As business travel steadily returns to pre-pandemic levels, convention centers are leveling up their wow factor to attract conventions, event planners, and business travelers. This year, business travel is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels, and convention centers are evolving to become one-of-a-kind destinations for convention planners and guests.
Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Ky.
The architecture of the Kentucky International Convention Center literally reflects the cityscape around it. After a $207 million renovation and expansion, the center’s design and its mirror-like windows—and those of Cowger Garage across the street—are eye-catching and intended to reinforce the convention center’s dynamic presence downtown. In addition to offering 300,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, Kentucky International Convention Center is an LEED Silver-certified facility.
America’s Center, St. Louis
Originally named the Cervantes Convention Center after a former mayor, America’s Center boasts more than 574,000 square feet of exhibit space. This expansive area is complemented by 80 meeting rooms, perfect for conferences and smaller gatherings. The complex also features a spacious 28,000-square-foot ballroom ideal for galas, receptions, and large meetings.
The center’s entrance features a unique domed entrance, meant to invoke the image of a pair of arms, reflecting the welcoming atmosphere of this Midwest destination.
The property is currently undergoing a $200-million-plus upgrade, which will see the addition of 72,000 square feet of meeting space, all of which will feature large windows to allow events to be bathed in sunlight. A new food garden will be added to create a bounty of produce for use in the center’s kitchens, as well as an outdoor green space—currently a parking lot—which will be transformed to create a location for outdoor meetings and gatherings.
Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee’s nationally famed marble is a prized part of the architecture at the Knoxville Convention Center. The state’s marble—all sourced near the city—can be found throughout the 500,000-square-foot facility, including the rotunda room. This 1,100-square-foot space is often used for smaller functions and VIP photo shoots, with seating for 100 theater style, 60 banquet style, and 48 classroom style. In addition, displayed throughout the building’s concourse is an art collection valued at more than $1 million. Each piece was created by a local artist or depicts local subject matter. The art collection is so renowned that some convention center visitors come specifically to see it.
Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City
Not many convention centers can claim to sit directly adjacent to an impressive public park, but the Oklahoma City Convention Center can do so.
The 70-acre public space, known as Scissortail Park, was fully completed in the fall of 2022, featuring a 3.7-acre lake, interactive water fountains, a seasonal roller rink, a dog park, sports courts, a restaurant, a performance stage, and a great lawn that can be utilized as an alternative location to host meetings, events, and gatherings. The performance stage can welcome 1,500 to 15,000 guests, while the park itself can accommodate festivals for up to 250,000 people.
The awe-inspiring park can be viewed from the convention center’s balcony, and Virtual Sky, the convention center’s $1.5 million public art installation, reflects the beauty of the Oklahoma sky and can be seen from downtown.
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio showcases work by artists with ties to the Texas city. Inside and out, the art collection educates visitors about San Antonio with a collection encompassing sculptures, modern art, and interactive panels. An almost literal piece of pop art is the 200-pound Lone Star Can’delier; representing Texas’ moniker as the Lone Star State, the piece is constructed from nearly 1,900 discarded aluminum cans. In addition, the convention center’s Hall of Statues on its meeting level contains 17 six-foot bronze statues of Texas dignitaries, including former President Lyndon B. Johnson and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker. A statue of the convention center’s namesake stands in its west lobby. Outdoors, a large-scale mural comprised of chain link metal depicts a field of cactus, a nod to Texas’ native landscape.
Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, Va.
The 344,000-square-foot Hampton Roads Convention Center incorporates a nautical theme as a nod to the convention center’s seaside location in coastal Virginia, between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. The main entrance features a dramatic sail canopy, overlooking sparkling water fountains and landscaped grounds that provide a beautiful setting for receptions and outdoor luncheons.
