Across the United States, cities and convention venues are rolling out major expansion and renovation projects — from billion-dollar builds in top gateway markets to strategic upgrades in growing regional hubs. These efforts reflect a broad belief in the long-term value of conventions and trade shows as economic engines, as well as a response to planners’ evolving demands for flexible, modern, and experiential event spaces.
Los Angeles has kicked off a $2.6 billion expansion of its Convention Center — one of the most ambitious projects in the country — adding roughly 190,000 sq ft of contiguous exhibit space, a rooftop ballroom, and enhanced meeting facilities designed to compete with major West Coast destinations. Construction is underway with an eye toward completion by 2029, even with a pause to host events during the 2028 Olympics.
In San Antonio, Texas, officials are planning an expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center that could add up to 200,000 sq ft of contiguous space as part of a broader sports and entertainment district redevelopment. Proponents argue that increased capacity is essential for capturing larger conventions and keeping the city competitive amid similar moves by other metros.
Meanwhile, Springfield, Illinois, is preparing upgrades to the Bank of Springfield Center that will modernize the facility and expand meeting and event space, along with improved tech and exhibit features — moves aimed at attracting more regional business.
It’s not just the big coastal cities making moves. Across the country — from Florida to the Midwest — numerous centers are expanding or renovating:
The Orange County Convention Center in Florida recently broke ground on a $560 million expansion, adding new meeting space and a 100,000 sq ft ballroom.
In New Orleans, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center thanks visitors with ongoing modernization and plans for a new headquarters hotel, while earning industry recognition for its services.
Albany Capital Center in New York closed 2025 with record attendance and is advancing a million-dollar expansion to increase ballroom and breakout space.
Even mid-sized and regional markets — like Madison, Wisconsin — are planning renovations that include expanded exhibit halls, meeting rooms, banquet facilities, and sustainability upgrades as part of broader campus improvements.
Convention centers are widely viewed as catalysts for economic growth. Beyond rental revenue, they stimulate hotel stays, restaurant and retail spending, tourism, and local jobs, even in periods when the facilities themselves operate at a deficit. Experts note that the broader economic impact of conventions often far outweighs venue operating costs.
Planners increasingly seek flexible spaces, contiguous exhibit halls, integrated technology, and unique attendee experiences — elements that older facilities sometimes lack. Renovations and expansions are designed to meet these expectations and secure repeat business.
Modern convention center projects often go hand-in-hand with downtown development, public-private partnerships, adjacent hotel construction, and enhanced walkability. These integrated environments make cities more attractive to event attendees and planners alike.
Large capital projects are not without controversy. Some local leaders caution that ambitious expansions carry financial risk and long-term debt, with implications for other municipal priorities like police, infrastructure, or social services. Fiscal debates — like those seen around the Los Angeles project — underscore the need for careful planning and community buy-in.
For meeting professionals, these trends translate into:
More destination options with expanded capacities and amenities
Opportunity to book larger or multiple concurrent events in single facilities
Enhanced attendee experiences with modern spaces and integrated urban environments
The need to consider longer-term venue road maps when planning multi-year event strategies
MEET
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
