If an Event or Convention is something you are thinking about hosting, selecting the perfect venue is critical. Here are 29 convention centers worth investigating while you are still in the planning process. Conventions and conferences are an excellent way to build brand recognition and loyalty with the people who are most interested in the products, services, or information you have to offer, so it is a really good way to generate excitement in your industry.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Washington, DC
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center features 2,300,000-square-feet in historic Washington, D.C. This modern and beautiful exhibition center easily handles events of all sizes, including small groups, industry events from 500 to 42,000 attendees, and break-out meetings to exhibitions.
Other Things To Do:
Area attractions include tours of historic buildings and landmarks, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Ford’s Theater, the National Law Enforcement Museum, the Metro, and the National Archive Museum.
Food, drink, and shopping is all available in the area.
More venue information: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Gaylord National Convention Center – National Harbor, Maryland
This venue in Maryland features more than 545,000 sq ft of meeting space. Within, you’ll find abundant networking, entertainment, and dining options steps from your meeting room. Exhibitors can find everything needed to host a flawless meeting.
Other Things To Do:
After sessions end, attendees have the option to explore the National Harbor area, go boating, take a harbor tour, or use the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail for an early morning walk or evening jog.
If you have a craving from refreshments, food, or drinks, there are plenty of establishments in the area from which to choose.
More venue information: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Virginia Beach Convention Center – Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Virginia Beach Convention Center is the largest exhibition hall in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This modern venue offers a variety of exhibition halls, ballrooms, and meeting spaces to meet the needs of clients. This venue offers free parking.
Other Things To Do:
People who come a day early or stay a day late can enjoy multiple types of watersports including paddling, parasailing, explore the boardwalk, take an eco-tour, visit Neptune’s Park, or go Sportfishing.
Nightlife, shopping, dining, and distilleries offer a distraction after the event sessions come to a close.
More venue information: Virginia Beach Convention Center
America’s Center Convention Center – St. Louis, Missouri
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, America’s Center Convention Center offers four distinct meeting facilities under one roof. Additionally, this facility provides five exhibit halls, a ballroom, and over 80 meeting rooms.
Other Things To Do:
Topics of interest after sessions close for the day or event include the National Blues Museum, The Gateway Arch, History Tours, the City Garden, The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park, Trolley Tours, and the Peabody Opera House.
More venue information: America’s Center Convention Center
TCF Center (Formerly Cobo Arena) – Detroit, Michigan
Located in Detroit, Michigan, the TCF Center is the former Cobo Hall, Arena, or Center. This venue offers a variety of exhibit hall space, ballroom space, flex space, meeting space, and atrium space. It is home to the Annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS.)
Other Things To Do:
Attractions in the area include Riverboat Excursions, the Joe Louis Monument, Handlebar Tours, the Windsor riverfront, the Detroit riverfront, the Detroit Opera House, and the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
More venue information: TCF Center
Javits Center – NYC, New York
With 760,000 square feet of flexible exhibition space along the scenic Hudson River in the iconic Big Apple, this noteworthy facility can comfortably accommodate events of any size, at any time.
Other Things To Do:
Other noteworthy landmarks near the Javits Center include Central Park, The Vessel, and sightseeing tours of all varieties. For those with a bit of a wild side, Speedboat rides might be more your style – during warmer months anyway. Nightlife, food, drinks, and fun is only a few steps away anywhere in the Big Apple!
More venue information: Javits Center
Meadowlands Exposition Center – Secaucus, New Jersey
The MEC, located in Secaucus, NJ, offers exhibitors 61,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space, with a capacity of 5,000 people. Also, the venue provides five meeting rooms.
Other Things To Do:
For those with an adventurous side, attractions nearby include Discover the Dinosaurs, Mill Creek Marsh, Hamilton Park, Waterfront Ferries, the Empty Sky Memorial, and other points of interest.
