Convention centers are more than mere venues that host our beloved trade shows and events. In many ways, they are literal landmarks in their communities, attracting visitors from around the world, contributing to their respective local economies, and serving a diverse array of industry sectors. Having said that, not all venues are created equal, and while some become a second home away from home for face-to-face marketers, others rarely show up on annual event calendars. So we surveyed our audience to determine which convention centers were most popular among exhibit and event managers. Based on their responses, we present the list of the 50 Most Popular Convention Centers of 2023.

1. Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas, NV)

The Las Vegas Convention Center comprises more than 3 million square feet of exhibit and meeting space and 225 meeting rooms. For a record 26 consecutive years, Las Vegas has been named the No. 1 trade show destination in North America by Trade Show News Network. Las Vegas hosts nearly 24,000 meetings, conventions, and incentive programs annually, ranging in size from 10 to more than 150,000. Some of the world's largest and most recognized conventions are hosted at the LVCC, including CES, the National Association of Broadcasters, SEMA, and more.

2. Orange County Convention Center (Orlando, FL)

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), provides a multitude of event options in two beautiful buildings – the West Building and North-South Building. The OCCC's West Building offers every convenience you would expect from a world-class facility, including 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibition space, two ballrooms, and the Linda Chapin Theatre. Connected to the West Building by a pedestrian bridge, the OCCC's North-South Building provides 950,282 square feet of exhibition space, which includes two 92,466-square-foot general assembly areas.

3. Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas, NV)

Anchoring the south end of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is the fifth largest exhibition center in the country thanks to a $70 million expansion that pushed the venue's total footprint past 2 million square feet. New and renovated features include a 20,000-square-foot foyer, a 70,000-square-foot ballroom, underground parking, and 900,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, which puts the venue within reach of the largest contiguous exhibition areas in the United States.

4. McCormick Place (Chicago, IL)

The crown jewel of the Windy City's expo and event scene, McCormick Place is just minutes from downtown Chicago and welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year. The state-of-the-art convention center is the largest in North America and comprises four buildings: the North and South buildings, the West Building, and the Lakeside Center. Together, they account for 2.6 million square feet of exhibit halls, 170 meeting rooms (for a total of 600,000 square feet of meeting-room space), six ballrooms, and four theaters.

5. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (New Orleans, LA)

With its French Quarter parties, delectable restaurants, and vibrant music scene, New Orleans has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting destinations in the country. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River at the epicenter of the city's cultural landscape, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center boasts 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space that can be divided into 12 halls.

6. Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta, GA)

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta's bustling downtown, the Georgia World Congress Center sits on a sprawling 200-acre campus of three interconnected buildings that contain 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space and 98 meeting rooms. A recent expansion has produced 12 exhibit halls, three fixed-seat auditoriums, two ballrooms, two boardrooms, and three outdoor plazas that provide 13 acres of green space. The GWCC is the fourth largest convention center in the United States and the biggest LEED Gold certified convention center in the world.

7. Henry B. González Convention Center (San Antonio, TX)

The Henry B. González Convention Center is nestled in the heart of historic downtown San Antonio, along the banks of the world-famous River Walk. The facility is the central component of the city's successful convention industry. Named for the late U.S. Congressman Henry B. González, it hosts more than 300 events each year with more than 750,000 convention delegates from around the world. The venue offers 514,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space with 86,500 square feet of column-free multipurpose space.

8. Colorado Convention Center (Denver, CO)

Opened in 1990, with more than 100 professional meeting planners working together with architects to design every aspect of the building, the result was simple: a sensible, state-of-the-art facility with easy traffic flow and everything you need in a stunningly beautiful building in the heart of downtown Denver. Expanded in 2005, and well-known as one of the most practical and "user friendly" meeting facilities, the Colorado Convention Center is now home to over 200 events annually.

9. San Diego Convention Center (San Diego, CA)

The San Diego Convention Center is a premier gathering place for conventions, trade shows, and events. The venue's promise is to provide customer service at a level of excellence that makes its customers and guests want to come back to San Diego over and over again. Nothing better exemplifies its success in that promise than the fact that nearly 70 percent of the SDCC's annual business is from repeat customers.

10. Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, CA)

The Anaheim Convention Center in California first became a meeting and conventions destination in 1967. Since then, it has completed a total of seven expansions and several renovations. It offers 1.8 million square feet of exhibit and event space, cementing its position as the largest exhibition facility on the West Coast. The Anaheim Convention Center has earned LEED certification and is proactive in environmentally preferable practices in all aspects of its operations.

