CHICAGO — Convention centers across the United States are increasingly embracing community-centered development approaches that integrate residential, mixed-use and public space elements into their expansion plans. This shift represents a fundamental departure from traditional convention center development models, transforming these facilities from isolated event venues into vibrant neighborhood anchors that serve both visitors and local residents.
The trend reflects a broader evolution in urban planning where convention centers are being reimagined as catalysts for neighborhood revitalization. Cities recognize that successful convention centers must be more than just meeting spaces, they need to be integrated into the urban fabric and provide lasting benefits to local communities.
Modern convention center developments are now embracing what industry experts call destination design, where facilities are designed to connect visitors with the surrounding city’s culture, amenities and business opportunities. This approach creates a symbiotic relationship between convention centers and their communities, where events attract both locals and visitors, driving traffic to nearby restaurants, retail stores and entertainment venues.
“Gone are the days when building a convention center with an adjacent hotel was enough for any destination. Today, convention centers must collaborate with city planners, architects, government officials, and the broader community to invest in the entire ecosystem, not just the venue itself,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers. “Modern convention centers must embrace, integrate and reflect the cultural identity of their communities. Many are being reimagined as public assets, incorporating museums and other attractions that welcome both residents and visitors.”
Many offer more than a place to conduct business. “The rise of entertainment districts offer additional value, providing authentic local experiences that appeal to attendees and locals alike. These surrounding elements create destinations where people want to return again and again. Ultimately, we are designing spaces where people want to gather because that’s the true business of conventions,” said Mitchell.
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New Orleans is leading the way with its $1 billion River District, a 39-acre mixed-use neighborhood adjacent to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The development will feature a mixed-use environment, including offices and residential areas with affordable and workforce housing complemented with entertainment venues, cultural centers, retail, dining and public green space.
Convention center developments are increasingly incorporating mandatory affordable housing components as well.
“Initiatives such as affordable housing support the local workforce, many of whom serve the convention center and surrounding businesses,” said Mitchell.
The Seattle Convention Center‘s expansion included a $40 million investment in affordable housing. In addition, parks and open spaces, improvements to Pike and Pine Streets, bicycle infrastructure and other community projects are included.
This community-centered approach is spreading to other cities. Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center is developing a $1 billion master plan to redevelop 20 acres of parking lots into a mixed-use community with housing, office space, grocery stores and green space. The plan includes connections to the Atlanta Westside Trail and a pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive.
Cincinnati’s Convention Center District represents a $800 million transformation including a reimagined Duke Energy Convention Center, new Marriott headquarters hotel, and two-acre Elm Street Plaza.
Smaller cities are also focused on convention centers that are part of mixed-used developments. The new, fully-electric Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is an example. It is part of a mixed-use development that includes 143 low-income rental units.
Forty of the units are reserved for individuals and families facing homelessness, with on-site support services. The conference center, the largest in the area, features a 12,300 square-foot grand ballroom, an executive boardroom, breakout rooms, trade show space and a fully electric commercial kitchen to cater future events.
Reach Trevor Mitchell at trevor.mitchell@iavm.org
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