PASADENA — Just this week as horrific fires devastated Los Angeles, convention centers demonstrated how they do more than just gather trade shows and business events.
Hundreds of evacuees from the fire gathered in the Pasadena Convention Center where they took shelter.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many centers transformed into vaccination sites. In addition, others became temporary field hospitals. The Oregon Convention Center opened its doors to the homeless.
Increasingly, convention centers are becoming multiuse public spaces as these examples demonstrate.
“Convention centers are essential assets for their home communities in addition to being physical marketplaces for meetings and conventions,” Kevin Hinton, Managing Director, Group Travel for the U.S. Travel Association, said. “While these facilities are the nucleus of a meeting or event, the associated spending by participants spans the ecosystem within the destination, from hotels and local restaurants to civic attractions that host special events, local transportation and retail. Increasingly, convention centers include restaurants and retail that serve local clientele as well, which increases their overall value as a gathering place for locals in addition to visitors.”
Group travel is big business. According to U.S. Travel Association, in 2025, total business travel spending, including both domestic and international inbound travel spending, is projected to reach $316 billion, up 4.0%. Spending in the group travel segment is estimated at $128 billion, up 4.2%, in 2025.
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Finlandia Hall in Helsinki opened last week following three years of renovation and for the first time will be open to the public. A restaurant, wine café, bistro, and design shop are features. In addition, a permanent exhibition dedicated to Alvar Aalto, as well as his spouses and collaborators will open in June, celebrating their life’s work and Finnish design heritage. Art in Finlandia Hall has been curated by the Helsinki Art Museum, showcasing 70 works by artists.
This is a trend that reaches beyond Europe. Convention centers are places for trade shows and business events to gather but they are also increasingly being used all year long by the public.
The Seattle Convention Center (SCC) unveiled “Summit,” a $2 billion addition, in January 2023. As one of North America’s rare vertical convention centers, Summit combines meeting spaces with vibrant street-level amenities. The design fosters community interaction and provides a platform for art and culinary experiences.
“We welcome locals and visitors alike to enjoy our impressive art collection, which includes beautiful and thought-provoking Native and Indigenous permanent exhibits and rotating art, within the buildings and on the exterior grounds,” Jennifer LeMaster, SCC President and CEO said. “The Summit and Arch sidewalks are ample for the activation of food outlets which offer local favorites with adjacent heated outdoor seating, designed specifically for this purpose. These environments are intentional — when people come to a meeting on our campus, we want their experience to be authentic.”
When it comes to art, the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) holds what is said to be the largest collection within any U.S. convention center. Approximately $5.7 million has been invested in art acquisitions, which are displayed throughout the center.
The collection features more than 350 unique pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and interactive installations, representing a diverse range of artists from Central Ohio. Guests can arrange for a guided tour or enjoy the art at their own pace, with each piece equipped with a QR code that leads to a webpage providing additional information about the artist and the work.
A standout feature is “As We Are,” a 14-foot interactive sculpture by Columbus artist Matthew Mohr. It is made from ribbons of ultrabright LED screens and contains a 3-D photo booth that captures and displays guests’ portraits on the sculpture’s face for 30 seconds.
“The GCCC positions itself as a dynamic, inclusive space that aims to cater to diverse audiences by integrating art, culture, and innovative design into its offerings. The GCCC’s efforts reflect a modern approach to convention spaces, where experience and engagement are prioritized alongside traditional events,” John R. Page, Regional Vice President – Convention Centers, ASM Global, said. “Efforts such as art installations and design innovation are not just about events but are becoming part of the fabric of the community. This continues to push the future of convention centers as flexible, multi-functional spaces that foster engagement and appeal to both industry professionals and cultural tourists alike.”
A multi-million renovation and expansion of the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland was unveiled in August 2024 for ASAE’s annual meeting. The $51-million expansion increases the center’s size by 25% and adds a new grand entryway, an expanded junior ballroom, and an outdoor terrace with views of Lake Erie. A unique feature are highlights from the city’s iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to integrate Cleveland’s reputation as the home of rock ‘n’ roll into our space. The exclusive artist wall, created in collaboration with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, stands as a true centerpiece of our facility, offering a vibrant display of iconic imagery that celebrates legendary artists,” Travis Poppell, Director of Sales and Marketing, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, said. “This visual tribute not only enhances the experience for event attendees but also strengthens our connection to the heart of Cleveland’s cultural legacy. The addition of memorabilia, such as signed guitars from Roxy Music and Def Leppard, further enriches our space, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for both locals and visitors.”
Locals and tourists alike flocked to the NOLA ChristmasFest at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in December. There were holiday displays including a life-size gingerbread house, an ice rink, and carnival rides.
In addition, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has a dedicated space for the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum.
Reach Kevin Hinton at khinton@ustravel.org; Travis Poppell at tpoppell@clevelandconventions.com; John R. Page at
jpage@columbusconventions.com
Featured Photo Credit: Courtesy of Experience Columbus.