11. George R. Brown Convention Center (Houston, TX)

Featuring seven exhibit halls- five of which are contiguous, 88 meeting rooms, and expansive flex space, the George R. Brown Convention Center offers endless options for creating successful and inspired events. Two connected hotels, the Hilton Americas Houston and Marriott Marquis, provide convenient access to the facility. Visitors can enjoy the accommodations in one of the combined 2,200 rooms, or explore the area on Avenida Houston, a 97,000-square-foot, pedestrian-friendly, outdoor event and leisure space.

12. Music City Center (Nashville, TN)

Spread across 16 acres in downtown Nashville, TN, the Music City Center is an architectural showpiece that invokes the spirit of Music City itself as well as the gentle hills of Tennessee in its avant-garde design. Crafted with 150-foot-tall windows and the hint of a guitar's curves throughout, the convention venue boasts 353,000 square feet of exhibit space as well as two ballrooms, 60 meeting rooms, a $2 million art collection, and several outdoor terraces that offer sweeping views of the city skyline.

13. Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (New York, NY)

New York's largest exhibition venue, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center completed a $1.5 billion, 1.2 million-square-foot expansion, bringing its total event-related space to 3.3 million square feet. The center boasts 850,00 square feet of exhibit space (500,000 of which is continuous), and 200,000 square feet of meeting room and prefunction space. A new glass-enclosed pavilion and open-air terrace can accommodate gatherings of up to 1,500 people, while a 1-acre rooftop farm is set to produce 40,000 pounds of produce for the venue's kitchens.

14. Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Dallas, TX)

Managed by OVG360, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) is one of the largest convention centers in the nation. Every year it welcomes over a million visitors attending major national and international events. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the KBHCCD has been and continues to be a fixture in the Dallas skyline offering 1 million square feet of exhibit space, three ballrooms, 88 meeting rooms, a 1,750-seat theater, and a 9,816-seat arena.

15. Venetian Convention and Expo Center (Las Vegas, NV)

The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, formerly the Sands Expo, offers exhibitors the opportunity to conduct business and entertain clients all in one resort. The innovative facility has a variety of unique entertainment and meeting spaces, from outdoor patios to private dining rooms, classic to nontraditional, and no guest suite is more than a five-minute walk from any meeting space. The 2,250,000-square-foot facility has 936,600 square feet of expo space that comprises five exhibit halls, as well as six meeting rooms and five ballrooms.

16. Austin Convention Center (Austin, TX)

The Austin Convention Center stretches across six city block that span the area between Lady Bird Lake and the historic and popular Sixth Street District, both of which offer visitors a multitude of entertainment options. The 881,400-square-foot venue has five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 square feet of column-free space and seven ballrooms that range in size from intimate to more than 40,000 square feet – one of the largest ballrooms in Texas. The facility is LEED Gold certified and has GBAC Star accreditation.

17. Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, IN)

Known as the "#1 Convention City in the U.S." (USA Today), Indy's strategically designed convention district, vibrant neighborhoods, renowned Hoosier Hospitality, and picturesque gathering places provide the ideal setting for successful events. With 566,600 sq. ft. of nearly column-free exhibit space, 71 meeting rooms, and three ballrooms, it is one of the country's premier convention spaces.

18. Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Washington, DC)

The cornerstone of the District of Columbia's downtown renaissance, the 2.3-million-square-foot Walter E. Washington Convention Center is home to conventions, trade shows, and events, from world leaders' summit meetings and annual professional conventions to pop culture expos. The center partners with DC Central Kitchen to annually recover up to 18 tons of food, redistributing it to families in need. It also boasts the largest digital signage network of any conference facility in the United States, with more than 200 digital displays.

19. Moscone Center (San Francisco, CA)

The Moscone Center spans 20 acres in the heart of downtown San Francisco, surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants, theaters, parks, and museums. The Moscone Center's campus consists of adjacent North, South, and West buildings, which together offer 740,000 square feet of exhibit space and flexible configurations that can create up to 106 meeting rooms. A recent $500 million expansion updated the North and South complex to create more than 500,000 square feet of contiguous space.

20. Pennsylvania Convention Center (Philadelphia, PA)

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) is a landmark rife with history and spectacular architectural details. The site first served as the Reading Railroad Terminal. More than a century later, the dramatic arched roof of the original train shed sweeps over a sprawling Grand Hall. Following a LEED-Gold certified expansion in 2011, the PCC offers 1 million square feet of meeting space including seven exhibit halls, two ballrooms, 82 meeting rooms, and a 10-story glass atrium.

