What’s New for Meetings and Events Across the U.S.
Skift Take
This article provides a snapshot of what’s new at several destination across the U.S. This includes the latest destination initiatives, products, and services for meetings, events and incentive travel.
We have compiled this snapshot with input from various destination marketing organizations, complemented by detailed research. We’ve included the latest destination marketing campaigns, sustainability practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. We also reveal some of the latest venue and hotel openings, planned unveilings, and new airline routes.
This article is not intended to be an introductory guide to destinations or offer a complete listing of products and services. We highly recommend contacting the respective destination marketing organization to gather more information.
Below are the destinations featured in this article listed by region. Click on a destination to jump to its listing.
This destination update is based on the Skift Meetings What’s New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2024 report. The full report features 800+ updates on 200+ destinations. Download it here.
Atlanta, GA
The 976-room Signia by Hilton Atlanta opened in January. It offers 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 40,000 sq. ft. ballroom, the largest in Georgia. The hotel also has six restaurants and bars, a wellness center, an outdoor pool and offers direct access to the Georgia World Congress Center.
FORTH Atlanta is now open. The $150 million project includes a 196-room luxury boutique hotel, four food and beverage concepts, private event spaces, and a members-only social club.
Hotel Granada is reopening soon after a renovation. It offers 120 guest rooms in a 101-year-old, Spanish Colonial-inspired building in the city’s heart.
The Motto by Hilton Atlanta Old Fourth Ward is coming soon in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. The property will be a part of an $80 million mixed-use project and will feature 125 guest rooms.
Aspen, CO
MOLLIE Aspen is a 68-room boutique hotel that opened in December 2023. It features a rooftop spa pool and terrace bar with panoramic mountain views.
Austin, TX
The Austin Convention Center will begin its $1.6 billion expansion and redevelopment project in 2025, with the larger, more efficient facility scheduled to open in 2029 with the total meeting space available set to nearly double from the current 376,000 sq. ft.
citizenM Austin Downtown, a new 17-story, 344-room property that opened in January 2024, is less than a mile from the Austin Convention Center.
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown opened in October 2023 in the Rainey Street entertainment district, within walking distance to the Austin Convention Center, featuring 212 guest rooms and 6,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space in six rooms.
EVEN Hotel Austin Uptown Near The Domain opened recently with 129 rooms focusing on fitness and wellness. Wellness-savvy staff that offers best-in-class fitness experiences, healthier food choices and relaxing spaces.
Green Pastures Hotel will be a 63-room boutique hotel built on 5.6 acres just south of the popular Mattie’s at Green Pastures restaurant and event venue. It is a historic farmhouse property that is recognized as a city, state, and national landmark. The three-story hotel will feature event space and a swimming pool.
1 Hotel Austin will offer 251 guest rooms in the mixed-use development, including office space and apartments at what is set to be Austin’s tallest building, set to open in 2026.
Bellevue, WA
InterContinental Bellevue at The Avenue is opening soon, featuring 208 guest rooms and more than 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 4,250 sq. ft. ballroom.
Boston, MA
Meet Boston, the city’s destination marketing organization has launched workforce development and supplier diversity programs to increase diversity and employee retention and enhance procurement processes in the tourism industry. It has also launched a campaign promoting group business during the winter season. Planners booking participating hotels in Boston or Cambridge over specific dates receive a 10% rebate to the group’s master bill on guest rooms, banquet food & beverage and meeting room rental.
Raffles Boston opened in September 2023 with 147 guest rooms and residences in a new 33-story building located in Boston’s Back Bay. As the first Raffles hotel in North America, the property includes a mix of signature guest services and two full floors of meeting and entertainment space spread over more than 4,800 sq. ft.
Hotel AKA Back Bay is relaunching with its 225 guest rooms in a luxurious transformation of the historic Boston Police Department Headquarters.
citizenM Boston Back Bay hotel is opening soon, featuring 399 guest rooms.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has a new direct connection with Abu Dhabi (AUH) and will soon have a direct summer connection with Vienna (VIE).
Chicago, IL
St. Regis Chicago opened in May 2023, featuring 159 luxurious guest rooms and 33 exquisite suites across 11 floors of a new 101-story tower. The hotel has 11,533 sq. ft. of event space, including the 4,721-sq.ft. Astor Ballroom.
A new Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/River North opened recently in the River North building, previously occupied by the Conrad Hotel. The 289-room hotel will feature two restaurants and a rooftop bar.
