Paul Barnes, deputy director and COO of Austin Convention Center. “Attendees can expect intuitive wayfinding, modern design and improved accessibility, while exhibitors will benefit from innovative logistics and highly adaptable layouts built to elevate any event.”
Austin aims to be the world’s first Zero Carbon Certified convention center and is pursuing LEED Platinum certification.
“This project goes beyond construction; it represents our commitment to innovation, sustainability and a carbon-free future in the heart of Central Texas,” Barnes added.
Broward County Convention Center (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Fort Lauderdale’s Broward County Convention Center is undergoing a $1 billion-plus expansion, bringing its total footprint to 1.2 million square feet.
The project includes 350,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 45 meeting rooms, and four ballrooms—including a 65,000-square-foot space overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
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“This is more than a renovation—it’s a reinvention of how we host events,” said Anthony Cordo, executive vice president of Visit Lauderdale. “We’ve designed a space that embraces the future of meetings while showcasing the beauty of Fort Lauderdale’s coast.”
The venue will offer over 80 digital signage devices and a high-performance Wi-Fi network that supports tens of thousands of devices. It is also LEED certified, with a rooftop solar array and a ban on single-use plastics.
A high-speed, automated people-mover will directly link Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to the convention center.
“It’s about giving planners and attendees the time and convenience they need, before they even walk through the doors,” Cordo said.
Gaylord Pacific Convention Center (Chula Vista, CA)
The Gaylord Pacific Convention Center is a ground-up build rather than a renovation. When complete, it will offer over 477,000 sq. ft. of event space, including indoor-outdoor terraces and ocean views.
Exhibit halls, ballrooms, pools and restaurants will open by mid-May 2025, and the final touches will be completed by summer.
The center will also offer outdoor lawns, terraces and dining areas for nontraditional meeting formats.
Seattle Convention Center (Seattle, WA)
In January 2023, Seattle Convention Center’s $2 billion Summit building expansion officially opened, bringing the total campus to over 1.5 million sq. ft.
Additions include 62 new meeting rooms, a 58,000-square-foot column-free ballroom and a 14,000-square-foot outdoor garden terrace.
“Since the opening of Summit more than two years ago, we’ve been able to offer a new level of flexibility…both in our capacity to accept more business throughout the year and in how we accommodate groups of all sizes,” said Kelly Saling, senior vice president and chief sales officer of Visit Seattle.
Sustainability was a key focus. The Summit is LEED Platinum certified—one of the few convention centers in North America to achieve that level—and was constructed with reclaimed wood from a former auto dealership on-site.
“In Seattle, environmental stewardship is foundational to the city’s identity,” Saling said. “Earning LEED Platinum Certification for Summit was a testament to Seattle Convention Center’s commitment to that stewardship.”
Albany Capital Center (Albany, NY)
Renovations at the Albany Capital Center were completed in August 2024. Upgrades include new carpeting, luxury vinyl tile flooring and fresh paint throughout the facility.
“This renovation set out to ensure that the facility remains as modern as possible in its amenities to attendees and event organizers,” said Shannon Licygiewicz, Albany Capital Center general manager. “The innovative, forward-thinking mentality that the ACC operates with will again be on display with potentially special renovation news in the coming months.”
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, (Toronto, Canada)
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre offers high-density Wi-Fi with enhanced security, ideal for large-scale events.
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New digital walls in the South Building provide fresh options for branding, sponsorships and gamification. The center’s A/V partner, Encore Canada, offers a standout hologram capsule for immersive, high-tech event moments.
“This cutting-edge option brings the immersive impact of real holographic presence to events,” said Ron Pellerine, COO of MTCC.
Sustainability efforts include LED lighting retrofits, a 20,000-meal donation program and the use of the Voyage Control app to reduce move-in congestion and emissions.
El Paso Convention Center (El Paso, TX)
El Paso’s convention scene is expanding. The city recently completed a $7.2 million renovation of the convention center plaza, adding shaded outdoor space for year-round use.
In April 2025, the city council approved the purchase of two downtown properties to support the convention center’s future expansion. Additional development plans are underway.
Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center (Dallas, TX)
Kay Kailey Hutchinson Convention Center is currently undergoing a $3.7 billion expansion that will hold 2.5 million sq. ft., with an expected completion by late 2028, early 2029.
The expansion will include 800,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 260,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms, entertainment and restaurant experiences, an all-new walkable area, and a newly renovated arena and theater.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions (Spotsylvania County, VA)
The newest addition to the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions coming to Virginia will be their most advanced property yet.
“We’ve taken everything planners and attendees love about our existing properties and added smart enhancements across the board,” said Kyra Popp, corporate director of sales.
The brand-new build will allow for streamlined transitions for attendees between ballrooms, breakout rooms and common areas.
On the tech side, the venue will have high-speed Wi-Fi that supports up to 10GB/sec for both hybrid and tech-focused events.
Planners will have plenty of flexible space options from grand ballrooms, an Event Barn and outdoor lawns.
This article appears in the May/June 2025 issue. Subscribe to the magazine here.
