Major convention hubs like Las Vegas and Orlando continue to expand, but the Lonestar State is gaining ground. With three of the nation’s largest convention centers, the meetings scene in Texas is undergoing a multibillion-dollar transformation.
Planners and attendees have probably noticed: Post-pandemic convention centers are evolving to meet new expectations. Today’s events offer complete experiences through smart infrastructure, flexible spaces, immersive tech and urban connectivity—moving beyond mere networking and information sharing. Small wonder so many convention centers are popping up or sprucing up to meet the greater demand, and why Texas is coming in hot.
Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth have joined the race to become North America’s biggest, most advanced, and experience-focused convention destinations, with venues in each cities adding flexible spaces, enhancing attendee experiences and integrating better with surrounding public areas.
The Expansion Race is On
Take a look at what’s happening with the state’s largest convention venues:
The Austin Convention Center (ACC) is getting a dramatic makeover—a full teardown and rebuild that will nearly double its footprint. When completed in 2028, the transformed venue will boast an impressive 620,000 sf, including 70,000 sf of outdoor event space, up from its current 365,000 sf.
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) is undergoing one of Dallas’ most costly public renovations ever. Set to reopen in early 2029, the project expands flexible meeting space to attract diverse events while upgrading infrastructure and improving connections to nearby districts.
Houston’s Convention District is getting a major upgrade with the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion. Not only will pedestrians enjoy an enhanced experience, but visitors can now move seamlessly between GRBCC and the Toyota Center. The crown jewel? Texas’s largest ballroom, plus two brand-new exhibition halls.
Meanwhile, the Fort Worth Convention Center is undergoing a complete transformation, despite its smaller footprint. This two-phase overhaul promises to breathe new life into downtown and jumpstart local economic activity.
- Phase I (2026): New southeast entrance, modern dining facilities and space for future private hotel development.
- Phase II (2030): 195,000 sf of additional function space to accommodate mid-size regional/national events.
Source: HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment
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