Hyatt Regency Chicago debuted its $150 million renovation on June 3, 2024. The upscale hotel in the city’s heart renovated all 2,032 guest rooms and suites, as well as the Regency and Crystal Ballrooms. Planned renovations to the Grand Ballroom, in addition to several smaller event spaces, are slated for
completion in 2025.
L7 HOTEL by South Korea’s Lotte Hotels and Resorts opened recently downtown, featuring 191 guest rooms (including 22 suites), unique wellness-focused amenities, and a curated contemporary art program.
Cleveland, OH
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland will soon unveil an expansion and refurbishment. Among the highlights are a junior ballroom that doubles in size, 17 new breakout rooms and a rooftop terrace. The $49 million expansion will bring the center to 553,000 sq. ft., and it is expected to be complete in time for the ASAE Annual Meeting on August 10-13, 2024.
Colorado Springs, CO
Hotel Polaris, which will feature 375 guest rooms at the U.S. Air Force Academy, will open in late 2024. It will have 26,000 sq. ft. of event space and offer team-building experiences such as flight simulators and a celestial navigation program.
Dallas, TX
Visit Dallas has a new unified destination brand, which in its simplest form is a maverick, can-do spirit based on its powerful energy, pride, welcoming personality, and attitude. The city will host nine games of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the most of any host city, including one semi-final.
The city’s main convention facility, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, will expand and relaunch in 2029 with 800,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 430,000 sq. ft. of breakout space, and a 105,000 sq. ft. ballroom.
Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center a 888-room in nearby Arlington, which has 200,000 sq, ft. of indoor meeting space and 66,000 sq. ft. of outdoor meeting space.
The recently opened JW Marriott Dallas Arts District features 267 rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
The Hotel Swexan blends Swiss hospitality with Texan charm in 134 rooms and 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Intercontinental Dallas is soon to offer 220 guest rooms and 21,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
The Knox, Auberge Resorts to provide140 hotel rooms and suites, as well as 48 private residences, along with expansive event spaces, a vibrant outdoor pool bar, fitness center, spa and movement studio
Four Seasons Turtle Creek with 240 hotel rooms, up to 118 residences.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is building a new terminal for $1.63 billion, adding 15 additional gates. New routes include Barcelona (BCN), Brisbane (BNE), Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and Veracruz (VER).
Denver, CO
The Colorado Convention Center opened its new Bluebird Ballroom, built on top of the existing facility. It features an 80,000-sq—ft—column-free multi-function space, divisible into 19 subdivisions that can host more than 7,500 attendees. The new space also features a 20,000-sq. ft. rooftop terrace and a 35,000-sq. ft. pre-function concourse, both offering views of the Rocky Mountains.
The Populus Hotel is a sustainability-focused product. It is said to be the world’s first carbon-positive hotel and will open soon in downtown Denver. The hotel will feature 265 guest rooms.
Detroit, MI
Visit Detroit is offering up to $30,000 in financial incentives for incentives and meetings taking place in the city from until 2026.
A new 25-story, 600-room JW Marriott hotel is planned for Water Square, which will feature 50,000 sq ft of meeting rooms, including two ballrooms and will be connected to the Huntington Place Convention Center via a pedestrian bridge.
Duluth, GA
The new Westin Atlanta Gwinnett offers 348 guest rooms and is directly connected to the Gas South Convention Center.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Visit Lauderdale’s award-winning “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign transforms to “Come Be You.” The new campaign emphasizes the values of inclusion, diversity, and personal freedom.
Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center is the first convention center in North America to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a simple tool for people with non-visible disabilities to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent. All convention center employees will receive Sunflower training on how to spot and help someone with a hidden disability.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center concluded the first phase of its expansion in October 2021, 800,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and an expanded 350,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall. Work on the remainder of the $1.3 billion expansion continues, including waterfront ballrooms, meeting rooms and kitchen facilities, and a six-acre outdoor waterfront plaza.
The Omni Fort Lauderdale headquarters hotel will be interconnected with the convention center. the 801-room, 29-story hotel will be completed in late 2025 will expand the facility’s size to 1.2 million sq. ft., adding an additional 525,000 sq. ft. over the previous center’s size. The center is currently LEED Gold certified and expects to keep this level of certification once the expansion is complete.
