(Attendees explore outdoor equipment demos during The Utility Expo at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The biennial trade show, the largest gathering for utility professionals and contractors in North America, drew more than 20,000 visitors and 900 exhibitors in October, generating an estimated $19.9 million in economic impact for the city. Photo courtesy of Kentucky Venues.)
Groundbreakings in New York, record attendance in Orlando, and major trade shows in Louisville cap a busy month.
From expansion groundbreakings in New York to milestone awards in Florida and Louisiana, convention centers and destination organizations across the U.S. are closing out 2025 with strong momentum. The season brought new venue investments, national honors, and record-setting trade shows that underscored the meetings industry’s continued recovery and regional growth.
Southeast
Orlando Showcases Convention Center Expansion and Record Attendance at IMEX America
Visit Orlando highlighted major developments at IMEX America 2025, including plans for the Orange County Convention Center’s Grand Concourse Expansion, set to begin construction in 2026. The project will add a 100,000-square-foot ballroom and 44,000 square feet of meeting space to the North-South Building, with a second phase in design to expand exhibit capacity to 1.15 million square feet. Orlando was named Cvent’s No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in North America for the 10th consecutive year and reported record attendance at 2025 trade shows, including the PGA Show (33,000 attendees), VMX Veterinary Meeting (30,000), and InfoComm (31,000). The city also celebrated the opening of Universal Epic Universe, its first new theme park in 25 years.
IAAPA Named a 2025 Top Workplace in Orlando
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Orlando Sentinel Media Group, based on employee feedback collected by Energage, LLC. The recognition highlights IAAPA’s workplace culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. President and CEO Jakob Wahl said the honor reflects the organization’s “dedicated and passionate team around the world.” Headquartered in Orlando, IAAPA represents more than 7,500 member organizations across 100 countries in the global attractions industry.
Tampa Convention Center Wins Best Convention Center Award for Third Year
The Tampa Convention Center (TCC) earned the Gold Award for Best Convention Center in the 2025 Stella Awards, marking its third consecutive win following honors in 2023 and 2024. The awards recognize excellence in service, sustainability, and overall event experience. Executive Director David Ingram credited the achievement to TCC’s focus on partnerships and client service. Winners were selected from more than 10,000 votes and 1,000 nominations submitted by event planners.
Atlanta CVB Names Four New Inductees to Hospitality Hall of Fame
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) announced four new inductees to the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame: Norma Dean, Pat and Sherry Henry, Gerry Klaskala, and Cookie Smoak. The honorees will be recognized during the 26th annual ceremony on Nov. 12 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. The event will also present the Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year Award to Georgia Aquarium and the Volunteer of the Year Award to Patrick Lee of Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead.
Fairburn Joins ATL Airport District as Newest City Partner
The ATL Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has added the City of Fairburn as its newest partner, joining College Park, Hapeville, and Union City under the regional destination marketing organization. Fairburn’s City Council approved the partnership on August 25, expanding the bureau’s reach across Atlanta’s Southside. The collaboration will promote Fairburn’s hotels, sports facilities at Duncan Park, and cultural events including the Georgia Renaissance Festival and Fall Festival and Parade. Officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to regional collaboration and economic growth.
South
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Earns Triple Honors for Excellence and Equity
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) received three major awards in 2025, recognizing both operational excellence and leadership in workplace equity. The venue earned the Distinctive Achievement Award from Association Conventions & Facilities, the Facilities & Destinations Prime Site Award, and the New Orleans CityBusiness Empowering Women Award for the third year in a row. The honors come as NOENMCC advances a $557 million capital improvement plan and prepares for the addition of the 1,000-room Omni New Orleans Hotel and the nearby River District development.