21. Phoenix Convention Center (Phoenix, AZ)

Located in downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Convention Center (PCC) rises from the landscape like a glass and steel sculpture awash with the cool tones of the Arizona sky. The venue offers nearly 1 million square feet of meeting and event space that includes a 312,500-square-foot main exhibition hall, three ballrooms, 99 meeting rooms, and an 80,000-square-foot outdoor event space, as well as a 200-seat conference center and access to theaters and an auditorium.

22. Los Angeles Convention Center (Los Angeles, CA)

The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is renowned internationally as the premier site for conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, and meetings of all sizes. Annually hosting over 300 events in pre-pandemic times, the venue's "commitment to excellence" is evident through the caliber of events the LACC helps clients produce. The LACC is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and is proud to be the first U.S. convention center of its size to be recertified on the LEED® EB+OM Gold level.

23. Caesars Forum (Las Vegas, NV)

The newest addition to the Caesars Entertainment family, Caesars Forum with 550,000 sq. ft. of conference space hosted the 2022 NFL Draft welcoming thousands of ecstatic sports fans. For the ultra-high-profile event, Caesars Forum created an enormous stage for the draft and stretched its outdoor space including nearby Linq Promenade parking lots to accommodate the massive audience. Located within direct access to 8,500 hotel rooms at Harrah's Las Vegas, The LINQ, and Flamingo, Caesars Forum provides the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world.

24. Minneapolis Convention Center (Minneapolis, MN)

Perched on the edge of a vibrant downtown, the Minneapolis Convention Center is the largest convention venue in the Upper Midwest, as well as one of the newest. Opened in 1990, the center boasts 475,000 square feet of exhibition space, 87 meeting rooms, and a state-of-the-art, 3,400-seat auditorium on a 1.6 million-square-foot campus. The venue is connected to parking, hotels, and restaurants via climate-controlled skyways and is rimmed by a 70,000-square-foot plaza filled with trees, seating, and revolving art installations.

25. Baltimore Convention Center (Baltimore, MD)

The Baltimore Convention Center, which originally opened in 1979 and underwent a major renovation and expansion before reopening in 1997, is one of the nation's largest venues, offering more than 1.2 million square feet of space for meetings, events, and exhibitions. Located in downtown Baltimore adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the BCC is close to the Inner Harbor and Little Italy neighborhoods, providing a wealth of entertainment and dining options for trade show attendees.

26. Seattle Convention Center (Seattle, WA)

From the outside, the Seattle Convention Center (WSCC) is an amalgamation of concrete and emerald-hued glass, which is fitting since it stands in the heart of the Emerald City. The exterior's sharp angles and rectangular architecture hint at a cubist influence, while a sweeping canopy welcomes visitors to the venue's more than 430,000 square feet of event space. The canopy connects the WSCC to The Conference Center, a LEED Silver-certified building with nearly 71,000 additional square feet of meeting and exhibit space.

27. Huntington Place (Detroit, MI)

Detroit's Huntington Place is the 16th largest convention center in the United States. Formerly named Cobo Center, it received the largest naming rights contract in history for a convention venue and became the TCF Center in 2019, before being renamed Huntington Place in 2022. Nearby attractions include the Detroit Theater District (the second largest in the United States behind New York), the Detroit Riverwalk (voted Best Riverwalk in America two years in a row by USA Today readers), and Ford Field.

28. Miami Beach Convention Center (Miami Beach, FL)

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is the centerpiece of Miami Beach's meetings, conventions, and trade show industry. Following a $620-million renovation, the expanded MBCC includes a new 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, nearly 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, a larger Grand Lobby, pre-function areas that are bathed in natural light, up to 84 breakout rooms, approximately 800 roof-deck parking spaces, and roughly 2,100 miles of cabling to support the venue's information technology and communications infrastructure.

29. Kentucky International Convention Center (Louisville, KY)

Located in the heart of Louisville, KICC completed a $207 million expansion in 2018, making it a top-tier convention center and a business hub. With natural light and windows overlooking downtown, KICC was designed to be aesthetically beautiful as well as sustainably built, earning the venue LEED Silver Certification. From becoming the first GBAC-certified facility in Kentucky to creating productive hybrid events, KICC stays at the forefront of industry trends to meet each client's needs.

