(A rendering of the reimagined Austin Convention Center, part of the $1.6 billion UnconventionalATX redevelopment project, which broke ground April 17. The expanded facility will feature 620,000 square feet of rentable space, open-air terraces, and enhanced pedestrian access to nearby districts including Waterloo Greenway. Image courtesy of the Austin Convention Center.)
Tracking venue developments, leadership moves, and economic wins at convention centers across the country
From expansions and renovations to leadership updates and major event announcements, convention centers across the country continue to evolve as key drivers of economic impact and community engagement. Each month, Exhibit City News highlights notable developments shaping the future of meetings, exhibitions, and live experiences—organized by U.S. region for a quick, industry-focused snapshot of what’s happening now.
Southeast Region
Savannah Unveils Expanded Convention Center with 660,000 Square Feet of Event Space
The Savannah Convention Center has completed a major expansion, now offering 660,000 square feet of total space, including a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, two grand ballrooms (25,000 and 40,000 square feet), 28 meeting rooms, four boardrooms, and a 367-seat auditorium. A new 900-space parking garage and connection to 403 hotel rooms will improve guest convenience. A 58-foot hangar door allows for indoor-outdoor events. The expansion launched with the Nike Savannah Showdown, the center’s first large-scale event in the upgraded venue.
Rum Room at Miami Beach Convention Center Marks Two Years with New Menus, All-Day Happy Hour
Rum Room, the Miami Beach Convention Center’s on-site restaurant, celebrates its second anniversary on April 22 with all-day Happy Hour specials, a complimentary Prosecco toast, and new food and beverage menus. Highlights include dishes made with herbs from the restaurant’s garden and new cocktails inspired by Miami’s cultural flair. The 80-seat venue, jointly operated by Sodexo Live! and OVG, also welcomes Executive Sous Chef Omar Hale and dining room manager Anar Aubakirova. Rum Room is located at the northeast corner of the MBCC campus; reservations are encouraged.
Macon-Bibb County Planning New Convention Center and Arena
Macon-Bibb County, located in central Georgia, is moving forward with plans for a new downtown convention center and a replacement arena for the aging Macon Coliseum. During his 2025 State of the Community address, Mayor Lester Miller announced the proposed site at 108 First Street and said consultant hires and further details are expected within two months. The projects aim to retain events like state high school championships and boost the local tourism economy. Miller also proposed a $25 million bond for road improvements as part of broader infrastructure investment efforts.
Central Region
Austin Breaks Ground on $1.6 Billion Convention Center Redevelopment
The Austin Convention Center marked the start of its $1.6 billion redevelopment with a beam signing ceremony on April 17, launching the UnconventionalATX project. Scheduled to reopen in 2029, the redesigned center will expand rentable space from 365,000 to 620,000 square feet and become the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention facility. Plans include modernized event spaces, open-air terraces, and enhanced pedestrian access to nearby districts. The project is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and center revenues.
Kentucky Exposition Center Secures Festivals Through 2035
Kentucky Venues has signed a 10-year deal with Danny Wimmer Presents to keep two of the nation’s top music festivals—Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life—at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville through 2035. Held at the Highland Festival Grounds, the festivals drew nearly 400,000 attendees in 2024 and generated over $33 million in economic impact. Both events return this September with over 260 total acts scheduled. The agreement strengthens the venue’s role as a major outdoor festival destination.
Kansas City Tourism Generates $4 Billion in Visitor Spending in 2024
Visit KC shared record-breaking tourism results during its 2025 Annual Tourism Outlook, reporting $4 billion in visitor spending and $370 million in economic impact from 523 events hosted in 2024. Daily visitor spending averaged $18.4 million, supporting approximately 78,000 visitors each day. The city’s marketing campaign drove 326,000 additional trips and a return of $148 for every dollar spent on advertising. Kansas City households saved an estimated $636 each in taxes due to tourism-generated revenue.
Elaine Williams Named to New Orleans CityBusiness’ 2025 Power List
Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, Chief Commercial Officer at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC), has been named to the New Orleans CityBusiness “Power List: Tourism & Hospitality 2025.” Williams, a 25-year veteran of NOENMCC, was recognized for her leadership in driving strategic growth and positioning the center as a top destination for national and international events. She also serves on several industry and community boards and is pursuing the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation. Williams was previously named to Eventex’s “100 Most Influential Venue Professionals” and CityBusiness “Women of the Year” in 2024.
NOENMCC Earns Environmental Leadership Award for Renovation Waste Diversion
NOENMCC received an Environmental Leadership Program Award from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for its recent renovation efforts. Working with AECOM Hunt-Broadmoor and other partners, NOENMCC achieved an 84 percent waste diversion rate in just three months—recycling or repurposing over 461,000 pounds of materials such as carpet, concrete, and ceiling panels. Director of Sustainability Linda Baynham credits strong collaboration for the success of the center’s broader initiative to transform its 1980s-era facility into a modern green venue.
Miami Beach Renews OVG Contract to Manage Convention Center
The City of Miami Beach has renewed Oak View Group’s management contract for the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), extending a 12-year partnership. OVG, formerly operating as Spectra, helped lead the venue’s $640 million renovation, which added a 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, 84 breakout rooms, and LEED-certified sustainability features. MBCC was named “Best Convention Center in the U.S.” by Skift Meetings in 2024. Under the new agreement, OVG will continue to enhance sustainability efforts and improve facility operations as the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach prepares to open in 2027.
Northwest Region
Spokane Convention Center Marks 50 Years Since Opening Celebration
The Spokane Convention Center first opened its doors in 1975 as Riverpark Center, drawing 2,000 attendees for a dual celebration that included the city receiving the All-American City Award. The venue was a key part of Spokane’s post–Expo ’74 redevelopment and helped transform the downtown riverfront. At the opening, Gov. Daniel J. Evans handed symbolic keys to Mayor David H. Rodgers, noting the center was state-funded but city-operated. Seattle civic leader Jim Ellis praised Spokane’s “can-do attitude” and riverfront revival, calling it a national example.
ENC’s CenterStage: Convention Center News & Highlights – April 2025
