America’s 5 Largest Convention Centers for Events

Big events require big spaces. But when it comes to planning a large-scale event, you need more than just a lot of space. You also need a venue that has knows how to handle big crowds, has features that make your job easier, and is in a destination that improves attendees’ experiences.

Here are America’s best and largest convention centers, primed to host your next big event.

If these large convention centers don’t fit the bill, try our venue search tool to find many more options.

1. McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

You’ll want to put McCormick place on your shortlist if you have a large-scale event in the works. It is one of North America’s largest convention centers with 2.6 million sq. ft. available, including 1.3 million sq.ft. on one level, this convention center can handle anything you plan on hosting.

Some of the other features that make McCormick Place a tremendous venue are:

• Total square footage: 2.6 million
• Meeting rooms: 170 meeting rooms
• Meeting space: 600,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
• Ballrooms: 6 ballrooms
• Theater: Arie Crown Theater (4,249-seat venue)
• Hotel: Connected to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

On top of all the space and features, you also have the advantage of being in one of America’s greatest cities. Chicago is served by two major airports and several regions airports and it has a world-class public transportation system.

2. Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention center in the United States. And it serves as a major draw for central Florida, which attracts more than 1.4 million attendees. It has over 2 million sq. ft. in available exhibition space and is spread over two large buildings.

Other reasons this is one of the best of the largest convention centers in the country include:

• Total square footage: 2 million
• Meeting rooms: 74 meeting rooms
• Breakout rooms: 232 breakout rooms
• Theater: Linda W. Chapin Theater (2,642 seats)
• Dining: 8 food courts
• Gardens: 2,000 sq. ft. of stunning aeroponic gardens

Central Florida has is a great destination for large events because of all the different family oriented tourist attractions in the area including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks.

3. Sands Expo & Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is the king of convention destinations. While the city is filled with great venues, the Sands Expo & Convention Center, located at the Venetian, stands apart from the competition. It offers a staggering 1.2 million sq. ft. of meeting and event space, which any planner will love.

The combination of size, the experience of the staff, and the create location make the Sands Expo Center not only one of the largest convention centers but also one of the best.

Here you will also find:

• Total square footage: 1.2 million
• Theater: A 1,890-seat theater
• Capacity: Maximum banquet capacity of 1,260 people
• Hotel: Connected to the Venetian and Palazzo hotels

Because of its proximity to the iconic Strip of downtown Las Vegas, attendees have virtually unlimited dining and entertainment options. There is a reason more people attend Las Vegas than in any other city in the world.

4. Kentucky Exposition Center
Louisville, Kentucky

Commonly called the Fairgrounds, the Kentucky Exposition Center is a unique venue to host your upcoming convention or large-scale event. It is one of the largest convention centers on the East Coast. How big is it? It boasts a whopping 1.2 million sq. ft. of function space.

The Kentucky Exhibition Center also has:

• Total square footage: 1.2 million
• Theater: Broadbent Arena (600 seats)
• Class A exhibition space
• Skywalk connecting the two major buildings

The Kentucky Exhibition Center is located across of the Louisville International airport and is just minutes from downtown Louisville.

5. New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana

The freshly renovated Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an incredible venue for large events. You can enjoy the center’s 1.1 million sq. ft. of available space in one of America’s most beautiful and diverse cities. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is regularly one of the top ten convention draws in the United States.

• Total square footage: 1.1 million

Morial Convention Center is located less than 2,000 feet from the world famous Canal Street and near the banks of the Mississippi River. Best of all: this convention center is near some of the greatest food, music, and entertainment in the world.

Up next, find the perfect space for your next event when you explore unique Denver event venues, Washington DC event venues, Orlando’s large event venues, and New York City event venues.

Where are the largest convention centers in your city? Let us know on Twitter @socialtables!