CINCINNATI — Ohio’s Queen City is working on a $264-million redo of its Duke Energy Convention Center, which, when it reopens by January 2026, will make it one of the premier convention centers in the Midwest.
When complete, the center will total 750,000 square feet, including setup and support space, with 200,000 contiguous square feet of exhibition space. There will be a 40,000-square-foot ballroom and 17,400 square feet of additional ballroom space, as well as 30 breakout rooms for meetings that have the flexibility to accommodate 25-4,100 attendees. The center will also feature a full-service banquet kitchen for up to 5,000 in a single seating and an easy access loading dock leading to its exhibition space. In addition, a new expansive rooftop terrace on the second level will provide views of Cincinnati’s downtown skyline.
The convention center, which has been closed since the project began in July 2024, is part of a larger downtown revamp as it is undergoing an $800-million transformation with the development of a new Convention District.
Also part of the project is the two-acre Elm Street Plaza, which is ideal for large events. A 700-room Marriott hotel will be built across the street, connected to the convention center, with events starting in January 2028. The hotel groundbreaking is scheduled for this November.
Related. Community-Centered Convention Center Expansions Abound
“Cincinnati’s Convention District is in the middle of a game-changing transformation that will redefine the meetings and events experience and set a bold new industry standard,” Julie Calvert, President & CEO of Visit Cincy, said. “With a fully modernized convention center, a new headquarters hotel and the flexible two-acre Elm Street Plaza, Cincinnati is cementing its place as one of the top meetings destinations in the country.”
The enhanced center is expected to generate an additional $48 million in annual economic impact through increased group bookings, larger conventions and higher visitor spending.
ASM Global has been selected to launch and operate Cincinnati’s reimagined convention center.
“We’re entering an exciting new chapter for Cincinnati, and I’m honored to help lead ASM Global’s local efforts during this transformative time,” Rodney Faulk, CVP, General Manager of the Duke Energy Convention Center, said. “By partnering with Visit Cincy and working alongside city leaders and community stakeholders, we’re not only positioning the Queen City as a premier destination for conventions and events, but also fueling long-term economic impact for the region.”
Located directly across the street and south of the convention center, a new Marriott headquarters hotel will cost about $536 million and feature more than 62,000 square feet of meeting space and a 17,445-square-foot events terrace. There will also be a full-service, three-meal restaurant and outdoor bar with a skyline view, a skywalk connecting the hotel to the convention center and 15,000 square feet of retail space.
The Elm Street Plaza will offer space for receptions, parties, live music and food trucks. It will feature retractable bollards/posts for easy flow and street closures over Elm Street for a seamless event space activation, as well as a new pavilion and walking paths.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s Sharonville Convention Center underwent a $24-million expansion last year, introducing a new 40,000-square-foot flexible space and adding to Cincinnati’s appeal as a group destination.
To get more events industry news, subscribe to TSE’s free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.
