Preview the New Austin Convention Center

About the Austin Convention Center's Much Anticipated Redevelopment

Planners eyeing Austin for future meetings and conventions have good reason to be excited. The Texas capital is currently reinventing its signature meeting venue with the redevelopment of the Austin Convention Center.

The project, called Unconventional ATX, is a nod to the city’s creative spirit and forward-thinking identity. Site preparation is currently underway, with construction beginning later in 2025 and completion scheduled for the end of 2028. The reopening in spring 2029 will be just in time to host South by Southwest.

Expectations are high that the new Center will transform Downtown Austin and elevate meeting experiences in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities.

“What excites us most about the new Convention Center is its transformative potential for Austin's tourism and hotel industry,” Visit Austin President and CEO Tom Noonan said. “The expansion is desperately needed to address our current limitations. The new facility will significantly increase the available rentable space, delivering what we envision as the convention center of tomorrow.”

Noonan noted that the revamped Austin Convention Center will position the city to competitively vie for the next tier of convention business, allowing the city to host larger events, as well as multiple large events simultaneously. The new Center’s rentable space will increase to 620,000 square feet from the current 365,000 square feet.

A Bold Vision for a New Era

The new Austin Convention Center won’t just be bigger — it will be smarter, more flexible and attuned to the evolving needs of modern meetings.

The new stacked design maximizes the site’s footprint, offering larger, more adaptable meeting spaces across multiple levels while improving the flow of both people and programs. Planners can expect state-of-the-art ballrooms, expansive exhibit halls and modular breakout spaces designed to accommodate a diverse range of event formats — from large conventions to more intimate leadership summits.

Visit Austin’s Noonan said he is most excited to see how the outdoor space will be integrated into the Convention Center and the attendee experience. The new design will enhance the culturally rich fabric of the Palm District and remove the barrier that the current Convention Center creates between east and west downtown.

Designed with People in Mind

Located in the heart of Downtown, the Austin Convention Center will be more than a meeting venue — it will be a dynamic urban hub. The Center’s ground-level activation plan includes pedestrian-friendly spaces that invite locals and visitors to engage with the building and its surroundings. Its integration with a walkable downtown ensures easy access to hotels, restaurants, entertainment and major developments reshaping the city core.

The Austin Convention Center expansion is part of a broader vision for Downtown. Nearby projects in the works include the I-35 corridor project reconnecting East Austin and West Austin, the Waller Creek revitalization, the transformation of a two-mile stretch of historic East Sixth Street into Old Sixth, the Palm District redevelopment, Rainey Street and Project Connect. The revitalization will further enhance the experience for meeting and event attendees, creating an interconnected and energized downtown.

Already, the city is seeing increased collaboration within the hospitality community. Downtown hotels and venues recognize the need to work together during this period of transformation.

“Local businesses are also ready to offer extra services, and there are already examples like ACL Live at The Moody Theater expanding its space,” Noonan said. “We anticipate continued elevation of offerings across the city to complement the new Convention Center and enhance the overall visitor experience.”

A Model for Sustainable Meetings

The Unconventional ATX plan also looks ahead to the future and preservation. The Center is on track to become the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center, working in alignment with standards set by the International Living Futures Institute. Sustainability is embedded throughout its design and construction, promising a smaller environmental footprint and better indoor experiences.

The Center will also showcase the largest investment in public art in Austin’s history, with $17.7 million dedicated to installations that reflect the city’s vibrant cultural identity. The result will make it an inspiring space to host events that spark creativity and innovation.

Elevating the Austin Advantage

When the Austin Convention Center reopens in 2029, it will offer planners more than just a venue. It will deliver a next-generation meeting environment designed to inspire. With attractive location advantages, visionary design features and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, the reimagined venue will elevate Austin’s status as a premier destination for meetings, conferences and conventions for decades to come.

By 2030, Noonan estimates Austin will have solidified its position as one of the leading meetings, convention and leisure destinations in the U.S.

“We expect to see a sustained increase in visitors and business, supported by a diverse portfolio of events, from large citywide conventions to specialized campus-style meetings,” Noonan said. “Austin will be known not just for its unique culture but also for its innovative approach to hosting events, showcasing seamless experiences across multiple venues.”

Keep in mind that Austin is open for business during the Convention Center’s closure.

“We are committed to fostering strategic partnerships, amplifying Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World®, promoting our local businesses and ensuring that Austin's unique identity is represented in all our efforts,” Noonan said. “We are optimistic about Austin's future and dedicated to ushering in the next era of travel and tourism for our vibrant city.”

Planners looking to offer attendees an unforgettable experience should keep their sights on Austin, where unconventional is just the beginning.