Convention Center Welcomes Visitors Back Again and Again

The Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) is a familiar spot for visitors of major conferences.

AmericanHort just hosted its annual conference, Cultivate, which has been held at the GCCC for decades; and ASAE, which is widely considered the “Super Bowl” of meetings for association professionals, recently announced recently announced its return to Columbus in 2030.

Columbus first hosted ASAE in 2019, drawing more than 5,400 industry leaders. The event generated an estimated $185 million in future business for the city, solidifying the city’s reputation as a premier meeting destination. Other recent destinations for the conference include Toronto, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Cleveland.

For AmericanHort, it has found somewhat of a permanent home for its annual Cultivate Conference at the GCCC. The conference is considered the horticulture industry’s leading event and brought more than 10,000 attendees to Columbus in July 2024.

Ken Fisher, president and CEO of AmericanHort, praised the GCCC’s “consistent upkeep and maintenance” that ensures a state-of-the-art environment for events like Cultivate.

Continually drawing events of this magnitude is a testament to the city’s commitment to providing exceptional event experiences with first-rate customer service and excellent facilities.

“In Columbus, we truly roll out the red carpet for our visitors,” said Ken Paul, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA). “Our commitment to providing top-notch conference facilities and exceptional experiences sets us apart. And what allows us to continue to be a sought-after destination is our continued investment in our infrastructure.”

In 2017, the GCCC underwent a significant transformation with a major expansion and renovation project. The ambitious construction added a substantial 110,000 square feet of new space, while updating 800,000 square feet of existing facilities to maintain the center’s competitive edge.

Seven years later, the FCCFA is working on another phase of upgrades to ensure its Convention Center can meet the needs of the major events it hosts. The FCCFA proposed a $130 million capital plan for the GCCC, focusing on critical upgrades like new roofs and HVAC systems. These may not be flashy changes, but they are essential for ensuring the facility remains a top choice for years to come.

The FCCFA is confident in Columbus’ future as a convention powerhouse. The recent success of the downtown Hilton, the largest hotel in Ohio, serves as a prime example.

By prioritizing reinvestment in the GCCC, Columbus is showing its commitment to providing exceptional experiences for conferences, big and small. This dedication will not only drive repeat business like with ASAE and AmericanHort conferences, but it also attracts new events, further solidifying Columbus as a leading convention destination.