U.S. Convention Centers Undergoing Major Transformations in 2026

West

The West Coast is leading the way with massive venue expansions that combine technology, design, and new meeting configurations.

Las Vegas Convention Center

The 4.6 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center will complete a $600 million renovation in time for CES in January 2026. This new project will extend the contemporary design and architecture of the LVCC’s 1.4-million-square-foot West Hall, which opened in June of 2021. The project adds a climate-controlled interior concourse connecting the North and South halls, as well as a grand lobby with technology upgrades. 

Los Angeles Convention Center

Construction officially began in October of 2025 on this $2.6 billion project that will add 190,000 square feet of exhibit space to create one contiguous hall of more than 750,000 square feet. The expansion will also add 39,000 square feet of meeting space and 95,000 square feet of multipurpose space, including a rooftop ballroom. Construction will pause in 2028 to allow the center to host Olympic judo and gymnastics events. 

Palm Springs Convention Center

The $125 million modernization project will modernize meeting rooms and exhibit halls, add indoor/outdoor social areas, and enhance outdoor event spaces. 

Long Beach Convention Center

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is undergoing a strategic transformation totaling over $85 million, with an additional $50 million allocated for Olympic readiness improvements ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

South/Southwest

Texas is in the midst of an ambitious venue makeover, balancing phased expansions with completely new construction.

George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston

Houston’s largest venue is undergoing a phased $2 billion, 700,000-square-foot expansion. Plans include a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza that will connect the venue to the Toyota Center, the indoor arena home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Scheduled to be ready in May 2028, the project also includes two new exhibition halls totaling 150,000 square feet, an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, and a 50,000-square-foot multipurpose hall. 

Austin Convention Center

In April 2025, the Austin Convention Center closed its doors and was torn down to make way for a brand-new building. The $1.6 billion redevelopment and expansion will double its space from 365,000 to over 620,000 square feet. Opening begins in 2028, with full completion expected by the spring 2029 festival season. 

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas

Work is underway on  Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, with plans to inaugurate its $3.7 billion expansion in April of 2029. Over 76,000 square feet will be added to its exhibition halls, ballroom space will double to 170,000 square feet, and meeting room space will be increased to 260,000 square feet.

Fort Worth Convention Center

Fort Worth completed Phase 1 of a $95 million project in December. It included a new entrance, modernized loading docks, and an expanded kitchen. Phase 2 renderings will be unveiled in February 2026, with construction slated to begin in the summer. The $606 million Phase 2 will demolish the 1968 arena and will add modernized meeting space, a ballroom, renovated exhibit halls and meeting rooms, retail and restaurant spaces, and a future on-site hotel. 

Midwest

Cincinnati Duke Energy Convention Center

After a $264 million renovation, the Duke Energy Convention Center will reopen in January 2026. The renovation includes 750,000 square feet of modernized space, and is part of a transformation of the city’s convention district. 

Kentucky Exposition Center

A new 350,000-square-foot, $180 million multipurpose building is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This facility will become the exposition center’s largest exhibit hall. The project represents the most significant change to the facility’s footprint since 1956.​

Hawaii

Hawaii Convention Center

In January, the Hawaii Convention Center begins its most extensive renovation since opening 26 years ago. The centerpiece is a $110 million rooftop terrace deck renovation, including a 38,000-square-foot canopy. The center will operate on a modified schedule throughout 2026 and 2027. During this period, the lobby-level expo hall remains open for indoor sports events and festivals.​​

Southeast

Orange County Convention Center

Construction on the Orange County Convention Center’s grand concourse expansion begins in the first quarter of 2026. This $560 million project will add 144,000 square feet of new event space to the North/South Building. Highlights include:

• a 100,000-square-foot grand ballroom configurable for one or multiple events, accommodating up to 10,000 guests
• 44,000 square feet of flexible meeting space
• a new west-facing entrance and lobby improving connectivity between North and South concourses

Savannah Convention Center

The Savannah Convention Center held its grand reopening in April, doubling in size. It now offers 660,000 square feet of exhibit space, 15 meeting rooms, and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom with waterfront views.