These Smaller Cities Are Pouring Billions Into Convention Centers

Across the country, cities of all sizes are investing heavily in convention centers. From major expansions and renovations to entirely new facilities, these projects are creating broader destination ecosystems anchored by hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and public gathering spaces.

For planners facing rising costs, the appeal is clear. Many of these destinations offer modern infrastructure, easier navigation, and lower overall event costs while still delivering the amenities attendees expect.

“Mid-sized markets can offer planners an attractive combination of affordability, accessibility, and value. Investments in expanded facilities, enhanced surrounding amenities, and thoughtful destination development have positioned many of these markets to compete for events that may not have previously considered them. In many cases, they can deliver a comparable attendee experience at a more competitive price point,” said Trevor Mitchell, president and CEO, International Association of Venue Managers. 

Investments are underway across the country as cities position themselves to compete for future conventions, trade shows, and business events. As these projects come online over the next several years, competition for meetings business is likely to intensify well beyond first-tier cities.

Albany, New York

The Albany Capital Center is currently undergoing a $54.9 million expansion. Connecting State and Eagle Streets, the expansion project will result in a total of 84,000 square feet feet of rentable space and will include two ballrooms, a multiuse space, five meeting rooms, a 3,000 square foot outdoor courtyard and 10,000 square feet of offices and storage. Opened in 2017, the ACC is connected to the MVP Arena, Empire State Plaza and Renaissance Albany Hotel via enclosed walkways.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati's $240 million renovated convention center, now known as the First Financial Bank Convention Center, reopened at the start of the year. 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The completion of Broward County Convention Center's $1.2 billion expansion elevates Fort Lauderdale's convention offerings. Beyond the addition of a waterfront ballroom and outdoor plaza, the project delivers a connected headquarters hotel. The new 801-room Omni property allows planners to house attendees within walking distance of meeting space and waterfront attractions.

Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indiana Convention Center is undergoing a $710 million expansion, slated to open in December. The project will add 143,500 square feet of meeting space, including a 50,000 square-foot ballroom, and will directly connect to a new 38-story, 800-room Signia by Hilton hotel.

Kissimmee, Florida 

A more than $180 million new hotel and convention center is in the works in Kissimmee , FL, targeting a late-2028 completion. The development will feature a 45,000-square-foot convention center, along with restaurants, retail space, and hospitality amenities.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville's Kentucky Exposition Center is undergoing a $460 million modernization designed to increase flexibility for trade shows and conventions. The project includes a new 350,000-square-foot multipurpose facility, renovated exhibit halls, expanded pre-function space, and additional meeting rooms aimed at accommodating larger events and improving attendee flow.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Minneapolis Convention Center has completed the first half of a $25 million modernization project. This initial stage upgraded 45 of the MCC’s 87 meeting rooms.

Providence, Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence recently completed a $25 million multiphase renovation. The project upgraded the fifth-floor ballrooms, introduced a new broadband network, and reimagined the visitor experience to attract major events to New England.

Raleigh, North Carolina

The Raleigh Convention Center is undergoing a 298,100-square-foot expansion that will make it the largest convention center in North Carolina, increasing its ability to host larger conventions and citywide events.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City’s Calvin R. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center is slated for a three-year comprehensive redevelopment. The facility will close in the fall of 2027 to undergo reconstruction, with completion expected around 2030 to 2031.

Waikiki, Hawaii

The Hawaii Convention Center is undergoing a two-year modernization project that includes transforming its 95,000-square-foot rooftop terrace into outdoor event space. The center is scheduled to reopen in January 2028.