More venue information: Meadowlands Exposition Center
Orange County Convention Center – Orlando, Florida
Located in sunny Orlando, Florida, the Orlando Orange County Convention Center offers 2.1 million feet of exhibition space. Event planners can select from multiple configurations of exhibit halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and public concourses for their event.
Other Things To Do:
Nearby points of interest include factory tours of the Chocolate Kingdom, Indoor Skydiving, Discovery Cove, and SeaWorld. Boat tours and watersports are also available in the immediate area.
More venue information: Orlando Convention Center
Las Vegas Convention Center – Las Vegas, Nevada
Located in lucky Las Vegas, Nevada, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Center is the home to the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show.) It features an abundance of exhibition space, meeting rooms, and flex space to meet exhibitors needs.
Other Things To Do:
After hours, there is no shortage of things to do! Exotic car rentals offer the chance to get behind the wheel of an exotic luxury car. The variety of shows, casinos, and other entertainment in the immediate area is immense. If times allows, a visit to Hoover’s Dam is worth considering.
More venue information: Las Vegas Convention And Visitors Center
San Diego Convention Center – San Diego, California
The San Diego Convention Center offers extensive amounts of Exhibit Halls, Meeting and Event Space, Outdoor Terrace Space, Prefunction Space, and parking for attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors.
Other Things To Do:
Take advantage of a City Cruiser Tour, Segway Tours, the Horton Grand Theater, and Water sports in the San Diego area.
More venue information: San Diego Convention Center
McCormick Place – Chicago, Illinois
With more than 2 million feet of convention space, McCormick Place is located on Chicago’s lakefront, minutes away from downtown. McCormick Place campus is a world-class facility capable of accommodating just about any event.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors can find several points of interest and attractions near McCormick Place including, the Field Museum, Segway Tours, the Prairie Avenue Historic District, the Shedd Aquarium, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and more.
More venue information: McCormick Place
International Exposition Center – Cleveland, Ohio
Located in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area, the I-X Center exhibition hall is the ninth-largest convention center in the United States. The I-X Center features over 1 million square feet of space to host shows, conventions, and exhibitions of all sizes.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors to the I-X Center can find a variety of attractions within driving distance of the venue. Local points of interest include The Cleveland Metropark Zoo, the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, the Lake Erie Lakefront,
and more.
More venue information: I-X Center
Georgia World Congress Center – Atlanta, Georgia
Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the Georgia World Congress venue offers exhibitors and guests 1.5 million square feet of prime exhibit space. LEED Certified, you can choose from dynamic areas that are flexible to host your upcoming event.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors to the area of the Georgia World Congress Center can visit the Georgia Aquarium, Skyview Atlanta, get a CNN Studio Tour, check out the Sundial Observation Deck, or participate in a variety of other tours by bus, bike, segway, and different transportation modes.
More venue information: Georgia World Congress Center
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – Louisiana
Freshly renovated, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the top choice for successful exhibits and conventions. This venue offers over 1 million square feet of exhibition space. Featuring three floors, you are sure to find the space you need to draw crowds from all over.
Other Things To Do:
New Orleans is a historically fun place to visit. Attractions and points of interest worth checking out when staying in the area include the Riverwalk, the Arts District, the Warehouse District, the National WWII Memorial, Mississippi River Tours, Eco-Tours, and Bike Tours to name a few.
More venue information: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Phoenix Convention Center – Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix Convention Center is an ideal venue when you want to host an event in the Southwest. This venue has multiple floors and meeting areas to suit exhibitors needs.
Other Things To Do:
Attractions and points of interest nearby the Phoenix Convention Center include the Arizona Science Center, Heritage Square Phoenix, the Dorrance Planetarium, the Arizona Center, the Phoenix Police Museum, and Patriots Square Park.
More venue information: Phoenix Convention Center
Boise Centre – Boise, Idaho
Recently expanded, The Boise Centre offers exhibitors over 80,000 square feet of space. Meeting and Event spaces are fully carpeted and beautifully appointed for all your business requirements. On-site catering services are available.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors to the Boise can enjoy food tours, Julia Davis Park, the Idaho Ann Frank Human Rights Memorial, the Idaho State Museum, the Idaho State Capital Building, and the Old Warehouse District.