Pier 66 Resort is opening in fall of 2024 on 32 acres on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway, featuring 325 guest rooms and 40,000 sq. ft. of event space. The property will have one of the largest superyacht marinas on the eastern seaboard and 12 dining options.
Houston, TX
Houston’s George Bush International Airport (IAH) is undergoing a terminal redevelopment program, the largest expansion program in its 53-year history. The program budget is approximately $1.43 billion and is anticipated to be completed in early 2025.
Houston will host a total of seven matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with NRG Stadium hosting five group stage matches, one round-of-32 match and one round-of-16 match.
Meow Wolf Houston will be opening sometime this year, with more than 40 collaborating artists.
Hotels recently opened:
Thompson Houston opened in February 2024 as a new 36-story hotel in the Historic Fourth Ward area featuring 172 guest rooms including 34 suites, one of the city’s largest rooftop pool decks and its own heliport. It also has 17,00 sq. ft. of meeting space including an 8,050-sq. ft. ballroom which holds up to 500 guests.
Hotel Vesper, a 131-room boutique property in the Uptown Houston district opened in November 2023 featuring unique event spaces including three function rooms designed for groups of up to 115 attendees.
Moxy Houston Downtown opened December 2023 on 412 Main Street featuring 118 guest rooms.
A Home2 Suites by Hilton and a Tru by Hilton will be jointly opening in January 2025 near Toyota Center as one nine-story hotel featuring a total of 221 rooms.
Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites will be opening in downtown Houston in late 2025 featuring 275 guest rooms.
A new Margaritaville resort is planned for Galveston set to open in 2026 and will include a 334-room hotel, 2.5-acre waterpark, four restaurants, a ballroom and meeting space.
Honolulu, HI
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach recently opened with 462 guest rooms, featuring a state-of-the-art wellness facility, five indoor and outdoor venues and event spaces, and two signature restaurants. Renaissance Honolulu Hotel and Spa also opened recently with 299 guest rooms, and more than 8,800 sq. ft. of event space along with a large lap pool and an eighth-floor Sky Terrace and Renaissance Spa.
Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Convention Center is undergoing its sixth expansion, this time adding 143,500 sq. ft. of space. A new 50,000 sq. ft.ballroom will be the state’s largest. At the site, a new, 40-story, 800-room Signia by Hilton Indianapolis hotel will open its doors in the summer of 2026. Additionally, the InterContinental Indianapolis is set to open nearby in the fall with 170 guest rooms.
Las Vegas, NV
The Las Vegas Convention Center is continuing its $600 million renovation, expected to conclude at the end of 2025, with all scheduled shows going ahead with minimal disruption. Renovation highlights include architectural cohesion across the entire campus, a new outdoor plaza and indoor lobby at the South Hall, a new lobby between the North and Central halls, and a climate-controlled interior concourse between the North Hall and the South Hall.
The $2.2 billion MSG Sphere is an entirely new immersive entertainment medium, it’s the world’s largest spherical structure at 336 feet tall and 516 feet wide. Inside 20,000 spectators are surrounded by a 160,000-sq. ft. LED screen with the highest resolution in the world, surround sound and vibrating seats. For groups, there are 23 VIP suites and an atrium space for hire. Outside, the Sphere features a fully programmable 580,000-square-foot LED display.
The recently opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 67-story luxury megaresort and casino featuring 3,644 rooms resort offers more than 550,000 sq. ft. of customizable meeting and convention space including 33 meeting rooms with much-desired natural light and a 105,000-sq,-ft. pillarless ballroom, one of the largest in Las Vegas.
Durango Casino & Resort opened in December 2023, offering 209 guest rooms over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention space, including 15,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space and 83,000 sq. ft. of casino space.
Future hotel developments include the Majestic Las Vegas, a 755-room hotel located on the site of the old Clarion, close to the Las Vegas Convention Center and two blocks from the Las Vegas Strip; and the delayed Dream Las Vegas, a new 531-room hotel on the south side of the The Las Vegas Strip close to the Allegiant Stadium.
Long Beach, CA
The Fairmont Breakers, Long Beach, previously known as the Breakers Hotel, has become part of the Fairmont family. The historic property is undergoing a $150 million restoration and development and is slated to open this year with 185 guestrooms, a rooftop pool, spa, jazz club, five F&B venues, and 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Lookout Mountain, TN
The Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain is the first new hotel at the destination since the Great Depression. It features 245 guest rooms, including 19 suites and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Los Angeles, CA
All eyes will be on Los Angeles leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics. The city recently secured $709.9 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements in preparation for the games.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) plans to spend $30 billion to prepare for the Olympics and beyond. Improvements include adding an automated 2.25-mile electric train that will link all terminals, parking, car rental lots, and the Metro C Line stop.
