Fort Worth Convention Center expansion reaches ‘highest level’

FORT WORTH, Texas — Last month, the tallest structural steel beams in the first phase of the more than $700 million Fort Worth new airport expansion were removed. Fort Worth Convention Center A “topping out” ceremony was held.

this Fort Worth We believe that this project will breathe new life into the conference center’s business activities and other services.

“This move reflects the growth of Fort Worth and its changing status as a major city in the United States (Fort Worth was recently ranked as the top city in the U.S. 12day Most populous city) is another catalytic project that all major cities invest in to establish themselves as a great place to live, work and visit,” said Michael Crum, director of public events for the City of Fort Worth.

Enhanced meeting spaces, technology and aesthetics

The first phase, estimated at $95 million, will add a new southeast entrance and modern dining facilities to the venue. It will also demolish the building’s annex and renovate its loading dock facilities, doubling its service capacity to save events time and money.

Additionally, the adjacent commercial street will be straightened to provide space for a second conference center hotel and additional parking.

The City of Fort Worth expects the first phase to total 76,794 square feet and be completed in 2026.

The second phase, estimated at $606 million, will demolish the arena at the north end of the facility and build a new ballroom, an exhibit hall and meeting rooms in its place. The city will also revitalize the legacy portion of the convention center, which has not seen major investment in more than 20 years.

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Crum said the project will also add technological improvements, including charging stations, to the convention center, which recently got a Wi-Fi update, and will modernize its exterior, place public artwork to convey the city and make the building shell transparent enough for attendees to experience the city from within the building.

Additionally, a modern tasting room will be added to showcase catering offerings to potential show organizers, and flexible, convenient catering offerings, such as food-to-go, will be introduced.

Crum believes the updates will make the venue a destination for national conferences and enable it to host more association shows.

“To borrow a gaming term, we’re going to be upgrading,” Krumm said. “Right now, we’re a meeting destination that’s primarily focused on state association business… But as we modernize and scale, not only will we be able to increase our capacity to host that business — not only will we be able to host one large association at a time, but two in the future — we’re going to be a much bigger player in the southwest meeting market… I think you’re going to see us become much more active in the national meeting market.”

The convention center renovation is being done in tandem with other renovations in the area, including a planned expansion of the nearby Omni Hotel, where pedestrian access is a key focus. Adding high-speed rail is also under discussion.

“On one hand, this is an expansion and renovation of the convention center. In a broader sense, this project is part of the redevelopment of downtown Fort Worth and the ambition of Fort Worth to grow and become one of the largest cities in the United States,” Croom explained.

Learn more about the Fort Worth Convention Center here.