More venue information: Boise Centre
Disney Meetings And Events – Multiple Locations
If you want to have an event that towers above others, Disney offers several venues located across the world in which to host. Locations include Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney Land Resort, Aulani Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris Resort.
Other Things To Do:
You’re at Disney! Other things to do while attending events held at Disney Resorts can vary by location, but generally, the theme parks, as well as other attractions, are always nearby. There’s no reason not to mix business with a little fun when you’re at Disney.
More venue information: Disney Meetings And Events
Kansas City Convention Center – Kansas City, Missouri
Located in Kansas City, the Kansas City Convention Center is an ideal venue for business and industry events. This facility offers 48 cutting- edge meeting rooms, 388,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space on one floor, and a fine arts theater that seats 2,400.
Other Things To Do:
Points of interest include the KC Fountains, the Power and Light District, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the City Market, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Kansas City River Market, and Union Station.
More venue information: Kansas City Convention Center
Bayfront Landing Convention Center – Erie, Pennsylvania
The Bayfront Landing Convention Center offers 28,000 square feet of meeting space, ideal for hosting conventions and conferences. Located on the waterfront, it provides convenient accommodations for attendees and sponsors.
Other Things To Do:
The Bayfront Landing Convention Center is close to the Erie Maritime Museum, Fishing Charter Services, Food Tours, the Erie Art Museum, Presque Isle State Park, the Firefighters Historical Museum, and the Erie Zoo.
More venue information: Bayfront Landing
Muscone Center – San Francisco, California
Located in the heart of San Franciso, the Muscone Center is the largest exhibition complex serving the San Francisco, California, area. Facility services are available, assuring your event is memorable and captivating.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors can take time to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Waterfall, take advantage of Urban adventures, take an aerial tour of the Bay area, take a ride on a historic and iconic streetcar, go on walking tours or other tours, while they are there.
More venue information: Muscone Center
Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, S. Dakota
The Denny Sanford Premier Center is a multi-floor conference and sports arena in Sioux Falls, S. Dakota. This venue features exhibit halls, multiple ballrooms, including a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, and arena areas.
Other Things To Do:
Attractions and points of interest near to the Denny Sanford Premier Center include Falls Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Terrace Park, the Pettigrew Home and Museum, and the Catfish Bay Water Ski Park.
More venue information: Sioux Falls Convention Center
Hyatt Regency Dallas – Dallas, Texas
The Hyatt Regency Dallas offers event planners access to 160,000 square feet of conference space, including over 60 meeting rooms. Other services available to event planners include catering, equipment, access to a FedEx Business Center, as well as free wi-fi.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors to the Dallas area can spend time at the Reunion Tower, take a variety of tours of the city, visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, or check out the Dallas Cattle Drive in sculptures.
More venue information: Hyatt Regency Dallas
Omni Nashville Hotel – Nashville, Tennessee
Located in beautiful Nashville, the Omni Nashville Hotel has 80,000 square feet of meeting space. The most significant meeting space is 23,760 square feet. 800 Guest rooms offer convenient accommodations for attendees, sponsors, and guests.
Other Things To Do:
People who are attending or sponsoring an event at the Omni Nashville Hotel might enjoy visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, go on a variety of tours, visit the Patsy Cline Museum or the Johnny Cash Museum Store.
More venue information: Omni Nashville Hotel
Rosen Shingle Creek – Orlando, Florida
If you prefer a venue in the Sunshine State, another convention center worth considering is Rosen Shingle Creek. This beautiful conference center features multiple column-free ballrooms, Pre-function space, as well as indoor and outdoor space for exhibitors. Green meetings are one of their service offerings.
Other Things To Do:
Entertainment off-site is nearby! Attractions and points of interest near Rosen Shingle Creek include the Shingle Creek Golf Club, Discovery Cove, Indoor Skydiving, SeaWorld, and other famous Orlando destinations for fun.