The L.A. City Council has approved the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is set to increase the size of the center by 45% and modernize all existing spaces. A new 700,000-sq. ft. building will be added connecting the existing South and West halls with 193,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms.
Regent Santa Monica, formerly the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, is opening soon just south of Santa Monica Pier after an extensive renovation. The property’s room count will be reduced to fewer than 200 from 342, while the hotel will also include a spa and a beachfront pool deck.
The Jordan San Gabriel will open in August 2024 and feature 212 guest rooms and 10,572 sq. ft. of meeting space across 6 rooms, including a 7,000-sq. ft. ballroom.
Bulgari Resort Los Angeles is set to open in 2026, featuring 58 luxurious accommodations on the 33-acre Benedict Canyon site.
One Beverly Hills will merge the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills into a new 17.5-acre luxury destination. The Beverly Hilton will undergo a renovation while adding a new 78-suite Aman hotel, Aman Residences and a 100,000 sq.ft. private Aman Club event space. The project will be completed in late 2027 or early 2028.
Madison, WI
Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown opened recently and now provides 262 rooms and 2,000 sq. ft. of meeting space blocks away from the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Miami, FL
Andaz Miami Beach is a new hotel set to open in late 2024, featuring 339 guest rooms across three towers overlooking the beach. The property will offer 25,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event experience space from ballrooms with ocean views to a pool equipped with technology that converts the space to a hard surface for gathering and activities within minutes.
Bulgari Hotel Miami Beach is planned for 2026 in a restored and design of a 1950s modernist property, part of the National Register Architectural District, which will feature 100 rooms, most of them suites, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness facilities and restaurant and bar from Chef Niko Romito.
Milwaukee, WI
The Baird Center (formerly known as Wisconsin Center) reopened on May 16 following a $456 million expansion. The center now offers 1,3 million sq. ft. of total space, including 300,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 52 breakout rooms and a rooftop ballroom with space for 2,000 seated guests. The convention complex has achieved GBAC STAR accreditation for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention and is pursuing LEED Silver green building certification for the expansion.
Minneapolis, MN
The twin cities saw the opening of the centrally located Hotel Indigo Minneapolis Downtown in May 2023, a 218-room reinvention of the Northstar Inn.
Monterey, CA
Kimpton Pacific Grove Hotel, a new boutique hotel by IHG, will open in late 2025 on the Monterey Peninsula, offering Central Coast charm. With a California-inspired design, it will be an ideal venue for meetings and events in a picturesque coastal setting.
Napa Valley, CA
Six Senses Napa is set to open in 2026. Set on a 3,000-acre estate, the resort will offer 95 accommodations, including tent-style structures and 16 branded residences with interiors by 1508 London.
Nashville, TN
Groundbreaking for the New Nissan Stadium, scheduled to open in 2027, took place in February 2024.
The Nashville Yards development will soon include “The Pinnacle,” a 4500-capacity music venue operated by AEG slated to open in 2025. The site is home to two hotels, the Grand Hyatt Nashville and The Union Station Nashville Yards with over 1,000 rooms between them.
The new Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, connected to the airport by a covered pedestrian bridge and features 305 guest rooms, 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and one of the largest rooftop spaces in the city is open.
Groundbreaking for The St. Regis Nashville and The Residences at The St. Regis Nashville, set to offer 177 guest rooms and 111 residences, is set to open in 2025.
New Orleans, LA
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is undergoing a $557 million five-year capital improvement plan that includes a new $48 million 40-acre “cool roof” that will contribute to increased energy savings. Meeting rooms and public areas are also being renovated, with the development of a $75 million, 7.5-acre pedestrian park in the plans, and eventually, a new headquarter hotel connected to the center.
The River District—a dynamic mixed-use development spanning 39 acres has broken ground in the prime riverfront land adjacent to the NOENMCC. The development will feature 900 mixed-income housing units and dining, retail, housing, and entertainment options such as Top Golf.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. is investing $375 million to expand, renovate and rebrand Harrah’s Hotel and Casino to the Caesars Hotel & Casino New Orleans. A new 340-room hotel tower currently under construction is expected to be completed in the fall.
