What's New in Convention Centers: Flex Spaces, New Builds, Renovations, and New NamesWhat's New in Convention Centers: Flex Spaces, New Builds, Renovations, and New Names
TSNN rounds up the latest news from convention venues in North America.
June 13, 2025
New Orleans unveiled a renovated event space, while an Austin suburb began construction on a hotel and convention center, an Ontario convention center started renovations, and Boston plans to rename its largest convention center after a former mayor.
Renovated Event Venue Opens in New Orleans
Through an acquisition earlier this year, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has expanded its capacity to accommodate a wider range of events with a flexible event space called The Warehouse at the Convention Center. Previously known as the Sugar Mill, the renovated venue is now accepting bookings through April 1, 2026.
Located directly across from the NOENMCC, The Warehouse features a 25,000-square-foot main floor and an adjoining 15,000-square-foot landscaped courtyard, capable of hosting more than 4,000 guests indoors and up to 6,500 guests when including the outdoor space. The venue’s interior space has been updated, and energy-efficient lighting was added as part of the renovation.
The NOENMCC is overseeing the property’s operations and programming, with plans to host events through Mardi Gras 2026. The space offers the flexibility to host a diverse mix of organizations, including local cultural groups, nonprofits, and convention clients seeking unique and customizable spaces.
“Adding The Warehouse at the Convention Center to our folio of event space extends exciting options to our existing clients while we extend our award-winning service to the multitude of clients who have used the Sugar Mill for the past 20+ years,” said Alita Caparotta, NOENMCC interim president and CEO.
Austin Suburb Breaks Ground on New Hotel and Convention Center
The City of Cedar Park, Texas, located approximately 16 miles northwest of downtown Austin, recently broke ground on a new hotel and convention center. The project will feature a Marriott hotel, slated to be Cedar Park’s first full-service hotel property. When construction is complete in 2027, the hotel and convention center will offer approximately 300 rooms, 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a full-service restaurant, a breakfast café, and a pool.
The hotel and convention center will serve as cornerstones of the larger CedarView development, a 118-acre mixed-use project anchored by the Nebraska Furniture Mart, which is currently under construction and set to be one of the largest retail spaces in Texas, according to Cedar Park City officials. The development will also include a Scheels Sporting Goods store and additional retail, warehouse, and event spaces.
Canadian Convention Center Embarks on $10 Million Renovation
The Hamilton Convention Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, is undergoing a $10 million renovation and revitalization project that will facilitate a more modern, versatile, and elevated experience for event organizers and attendees alike.
First floor lobby
Expected to be completed by March 2026, the three-level Canadian venue’s transformation includes the addition of two new breakout spaces, updated carpeting and flooring, structural changes, upgraded amenities, enhanced aesthetics, and more.
The renovation will upgrade multiple areas of the venue with modern design elements and enhanced functionality, including:
Lobby and Level 1
Refreshed lobby featuring a striking two-story moss feature wall and greenery
Redesigned reception area with central lounge space for gathering
Reimagined corridor with modern finishes and integrated wayfinding
New conversation nooks for informal meetings
Addition of coffee kiosk and wine bar
First floor corridor
Wentworth Hall
New ceiling panels with integrated LED lighting
Reclad walls matching adjacent wood finishes
Upgraded concession stand for improved guest service
Glass pedestrian bridge overlooking the hall to enhance connectivity
Wentworth Hall
Level 2
Refreshed corridors and meeting rooms with new flooring, finishes, and lighting
Improved wayfinding and feature walls for visual interest
Updated meeting rooms designed for productivity and inspiration
Second floor meeting room
Albion Room
Replacement of drop ceilings with large-scale pendant lighting
Reclad movable partitions with exposed glazing for flexibility and sightlines
New unifying carpeting throughout
Addition of wood moldings and wall sconces
Albion Room
Level 3
Enhanced registration zone with refinished cabinetry, updated lighting, and modular desks
Former coatroom transformed into flexible self-serve commissary with vending, coffee service, and workspaces
New sophisticated piano bar featuring lounge seating, reflective surfaces, metallic ceiling detail, and illuminated back-bar displays
Third floor lobby
Chedoke Ballroom
New ceiling panel inserts and upgraded lighting including cove and feature fixtures
Elegant wall panels with up/down sconces
Wall-to-wall flooring and acoustic treatments for comfort and sound quality
Central feature wall and refined stage backdrop
High-end finishes throughout
Chedoke Ballroom
Webster Room
Removal of drop ceilings and addition of custom light fixtures and wood moldings
New glazed folding doors connecting to outdoor terrace
Bar updates, new carpeting, and feature wall in the adjacent Webster Lounge
Webster Room
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Gets a New Name
At a commemoration event set for July 12, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) will be renamed the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in honor of the city’s longest-serving mayor who held office from 1993 to 2014.
In fall 2024, the Massachusetts Legislature passed H.5100, which included language to rename the BCEC to recognize Mayor Menino for his leadership in advocating for the development of the convention center.
“Last year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of the BCEC which would not have been possible without the leadership of Mayor Menino,” said Marcel Vernon Sr., CEO of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which owns and oversees the operations of the BCEC, as well as the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center and other local venues. “It is a fitting tribute that the convention and exhibition center he championed will now carry his name and we look forward to hosting the commemoration event in July.”
