With bold investments and visionary design, Cincinnati is transforming its convention district into a hub for world-class events and unforgettable experiences. Following a sweeping $264 million-dollar reimagination of the Duke Energy Convention Center and the upcoming groundbreaking of a 700-room Marriott headquarters hotel, the Queen City is poised to welcome the future of meetings and conventions.
Debuting in 2026
When the Duke Energy Convention Center reopens its doors in 2026 after the most ambitious renovation in its history, visitors will discover a completely transformed facility that blends innovative design with Cincinnati’s signature hospitality. The new exterior, with expansive glass panels, will provide more natural light and a true sense of arrival, while wider concourses and soaring atriums invite guests to move seamlessly through the space with a true sense of arrival.
A highlight of the project is the reimagined 17,326-square-foot Queen City Ballroom, which will debut with refined finishes and a stunning new outdoor terrace overlooking downtown. Nearly 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and all meeting rooms are being modernized with state-of-the-art features, while behind the scenes, upgraded building systems will deliver significant gains in sustainability and energy efficiency.
Enjoy the Heart of the City
Outdoors, the new 2.5-acre Elm Street Plaza will extend the convention experience into the heart of the city, offering a gathering place for everything from welcome receptions to live activations and civic celebrations. Together, these enhancements promise to elevate Cincinnati’s ability to host headline conventions while giving attendees a one-of-a-kind experience.
“This transformation is about much more than updating a building,” said Rodney Faulk, general manager of the convention center. “It’s about redefining the way Cincinnati hosts events and ensuring that our city remains a top destination for conventions and meetings of every size.”
The Transformation Continues
And the transformation doesn’t stop there. Just steps away, momentum continues with the fall 2025 groundbreaking of a Marriott-flagged headquarters hotel that will be connected via skywalk to the convention center. This $536 million property being developed by Portman Holdings will bring 700 guest rooms and more than 62,000 square feet of meeting space downtown, including a 17,000-square-foot events terrace. Guests will enjoy a restaurant, an outdoor bar and 15,000 square feet of retail.
Set to open in Q2 2028, the Marriott will serve as a powerful complement to the reimagined convention center, cementing Cincinnati’s reputation as a premier meetings destination. Together, these projects represent nearly $800 million of investment in Cincinnati’s convention district, ushering in a new chapter for the city. With the convention center reopening in 2026 and the new Marriott opening in 2028, Cincinnati is set to compete at the highest level for national and international conventions, while delivering unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Queen City.
For more information and to plan your next event, contact Bob Louis, Director of Sales 513.313.5515 | [email protected]