The Dayton Convention Center (DCC) in downtown Dayton, Ohio, managed by ASM Global, was sold last year to the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority (MCCFA) and has officially begun a $40 million renovation that is expected to be completed in the late summer or early fall of 2024.
The venue was built in 1971 and was due for an upgrade. The renovation will include a total redesign of the 68,000 square foot exhibit hall, an outdoor terrace overlooking public green space, an upgraded HVAC system — which is becoming increasingly common and an added selling point in the post-pandemic era — enhanced LED lighting, and a new telescoping seating system.
“With the additional hotel inventory coming online in 2022 and 2023, the renovation of the Dayton Convention Center will solidify Dayton’s place on the map for meeting and event planners in the region,” said Jacquelyn Powell, president and CEO of the Dayton CVB. “The sleek and modern design is a long-awaited and welcome addition to our impressive list of meeting and event facilities in Montgomery County.”
The renovation is one of several around the country as meeting facilities look to modernize and meet the changing needs of their clients. This update will also help revitalize the city’s economy, particularly following the pandemic. The venue will remain open and able to host event throughout the project.
The DCC is expected to host around 98 events this year, and around 120 events in 2023. Downtown Dayton will also be adding more hotels in the near future to add to its room inventory, including a Hilton Garden Inn and an AC Hotel by Marriott.
“It’s an exciting time to be in Dayton,” added Kelli Donahoe, DCC general manager. “We are on the cusp of a monumental movement here in downtown, and the DCC is an integral part of this economic revitalization. In addition to the heartfelt hospitality the DCC team delivers, meeting and event planners can expect a full building update.”