30. America's Center (St. Louis, MO)

With more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, the America's Center Convention Complex comprises the Cervantes Convention Center, The Dome at America's Center, the St. Louis Executive Conference Center, and the Ferrara Theatre. In short, it's a one-stop shop for a variety of events. The convention center alone boasts five exhibit halls, a ballroom, and more than 80 meeting rooms, while The Dome has 67,000 seats – great for keynote addresses.

31. Duke Energy Convention Center (Cincinnati, OH)

The Duke Energy Convention Center is managed by Oak View Group (OVG360) and located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, OH, within blocks of top-rated restaurants, bars, professional sports venues, and other attractions. The center boasts innovative design features that welcome creative event plans, as well as versatile spaces capable of accommodating both large and small groups. Its 40,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom is the largest in the Midwest.

32. Atlantic City Convention Center (Atlantic City, NJ)

Located in the heart of the northeast and surrounded by major cities, it's the perfect destination to hold a meeting or convention for easy accessibility. With more than 2.2 million square feet of meeting space citywide and 486,600 contiguous square feet of exhibit space at the Atlantic City Convention Center, it has the wide-open space you need for your group to meet.

33. Cobb Galleria Centre (Atlanta, GA)

Cobb Galleria Centre is one of Atlanta's premier convention facilities, conveniently located at the intersection of I-285 and I-75. The venue, which has hosted more than 20,000 events and catered to millions of guests, boasts 320,000 square feet of overall space and 144,000 square feet of exhibit space. Additionally, Cobb Galleria Centre features cutting edge architectural design with all of the additional amenities necessary to execute successful events.

34. Greater Columbus Convention Center (Columbus, OH)

The Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) is an award-winning, 1.8 million sq. ft. convention center located in the 14thlargest city in the United States. The GCCC is in the midst of two vibrant entertainment districts and provides an array of amenities to exceed expectations. Nearly half of the U.S. population is within a one-hour flight or one-day drive of Columbus.

35. David L. Lawrence Convention Center (Pittsburgh, PA)

Situated on nearly eight acres in Pittsburgh, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) offers 1.5 million square feet of total space including 313,400 square feet of exhibit space (236,000 of which is column free), 53 meeting rooms, and the 31,610-square-foot Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom. Its modern design and state-of-the-art technology provide an accessible venue for events. The DLCC is LEED Platinum certified thanks to its sustainability features – which include recycling wastewater and using natural lighting and ventilation to conserve energy.

36. Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville, KY)

From the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to The Colonel, Louisville, KY, is the birthplace of some of America's greatest indulgences. It's also the home of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), which boasts 1.3 million square feet of flexible exhibit space and 300 acres of outdoor function space. Home to the Mid-America Trucking Show and the Kentucky State Fair, the KEC is essentially a blank slate that can accommodate all types of trade shows and events.

37. Hawaii Convention Center (Honolulu, HI)

The Hawaii Convention Center is the perfect location for world-class global meetings. Winner of the 2019 International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Venue Excellence Award and multiple Prime Site Awards, the facility's open-air architecture captures Hawaii's magical sense of place and the perfect blend of East and West.

38. Wisconsin Center (Milwaukee, WI)

Delivering bold, proud, and experience-obsessed service, the Wisconsin Center is the state's largest and most flexible convention center. Nestled in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Center offers a 188,695 sq. ft. exhibit hall, a luxurious 37,506 sq. ft. ballroom with room for 3,150 diners, and 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, all of which is customizable to accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000.

39. Huntington Convention Center (Cleveland, OH)

Located in downtown Cleveland, the Huntington Convention Center offers spectacular views of Lake Erie and a focus on sustainability. The LEED Gold-certified building features an urban farm and a 14-acre green roof, and every year its Grind2Energy Program converts about 40,000 pounds of food waste to energy. Aside from its ecological initiatives, the venue boasts 225,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space that can be split into three halls, two ballrooms, and 45 meeting rooms.

40. Schaumburg Convention Center (Schaumburg, IL)

The Schaumburg Convention Center features 100,000 square feet of column-free space, divisible into three sections. This exhibitor-friendly venue showcases 30-foot ceilings with 1,000 lb. hang point capacity every 15 feet, as well as an oversized 30-foot "elephant" door, 120 feet of covered dock space, Wi-Fi throughout, built-in concession stands, and a convenient grid system featuring water every 60 feet and electrical every 30 feet.