Nobu Hotel and Restaurant New Orleans is also set to open within the Caesars Hotel New Orleans. A hotel within a hotel, Nobu will open late this year with its own private check-in and multiple private dining options.
The Superdome has been renamed the Caesars Superdome as part of a multi-phase renovation project to widen concourses, redefine entrances, add five-story atrium lobbies, and improve vertical transportation throughout the building. Finishing touches will be in place in time for New Orleans to host the 2025 Super Bowl, which will also mark the Superdome’s 50th Anniversary.
The Fairmont New Orleans is slated to open in the summer of 2025 as part of a redevelopment project that will transform the former Bank of New Orleans Building into a property offering 250 guest rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
New York City, NY
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has completed an $8 billion transformation, the first complete rebuild of a US airport in over 25 years. Terminal B was named the best new airport terminal in the world and received recognition from the Rick Hansen Foundation for its high accessibility rating.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) recently saw the groundbreaking of the new, upcoming $4.2 million redevelopment of Terminal 6. Construction is also currently underway at the brand-new international Terminal 1, with an expected opening in 2026.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWD) added 33 new gates to Terminal A. It is also working toward a new 2.5-mile elevated guideway train system to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and ease traffic congestion.
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel in the heart of Harlem in the luxurious Victoria Theater development contains a 211–guest room tower, a residential tower and a new expansion of the Apollo Theater.
Now open, The Fifth Avenue Hotel combines a historic 1907 Renaissance-style building, The Mansion, with a modern 24-floor glass tower. Located at 250 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, this property offers 153 rooms and suites designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
Aloft New York Chelsea opened in November 2023. It offers 234 stylish guest rooms and amenities such as the WXYZ bar with live music, a fitness center, complimentary wireless internet and a meeting room.
The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel is set to open in summer 2024. It aims to restore the property’s former glamor and sophistication and will offer 70 guest rooms, 30 suites and 14 residences.
Orlando, FL
Conrad Orlando opened in January 2024 and is nestled within the Evermore Orlando Resort, offering 433 rooms and more than 65,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space.
Universal Orlando Resort will be opening two new adjacent hotels in early 2025, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. C-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, both properties offer 750 guest rooms, a variety of unique dining options, and resort-style pools.
A W Hotel and a new 2,000-seat concert venue is set to open in the heart of Orlando in 2026. The hotel will occupy a 22-story tower offering 400 rooms and a sophisticated rooftop pool doubling as a day club and nightclub.
Palm Springs, CA
The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, the first Tommy Bahama resort opened in October 2023. Set at the base of Indian Wells’ Santa Rosa mountains, the 215-room resort offers 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space and 15,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space. Thompson Palm Springs is set to open in September with 168 guest rooms, 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, sitting above retail outlets.
Philadelphia, PA
The Pennsylvania Convention Center recently earned the gold level certification for venues under the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards.
Riversuites at The Battery opened in December 2023, offering 62 apartment-style upscale suites at the site of the city’s historic powerhouse, overlooking the Delaware River.
Holiday Inn Philadelphia Arpt-Stadium Area opened in September 2023 located close to several major sporting arenas and featuring 206 guest rooms and over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
The Westin Philadelphia reopened in July 2023 following a multi-million dollar renovation of the property’s 294 guest rooms and suites, public spaces and restaurants.
The Jaan at Center City, set to open soon, blocks away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center that will offer 81 units targeting long-term guests and business travelers.
The Waylen at the Navy Yard is set to be a Hyatt hotel near the Philadelphia International Airport and the Sports Complex, anticipated to open in 2026. The hotel will have 18,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, an outdoor courtyard, and a ballroom.
Phoenix, AZ
Caesars Republic Scottsdale opened recently featuring 265 guest rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of event space, including a 7,000-sq. ft. conference center.
VAI Resort, a $1 billion hotel, resort, and live entertainment destination in Glendale is set to open at the end of the year. VAI Resort has secured C3 Presents and Live Nation as booking partners for the VAI Amphitheater.
Portland, OR
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, opened in November 2023. It is housed in a new mixed-use building in downtown’s West End and features 225 guest rooms and 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Cambria Hotel Pearl District is set to open in Spring 2025 as a 178-room hotel in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District.
