Phoenix Convention Center Hits Its Stride

June 30, 2015

Nearly six years have passed since the $600 million expansion project was completed on the Phoenix Convention Center, providing attendees with nearly 900,000 square feet of event space.

Just steps away from downtown Phoenix, the convention center sits on a 26-acre campus and is linked to downtown and several hotels via the new light rail system.

The expansion provided several elements that positioned the convention center for the future. There is more than 300,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space that connects the North and West Buildings, including 190,000 sq. ft. of virtually column-free exhibition space in North Building.

In addition, there is more than 150,000 sq. ft. of break out space and $3.2 million in art around the convention center.

"Since the Phoenix Convention Center's expansion, we have welcomed more than 1 million delegates to Phoenix," said Phoenix Convention Center Director John Chan.  "Our expansion, which nearly tripled the size of our facility, enables us to attract larger high profile conventions and events such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), U.S. Greenbuild International Conference and MLB All Star Fanfest.”

Besides the space, the convention center planned for future growth with state-of-the-art technology. A fiber network runs through all areas of the convention center, including exhibit halls and meeting rooms.

Complimentary wireless access is available in the convention center and public hot spots. Electronic signs can be found throughout the convention center, allowing for easy modifications to signage in response to new event information.

Touch-control screens in each meeting room provide exhibitor control of lighting, audio and background music as well as an automated “help function” that allows guests to contact the operations center if issues arise.

This expansion, completed in 2009, has moved the convention center not only to the top 20 largest convention centers in the U.S., but also has moved the city of Phoenix to new levels for events and venue hosting. 

Last year, the Super Bowl was held in Phoenix, and the Super Bowl Media Center was housed in the convention center. 

A football field was erected in the convention center as well, to provide a unique experience for football fans of all ages.  And with other events scheduled, including the Phoenix ComiCon, the future is  bright for the rising Phoenix Convention Center.

“In 2015, we hosted the Super Bowl NFL Experience and look forward to hosting the fan events for the 2016 College Football Playoffs and 2017 NCAA Final Four,” Chan said. “Though bookings and attendance were impacted during the recession, we are now seeing an increase in business back to pre-recession levels for this year and in the near future."

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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.