41. Raleigh Convention Center (Raleigh, NC)

The Raleigh Convention Center is a bustling hub for the culture, commerce, and technologies that make the Triangle one of the most admired and sought-after regions in the United States. The modern 500,000-square-foot facility includes a stunning granite lobby with dramatic windows and downtown views, an elegant 32,000-square-foot ballroom, and a massive 150,000-square-foot exhibit hall, all with outstanding tech amenities and award-winning culinary delights.

42. Reno-Sparks Convention Center (Reno, NV)

The Reno-Sparks Convention Center is located just south of downtown Reno and less than 10 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The 601,000-square-foot venue boasts 382,300 square feet of contiguous ground-level exhibition space, 53 meeting rooms, and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom. A recent $10 million refresh has modernized the space, adding 5G wireless internet throughout the venue, which is able to accommodate up to 25,000 simultaneous users. Its proximity to world-class casinos and the beauty of Lake Tahoe make this an ideal destination for events.

43. NRG Center (Houston, TX)

First opened in 2002, NRG Center offers more than 706,000 square feet of contiguous single-level exhibit space that can be divided into 11 separate halls. Running over one-quarter mile in length, the convention center contains: 61 meeting rooms that can be configured into more than 100 variations; two major conference centers; 118 loading bays; and more than 150,000 square feet of registration space. Even more impressive, NRG Center is equipped with a technological infrastructure capable of providing high-speed internet access, including a pre-wired fiber-optic cabling backbone, on-site production facilities, and web-casting capabilities that make it the preferred venue for shows that range from the Offshore Technology Conference to the International Gem & Jewelry Show.

44. Georgia International Convention Center (College Park, GA)

Georgia's newest convention center, the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is uniquely positioned to offer its guests and clients unparalleled convenience. Now the second largest convention center in the state, GICC is the only one in the world directly connected to a major airport (Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport). Boasting 150,000 square feet of exhibit space and 16,000 square feet of meeting space respectively, the venue also has three new convention hotels. The GICC is not only one of the most accommodating and convenient venues but also one of the safest, with GBAC Star Accreditation.

45. Overland Park Convention Center (Overland Park, KS)

Surrounded by the hospitality of a Midwest town and the cultural amenities of a big city, the Overland Park Convention Center is an all-encompassing venue with an award-winning staff. With its combined 60,000 square feet of exhibit space, the facility offers a high-quality, high-tech experience for meetings, trade shows, conventions, and more.

46. Greater Tacoma Convention Center (Tacoma, WA)

Nestled below Mt. Rainier, the Greater Tacoma Convention Center – the second largest meeting venue in Western Washington – glistens like a jewel in Downtown Tacoma, where mild weather, flexible spaces, and flawless event services staff have earned it a reputation as a top convention destination. Surrounded by natural beauty, the building offers an impressive selection of usable event spaces including a 50,000-square-foot, column-free exhibition hall.

47. RP Funding Center (Lakeland, FL)

Completely renovated in 2019, the RP Funding Center is a multipurpose entertainment complex featuring 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. Situated in Lakeland, FL, and conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa, the venue hosts a wide variety of events ranging from trade shows and conventions to meetings and weddings.

48. CHI Health Center Omaha (Omaha, NE)

The centerpiece of downtown Omaha's $2 billion riverfront revitalization, CHI Health Center Omaha is both an arena and convention center. The hybrid facility contains 194,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space and more than 63,000 square feet of meeting space, including 16 meeting rooms, a 30,996-square-foot ballroom, and an extra 79,400 square feet of pre-function space. Additionally, the arena itself boasts 18,975 seats, making it a popular venue for everything from rodeos to Olympic swimming trials. A glass-enclosed skywalk linking the convention center to the 600-room AAA Four Diamond Hilton Omaha, with an additional 15 meeting rooms, creates a deluxe environment that will never be hindered by the weather.

49. International Exposition Center (Cleveland, OH)

Originally incarnated as the Cleveland Bomber Plant in 1942, the International Exposition Center in Cleveland, better known as the I-X Center, is a sprawling venue with 1.2 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space on a 2-million-square-foot campus. The facility also boasts 55- to 77-foot-high ceilings and 300,000 square feet of column-free space. But its most unique attraction is an indoor Ferris wheel that rises past the roofline into a glass atrium offering an outstanding view of the city.

50. Renasant Convention Center (Memphis, TN)

Memphis' newly modernized Renasant Convention Center creates a state-of-the-art facility in a one-of-a-kind location. Expect 300,000 square feet of flexible space in the home of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. You'll find this venue located in downtown Memphis along the mighty Mississippi River, a short walk from world-famous Beale Street.