Puerto Rico
San Juan Condado Plaza is set to debut in 2025 with 332 guest rooms after a full renovation of the existing The Condado Plaza Hotel. The renovation is part of a dual-branded conversion that will see The Condado Plaza Hilton towers renewed as a Curio Collection by Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn.
San Antonio, TX
The InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk opens this summer. The 21-story property is less than a mile from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. It features 390 rooms with 20 suites, 18,000 sq. ft. of meeting space,including a 8,000-sq. ft. ballroom with 18’ ceilings and flexible meeting space with views of the San Antonio skyline.
Kimpton San Antonio is opening soon in the same area with 347 guest rooms, 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and a rooftop pool and lounge.
San Diego, CA
A $3.4 billion expansion project at the San Diego International Airport will result in a new state-of-the-art terminal that adds 30 gates. The first 19 gates will be operational in Summer 2025, with the remaining 11 starting service in 2028.
The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is preparing for its Summer 2025 debut. Located in Chula Vista, California, seven miles from downtown San Diego, the sixth hotel in the Gaylord Hotels brand portfolio will have 1,600 guest rooms and suites, as well as more than 477,000 sq. ft. of function and convention space, including 140,000 sq. ft. of carpeted exhibit and meeting halls. The hotel will also offer 135,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event lawns and a 4.25-acre water park.
San Francisco, CA
Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa opened in May 2023 next to Union Square, Mission Bay, Oracle Park and Moscone Center, the city’s largest convention center featuring 194 guest rooms and five meeting rooms, offering 4,400 sq. ft. of event space.
The Jay opened in November 2023 in the Embarcadero neighborhood, featuring 360 guest rooms and 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space across 16 distinct meeting areas on two floors.
Savannah, GA
Savannah Convention Center is expanding in a $276 million project, although it has hit delays and a final opening date is yet to be confirmed. The final complex will have a 200,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall (currently 100,000 sq. ft.), 58-foot-wide glass hangar doors, a new 40,000 sq. ft. ballroom, and 15 new meeting rooms.
The Hotel Bardo Savannah opened in February 2024, an adaptive reuse of a 19th-century Southern Gothic structure sitting at Forsyth Park features 149 guest rooms and more than 15,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event spaces.
Sioux Falls, SD
Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown is opening in October 2024 featuring 216 guest rooms close to the Levitt Outdoor Theater. It will provide 22,000 sq. ft. of event space, including a 750-capacity grand ballroom.
St. Louis, MO
The city’s main convention facility, the America’s Center, will be re-opening soon following a $240 million expansion and facelift that will add a new 72,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall, outdoor gathering space, and enhance an entrance and loading docks.
The 21c St. Louis opened in August 2023 in the heart of downtown St. Louis at the revived 10-story YMCA building. The hotel features 173 guest rooms, a contemporary art museum, and more than 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
The Palm Beaches, FL
Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences is now open covering over seven acres of pristine oceanfront in The Palm Beaches’ Singer Island, the sprawling wellness resort will extend 155 guestrooms with 34 suites, a four-story wellness center.
Washington DC
Destination DC recently unveiled a new campaign, “There’s Only One DC.” The message is also supported by the city’s current “Connected Capital” campaign which positions it as a knowledge hub.
In September 2024, Destination DC launched the “Sustainability District” program to help planners find sustainability initiatives at local hotels, restaurants and convention services. The city also launched its first Sustainability Summit, orchestrated by Destination DC.
Westin Washington, DC Downtown, reopened in September 2023, following a $80 million renovation of the former Renaissance Washington, DC. The hotel focuses on holistic well-being experiences and has DC’s largest fitness studio. It offers 807 guest rooms and 97,074 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill is a new hotel that opened in September 2023 located near Union Station as a 274-room upscale hotel featuring 11,000 sq. feet of event space, including a penthouse conference center with a wraparound terrace.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C., reopened recently following an extensive redesign and renovation of its 182 guest rooms, suites and select public spaces. The hotel offers a total of 11,382 sq. ft. of meeting space across eight rooms.
Salamander Washington DC opened recently on the site of the Mandarin Oriental with significant enhancements. The hotel will offer 373 guest rooms, two large ballrooms and 4,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space.
Arlo Washington DC is set to open in October 2024 and will feature 445 guest rooms. It is being converted from a 12-story building that was the city’s oldest conventional apartment building.
CitizenM Georgetown is set to open in 2025 along the Georgetown waterfront in a 100-year-old building that will be expanded, renovated and converted into a stylish 230-room, seven-story hotel.
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