Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the Dallas Convention Center is no exception. Central to downtown and with over one million square feet of exhibit space, this state-of-the-art facility is large enough to accommodate everything from major auto shows and international conventions to intimate conferences and meetings.
Officially opened in 1957, the Dallas Convention Center has been expanded over the years (most recently in 2002) and now features over one million square feet of exhibition space. The Dallas Convention Center is also home to a 9,816-seat arena, a 1,750-seat theater and 96 meeting rooms.
Exhibit Hall F is the largest column-free exhibit hall in the U.S., with over 203,000 square feet. Hall F also features a unique noise and vibration isolation system, incorporating steel springs, rubber bearings and acoustical glass. While Hall F is built over four heavy-rail tracks and two light-rail tracks, thanks to the noise and vibration isolation systems you would never know it when inside.
If you’re considering holding a trade exhibition, major conference or a series of meetings at the Dallas Convention Center, be sure to call the Sales Manager at the Dallas Convention Center (214.939.2724). The conference team is experienced in organizing everything from major exhibitions to smaller conferences, and will ensure the planning process is easy and straightforward. From wireless Internet and catering assistance to disabled access and audio/visual support, the conference team can do it all.
The Dallas Convention Center is located at 650 S. Griffin Street. If you’re driving to the Convention Center, there’s plenty of parking! Two separate parking garages with 1,200 spaces are located below the main exhibition area. An additional 1,924 spaces are located throughout the convention center. The main garage is accessed from Griffin Street, between Memorial Street and Canton Street. There is also room to accommodate hundreds of trucks in and around the convention center, ideal for truck shows and special events.
If you leave the car at home, the Dallas Convention Center is a short walk or taxi ride from many nearby hotels. For the return trip, visit the electronic kiosk in Lobby C, where guests can order taxis to their hotels or the airport. The Convention Center sits above a Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) station that connects the red and blue light rail lines. From the station, walk towards Lamar Street and turn left onto Lamar. You will be able to access the Dallas Convention Center lobbies through the elevators, escalators and stairs. DART also connects the Convention Center to points of interest in downtown Dallas, such as the Arts District.
Long hours at the Convention Center will definitely work up an appetite! From authentic steakhouses and Tex-Mex restaurants to fresh seafood and spicy Ethiopian, the Big D is home to world-class cuisine. Many renowned culinary artists and celebrity chefs have restaurants in Dallas, including Wolfgang Puck’s Five Sixty, Tom Colicchio’s Craft and Sharon Hage’s York Street. There are also many delicious restaurants in downtown Dallas near the Convention Center that are perfect for business dinners and lunches, including Stephan Pyles, Dallas Fish Market, The Palm and Samar.
With more than 70,000 hotel rooms ranging from major international chains to local boutique hotels, Dallas has a bed for you! Downtown Dallas is home to a number of hotels, including Hotel Adolphus, Hampton End Dallas-West End-Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Dallas, Hotel Indigo Dallas and The Dallas Grand Hotel. These are all a short distance from the Convention Center, and are also near other popular Dallas attractions. In 2012, the Omni Hotel will open a brand-new hotel connected with the Convention Center.
If you’re in Dallas for a convention, be sure to step outside the Convention Center and explore the city. Conveniently located in the heart of Dallas, the Convention Center is just a short hop from museums, cultural centers and the world-famous Arts District. Other popular Dallas attractions include the West End Historic District, Dealey Plaza (home to the Sixth Floor Museum dedicated to the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy), and the Dallas Museum of Art.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect venue for your next trade show or will be attending a conference at the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas is a dynamic, vibrant and exciting city that’s ready to play host.
Related: