NORTHEAST
Maryland
Baltimore Convention Center Advances 2026 Upgrades
Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) is completing several facility upgrades in 2026. A $5.8 million project will restore the pedestrian bridge linking BCC with the Hyatt Regency hotel. Crews are also addressing water leaks along Sharp and Pratt streets. In addition, the venue is replacing west-side exhibit hall restrooms and updating safety systems. The work includes a new command center, expanded strobe coverage, improved alarms, and updated monitoring software.
SOUTHEAST
Florida
Miami Beach Convention Center Earns AIPC Gold Certification
Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) earned Gold Level certification from the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) after an external audit. The designation places MBCC among more than 30 certified centers worldwide. During the review, auditors examined 11 management areas, including customer service, operations, safety, sustainability, and supplier relations. Meanwhile, the venue is managing about $27 million across 31 active capital projects. Upgrades include venue-wide Wi-Fi 7, energy improvements, expanded digital displays, and audiovisual enhancements.
Georgia
Cobb Convention Center Reports $148 Million Impact
Cobb Convention Center Atlanta hosted 195 events and welcomed more than 246,000 visitors in 2025. Those events generated an estimated $148 million in economic impact. Meanwhile, the venue is advancing a $190 million renovation and expansion scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The completed center will offer 377,000 square feet of event space. New features will include a 7,200-square-foot junior ballroom, 11 meeting rooms, an executive boardroom, and an 11,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard.
Louisiana
New Orleans Approves Zoning for Convention Hotel
The New Orleans City Council approved zoning for the planned Omni New Orleans headquarters hotel on June 24. The 1,000-room property will support the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center (MCCNO). In addition, the project represents an estimated $600 million investment. Convention center officials said the vote clears the project to move toward construction.
North Carolina
Raleigh Approves Convention Center Naming Deal
The Raleigh City Council approved a 15-year naming-rights agreement for the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center. The bank will pay $525,000 in the first year, with the fee rising 2 percent annually. The agreement also includes two five-year extension options. Meanwhile, the city is planning an expansion with a 50,000-square-foot flexible hall, an 18,000-square-foot ballroom, and new outdoor event areas.
MIDWEST
Michigan
Huntington Place Advances Hotel and Facility Upgrades
Huntington Place is moving ahead with several upgrades at its downtown Detroit convention center. The connected JW Marriott Detroit remains scheduled to open in February 2027. A second hotel connection is planned for 2029. Meanwhile, the venue expects to complete new digital displays by October 2026. Other projects include parking changes, loading dock improvements, new streets, a redesigned coffee shop, and Motor City Mart. The self-service store will use Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
Ohio
Huntington Convention Center Refreshes Urban Farm
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland (HCCC) refreshed its 19,000-square-foot urban farm, which has supplied ingredients for venue menus since 2015. The project added about 12 cherry, apple, and pear trees, new cedar planting beds, and a coop for 12 to 14 chickens. Levy, the venue’s culinary partner, operates the farm. It also maintains seven beehives that produce about 100 pounds of honey annually. Guests can view the farm from the ballroom pre-function area and Mall C.
SOUTHWEST
Texas
Austin Hotels Combine Space During Center Closure
Austin hotels are combining meeting space while the Austin Convention Center remains closed for redevelopment. Visit Austin reported 40 bookings that use rooms and meeting space across multiple hotels. Meanwhile, three hotel groups are marketing shared packages to larger groups. The rebuilt convention center has secured 27 future events with an estimated economic impact of more than $205 million. The new facility is scheduled to reopen in 2029.
Dallas Keeps Convention Center Design, Sets 2030 Opening
The Dallas City Council rejected a proposed redesign of Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD). Instead, the council directed staff to continue with the current plan. The city now expects the rebuilt center to open in 2030. The 2.1 million-square-foot venue will include 750,000 square feet of exhibit space, 180,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and a 105,000-square-foot ballroom. Dallas estimates each month of delay costs $1.4 million in local tax revenue.
Palmer Events Center Hosts Seven July Events
Palmer Events Center (PEC) scheduled seven events for July in Austin. Jurassic Quest ran July 3 to 5. Meanwhile, Markets for Makers and the Body Mind Spirit Celebration took place July 11 and 12. Plantmania Expo and City-Wide Vintage Sale will follow July 18 and 19. Classic Game Fest will run July 24 to 26, while the Texas Bar Exams will close the month July 28 and 29.
WEST
California
San Diego Convention Center Names New CEO
The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) appointed Mardeen Mattix president and CEO on June 24. She succeeded Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe after serving as deputy CEO and chief financial officer. Mattix has worked at the convention center for 28 years. Meanwhile, the venue reported an estimated $1.57 billion in regional economic impact during fiscal year 2025.
Utah
Salt Palace Plans Full Closure for Reconstruction
Salt Lake County expects Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center to close fully in fall 2027 for reconstruction. The county plans to complete the project by January 2031. The design will retain roughly the same total square footage while improving movement between floors. In addition, the project will add a second full-service ballroom. Officials estimate the ballroom could generate $105 million in new annual economic impact, adding to the center’s current $300 million.