Louisville Draws Two Major Trade Shows Amid Kentucky Exposition Center Upgrades
The Kentucky Exposition Center hosted two of the nation’s largest trade shows in October, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and millions in local economic impact. The Utility Expo, held Oct. 7–9, drew more than 20,000 attendees and 900 exhibitors, generating an estimated $19.9 million in economic impact. Later in the month, the 42-year-old Equip Exposition attracted tens of thousands of participants from all 50 states and about 50 countries, contributing another $30.1 million to the local economy. Both events took place as KEC continues major renovation and expansion projects, including a new Gate Four entryway and Security Command Center. Related programming at Fourth Street Live!, the Kentucky International Convention Center, and Churchill Downs highlighted the city’s vibrant downtown and hospitality offerings.
Southwest
Palmer Events Center Hosts Packed October Lineup of Trade Shows and Festivals
Austin’s Palmer Events Center hosted 12 events in October, including the Austin Gem and Mineral Show, the Austin Record Convention, and the Austin Coffee Festival. Other highlights included DHL’s Now and Next 2025 Logistics Summit, the AAA Trade Show, and Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood benefiting March of Dimes. The venue also welcomed community and industry events such as NAMIWalks Central Texas, the NADGT National Championships, and the Small Business Expo, which drew entrepreneurs and exhibitors from across the region.
AT&T Hotel and Conference Center Advances Renovation and Strengthens Group Partnerships
Amid the temporary closure of the Austin Convention Center for redevelopment, the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is continuing to attract strong group demand. The property has maintained steady pace over the past year and reports a 13 percent increase in bookings for fall 2025. A $30 million renovation currently underway will add a new ballroom and refreshed meeting and guest spaces. The hotel is also expanding its role within the University Hotel Collection, offering planners additional access to meeting and event facilities across the University of Texas campus.
Midwest
Huntington Place Opens Amazon “Just Walk Out” Store
Detroit’s Huntington Place has opened Motor City Mart, a new retail outlet using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. The store allows visitors to purchase items without traditional checkout by using sensors and computer vision to automatically charge customers as they exit. Huntington Place is one of the first U.S. convention centers to adopt the technology, part of its broader effort to improve visitor convenience and streamline event services.
McCormick Place Hosts Business Diversity Showcase During Marathon Weekend
The McCormick Place campus hosted Locally, Proudly Shared on Oct. 11 at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, spotlighting Chicago’s minority- and women-owned businesses. The free public event featured tastings, exhibits, and networking opportunities with local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and hospitality professionals. Timed to coincide with Chicago Marathon weekend, the showcase aimed to promote inclusive economic growth and celebrate the city’s diverse small business community.
Northeast
Albany Capital Center Breaks Ground on $54.9 Million Expansion
The Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) broke ground on a $54.9 million expansion of the Albany Capital Center (ACC) in early October. The project, supported by a $10 million state grant through Governor Kathy Hochul’s Championing Albany’s Potential initiative, will add new ballrooms, meeting rooms, a 3,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard, and additional office and storage space—bringing the venue’s total rentable area to 84,000 square feet. Set for completion in 2027, the expanded ACC has already secured two major USA Powerlifting (USAPL) events: the High School Nationals in March and Raw Nationals in May. Officials said the project will boost economic activity and position Albany to host larger-scale conventions and sporting events.
West
CONEXPO-CON/AGG to Debut Ground Breakers Stage Spotlighting Construction Innovation
Organizers of CONEXPO-CON/AGG announced plans for a new Ground Breakers Stage debuting at the 2026 show in Las Vegas, March 3–7. The keynote platform will feature global construction leaders discussing automation, sustainability, and workforce development. The stage will complement more than 2,000 exhibitors and 2.9 million square feet of exhibits at North America’s largest construction trade show, which draws about 140,000 attendees every three years. Speakers, including CEOs and entrepreneurs, will be announced ahead of the event.
Caribbean
Puerto Rico Selected to Host SITE Classic 2026
SITE has announced Puerto Rico as the host destination for SITE Classic 2026, set for August 24–27. The annual flagship fundraiser for the SITE Foundation brings together more than 270 senior incentive travel professionals for education, networking, and destination experiences. Hosted by Discover Puerto Rico, next year’s program will blend business sessions with cultural and community-based activities across the island. Proceeds from SITE Classic support research, scholarships, and professional development within the incentive travel industry.