More venue information: Rosen Shingle Creek
Caesar’s Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada
If you want to host your convention or conference at a great location, there is almost none better than Caesar’s Palace. This iconic venue on the famous Vegas Strip features ballrooms and break out rooms that can accommodate up to 5,555 people. With hotel rooms, shopping, entertainment, and multiple dining options available on-site, sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and guests are sure to love the experience after the show as much as the time during the exhibition.
Other Things To Do:
When in Las Vegas, always be sure to wear comfortable shoes. What you can’t find within the walls of Caesar’s Palace, you can see right outside the doors. Check out the famous Las Vegas Strip by foot, tour, bus, or by renting a luxury high-performance vehicle.
More venue information: Caesar’s Palace
The Westin O’Hare – Chicago, Illinois
The Westin O’Hare in Chicago, Illinois, has 51,401 square feet of total event space. The most significant capacity space can accommodate up to 1,500 people. With 35 maximum breakaway rooms and 46 event rooms, exhibitors enjoy complimentary wi-fi.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors to the Westin O’ Hare are nearby the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, the Rivers Casino, the Pickwick Theater, and Wolff’s Flea Market. Multiple tours offer the opportunity to see the city in a different light.
More venue information: The Westin O’Hare
Sheraton Grand Seattle – Seattle, Washington
The Sheraton Grand Seattle is a modern and spacious Event and Conference Center in the metropolitan area. This venue features 77,093 sq ft. of total event space, including 51 event rooms, and capacity for up to 2,000.
Other Things To Do:
Visitors to Seattle can enjoy a variety of tours, the Seattle waterfront, and Pacific Place. The Seattle Center Monorail makes it easy to move about the city to explore the areas that have piqued your curiosity.
More venue information: Sheraton Grand Seattle
Camelback Inn Resort and Spa – Scottsdale, Arizona
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa is a high desert destination for your upcoming event. This venue offers exhibitors 27,500 square foot of event space. 26 Event rooms are available. The facility can accommodate up to 2,100 guests.
Other Things To Do:
Attractions and points of interest worth exploring when visiting the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa include the Short Course at Mountain Shadows, the Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area, Barry Goldwater Park, taking a Segway Tour, or visiting the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
More venue information: Camelback Inn Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Denver – Denver, Colorado
Hyatt Regency Denver can accommodate meetings as small as under 20 people. However, if you need something larger, their spacious 60,600 square feet of event space has likely got you covered. An outdoor terrace is available to accommodate up to 300 guests for parties, receptions, cocktail parties, and networking events.
Other Things To Do:
When planning time in Denver, you can count on having plenty to do. Points of interest, entertainment, and attractions in the Denver area include the 16th Street Mall, a variety of tours, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Larimer Square.
More venue information: Hyatt Regency Denver
Get Your Event Planning Started Early!
It takes hours, days, weeks, and months of planning to make any size event come off flawlessly. Generally, the earlier that you start preparing and organizing your event the better. If you have a particular event venue in mind, be sure to make contact with the venues event coordinator or facility director as soon as possible.
While most facilities have plenty of space available, there is always a chance that they are sold out on the dates or times you have in mind. By getting in touch and discussing your event with the proper persons, you can confirm availability for your first pick for date and time.
Further, if the on-site coordinator has to complete any additional footwork to prepare for the exhibition, they have plenty of time to make proper arrangements, if required.
The larger your exhibition is likely to be, the more time you or your team will want to spend preparing for the sessions. Don’t forget, it can take time to market to potential sponsors, keynote speakers, and attendees. All of these aspects should get taken into consideration during all steps of the planning and execution process. If working with n event planning project manager, they are key person on your event planning team. They help to assure that all the details are executed, as per your specific event requirements.
The more value you add to your guest’s overall experience, the higher your chances that you can keep them coming back for the next event in your business calendar.
Good luck and happy event planning!