Cleveland’s meetings infrastructure continues to expand with new event venues, hotel renovations, and nearly 500 planned hotel rooms expected to strengthen the city’s convention package through 2027.
The largest project is a $135 million expansion of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, scheduled for completion this fall. The project adds 50,000 square feet, including a 1,400-person indoor venue for concerts, general sessions, and large gatherings. It also includes expanded exhibit space, an atrium lobby overlooking Lake Erie, and a fully accessible outdoor park.
The recently opened Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center adds another lakefront option for receptions, networking events, and team-building programs. The facility includes indoor and outdoor gathering areas, a rooftop terrace, dining space, and educational rooms.
Hotel Package Expands Near Convention Center
The Westin Cleveland Downtown recently completed a full renovation of its 484 guestrooms and suites, lobby, and dining areas. The project also refreshed 21,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space, added two boardrooms, and expanded networking areas.
Adjacent to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Hilton Cleveland Downtown introduced The Club at Hilton, a premium lounge with all-day dining, coffee service, and areas for working, networking, and relaxing.
Cleveland also expects three downtown hotel projects to open in 2027.
An AC Hotel by Marriott is planned for a historic building near the convention center and East 4th Street. The project is expected to add 141 guestrooms.
A Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel is planned as part of the redevelopment of the historic Rose Building. That property is expected to include 123 guestrooms, along with new retail and dining options.
The city is also expected to welcome its first W Hotel. Plans call for 210 guestrooms, a 15,000-square-foot ballroom, a rooftop deck, and a restaurant overlooking the city.
Together, the three projects are expected to add 474 guestrooms to Cleveland’s downtown hotel inventory.
Event Options Grow Along the Lake and River
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland continues to highlight its 19,000-square-foot urban farm, which supplies herbs, vegetables, and honey used in food service. The farm also serves as a visible sustainability feature for groups touring or meeting at the facility.
Meanwhile, several entertainment and riverfront projects could add more event space in 2027 and beyond.
Cosm plans to open an immersive entertainment venue downtown with space for sports viewing, live entertainment, branded activations, and attendee events.
The Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, the first phase of Bedrock’s larger riverfront development, is also expected to include indoor and outdoor reception space available for private events. The project will serve as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ practice facility and add public access to the Cuyahoga River.
Future phases of the riverfront plan call for additional public space, a riverwalk, waterfront access, and a 6,200-capacity amphitheater. Timelines for those later phases were not provided.
Destination Cleveland promotes Cleveland as a meetings, conventions, and tourism destination. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com/meetings.
Submitted by Rachel McAllister. Edited by Exhibit City News for style, clarity, and length.
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