Dallas Set to Unveil an Expanded Convention Center in 2029

Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce the approval of a 2.5 million square-foot convention center with 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and 300,000 square feet of breakout area, including 160,000 square feet of ballroom.

“This news is a game changer for Dallas and will put our city on the map as the preeminent large-city convention and meeting destination in the nation,” said Craig Davis, Visit Dallas President & CEO.

The center will not only be impressive on the inside, the outdoor event area will feature terraces with incredible views of downtown Dallas and the Trinity River. In addition to the expansion, there be an all-new entertainment experience connecting the convention center with neighboring districts like the Cedars and the planned Rail District, creating a walkable experience that includes restaurants, retail, entertainment and lodging options.

Exciting developments with Dallas lodging

According to Lodging Economics, Dallas leads the nation with nearly 20,000 hotel rooms in the pipeline. There are 5,000 new rooms currently under construction, plus an impressive selection of boutique hotels and large convention hotels which are currently available. Here are a few you can look forward to visiting later this year.

JW Marriott – Coming in 2022 

This new 15-story hotel will open in the heart of Dallas’ downtown Arts District. A 283-room hotel with a 25,000 square-foot grand ballroom plus a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center and a rooftop pool deck and bar. 

InterContinental Dallas ­– Coming in 2022 

Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, it will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including over 21,000 square feet of event space.

Harwood Hotel – Coming in 2022 

A new 20-story luxury hotel is under construction in Uptown’s Harwood District. Architectural renderings show a sculptural white building with cantilevered upper floors and a swimming pool and garden on the roof.

New Convention Center Experience, Coming in 2029.

The Dallas convention center expansion is officially a go. Get the scoop on this exciting announcement and the new entertainment and restaurant experience connected to it. Plus, learn about new hotels opening in 2022. (34)

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact