AUSTIN, Texas—The Austin Convention Center is marking a new chapter in the City’s evolution with a special commemorative event on April 17, 2025. The event and beam signing celebrated the launch of UnconventionalATX, a visionary convention center redevelopment project designed to create a walkable, sustainable, and globally competitive convention space in the heart of downtown Austin.
The event honored the legacy of the existing Austin Convention Center as work begins on the new $1.6 billion facility. The project, designed by LMN/Page, a joint venture, and constructed by JE Dunn/Turner, a joint venture, will significantly increase the facility’s rentable space, going from the existing 365,000 square feet to 620,000 square feet.
The redevelopment and expansion will enhance Austin’s ability to host world-class events while prioritizing indoor-outdoor experiences, pedestrian-friendly streets, and connectivity to key City cultural districts.
Attendees heard from Mayor Kirk Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, Austin Convention Center Director Trisha Tatro, and Tom Noonan, President and CEO of Visit Austin.
“This is an exciting moment for Austin,” said Trisha Tatro, Director of the Austin Convention Center Department. “We honored the legacy of the current convention center while looking ahead to a world-class, state-of-the-art facility that will reflect Austin’s spirit and energy. We’re grateful to our city leaders, employees, and partners for their support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2029 to experience the next generation of conventions and events in Austin.” Once completed, the new Austin Convention Center will be the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center, setting a precedent for environmental responsibility in the industry. Other project highlights include:
The event honored the legacy of the existing Austin Convention Center as work begins on the new $1.6 billion facility. The project, designed by LMN/Page, a joint venture, and constructed by JE Dunn/Turner, a joint venture, will significantly increase the facility’s rentable space, going from the existing 365,000 square feet to 620,000 square feet.
The redevelopment and expansion will enhance Austin’s ability to host world-class events while prioritizing indoor-outdoor experiences, pedestrian-friendly streets, and connectivity to key City cultural districts.
Attendees heard from Mayor Kirk Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, Austin Convention Center Director Trisha Tatro, and Tom Noonan, President and CEO of Visit Austin.
“This is an exciting moment for Austin,” said Trisha Tatro, Director of the Austin Convention Center Department. “We honored the legacy of the current convention center while looking ahead to a world-class, state-of-the-art facility that will reflect Austin’s spirit and energy. We’re grateful to our city leaders, employees, and partners for their support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2029 to experience the next generation of conventions and events in Austin.”
- Modern, flexible event spaces are designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings while integrating natural light and open-air terraces.
- A $17.7 million investment in public art solidifies Austin’s reputation as a creative and cultural hub.
- Expansive indoor-outdoor areas and pedestrian-friendly pathways will enhance connectivity with Waterloo Greenway and the Palm District.
- The ability to expand in the future to meet industry demand.
Following the closure of the current facility in April 2025, demolition and construction will commence, with an expected reopening in time for the 2029 Spring Festival season. Funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and convention center revenues, the project will ensure that Austin remains a premier destination for business and tourism while contributing to the city’s long-term economic growth.
For more information on the convention center construction, including renderings and project details, visit UnconventionalATX.com
The Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center are operated and managed by the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD), a division of the City of Austin.
ABOUT THE AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER:
The Austin Convention Center is a LEED® Gold-certified and GBAC STAR™-accredited facility. Located in the heart of downtown, the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) operates the Austin Convention Center, Palmer Events Center, three parking garages, and the Warehouse and Marshalling Yard. As an enterprise department, ACCD is not funded by property taxes, sales taxes, or transfers from the electric and water utilities. Over 10 million people have attended 6,000+ events, including over 900 conventions, at the convention center since it opened in 1992.
For more information on the convention center construction, including renderings and project details, visit UnconventionalATX.com
The Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center are operated and managed by the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD), a division of the City of Austin.
ABOUT THE AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER:
The Austin Convention Center is a LEED® Gold-certified and GBAC STAR™-accredited facility. Located in the heart of downtown, the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) operates the Austin Convention Center, Palmer Events Center, three parking garages, and the Warehouse and Marshalling Yard. As an enterprise department, ACCD is not funded by property taxes, sales taxes, or transfers from the electric and water utilities. Over 10 million people have attended 6,000+ events, including over 900 conventions, at the convention center since it opened in 1992.
