Dallas Approves Plan for New Convention Center

Feb. 11, 2022 – DALLAS – Visit Dallas is excited to announce that Dallas city council has approved plans for a new 2.5-million-square-foot convention center located adjacent to the current Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. The new center will feature 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and 400,000 square feet of breakout space, including a 100,000-square-foot ballroom. Construction on the $2 billion center is expected to begin in 2024 with completion in 2029.

"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 be the anchor for a lively new Convention Center District that will excite convention goers and revitalize southern Downtown Dallas, making it a place for locals to enjoy alongside our convention attendees."

The planned convention center will feature large, elevated ballrooms with outdoor event terraces boasting views of the Trinity River and Downtown Dallas. A welcoming entry and lobby will greet convention goers and create space for activities and programming.

The surrounding Convention Center District will connect Downtown Dallas with neighboring entertainment districts, like Cedars and the planned Rail District, creating a walkable destination designed to attract both locals and visitors. The Convention Center District will be an authentic Dallas urban experience that will include restaurants, retail, lodging and entertainment options.

"This new building and surrounding development are exactly what our customers need and have been asking for," said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas SVP and Chief Sales Officer. "Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor and an outstanding hotel product. The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas' competitive position and put us on par with other destinations that have already invested in their buildings."

The new convention center will address the needs of modern meeting planners, providing ballroom and breakout space Dallas has been lacking. The center is expected to nearly double annual attendance and associated revenue for the city.

"The expansion of the convention center will give us the opportunity to consider Dallas as a destination for our future annual meetings," said Jennifer Krsanac, CMP, Director of Meeting Services for North American Spine Society. "Without the new expansion, the convention center did not provide our meeting ample space and adequate flow for our meeting attendees. I am excited to follow this project and its positive impact on the city of Dallas and the future of the meeting industry."

See renderings of the convention center here.

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About Visit Dallas

Visit Dallas is dedicated to promoting Dallas as the ideal visitor and convention destination. Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the United States and the leading business and financial center in the Southwest, offers travelers an unparalleled array of amenities, a central location, and easy accessibility with two major airports. With 20 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, including the nation's largest contiguous arts district and notable CityPASS attractions, there is a Dallas destination to suit every style. For more information, visit visitdallas.com.