2025: A Year of Momentum for Columbus

2025 was a year of growth for Columbus travel and tourism – and disciplined leadership at the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA).

As the steward of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton Columbus Downtown, and Nationwide Arena, the FCCFA drove strong performance, made smart reinvestments, and advanced long-term planning, building momentum while protecting the public assets entrusted to us.

Growth brings both opportunity and responsibility. Our role is to ensure that public assets remain competitive, sustainable and positioned to deliver long-term value for the community we serve.

This past year reflected that balance. Across the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton Columbus Downtown and Nationwide Arena, 2025 was marked by strong activity, steady performance and continued investment in spaces that serve both residents and visitors.

Bringing People Together Downtown

Throughout 2025, the Convention Center welcomed hundreds of thousands of attendees for conventions, meetings and community events. These gatherings bring energy to downtown and create real economic impact by filling hotel rooms, supporting local restaurants and helping small businesses thrive across Central Ohio.

Hilton Columbus Downtown also saw another strong year, hosting visitors traveling to Columbus for work, sports, entertainment and leisure. As a publicly owned hotel, its success supports reinvestment in public assets and the long-term financial health of FCCFA’s facilities.

Focusing on the Experience

Behind every event and every stay is an experience. In 2025, guests at Hilton Columbus Downtown consistently rated their visits highly, placing the hotel among the top-performing Hilton properties nationwide. Since opening in 2012, the hotel has been recognized as one of the top two hotels of its size in North America, reflecting the daily efforts of staff focused on service, cleanliness, and guest comfort.

First impressions matter. At FCCFA, attention to the everyday details that guests notice when they arrive plays an important role in how Columbus is experienced. In 2025, when the Convention Center realized an unbudgeted operating surplus, those funds were reinvested into guest-facing improvements including painting, deep cleaning, wall coverings, new carpet and other facility enhancements. While not highly visible on their own, these investments help ensure the Convention Center remains welcoming, well-maintained, and reflective of the care taken to steward public assets.

Taking Care of Public Assets

Caring for public facilities means thinking beyond the present year. In 2025, Nationwide Arena marked its 25th anniversary, an important milestone for a building that plays a central role in downtown Columbus and the Arena District.

With that milestone comes responsibility. As a publicly owned facility, the Arena must continue to meet modern expectations for safety, accessibility, technology, and fan experience. Progress made this year toward a long-term modernization plan reflects a commitment to keeping this community asset strong and relevant for decades to come.

Acting with the Community in Mind

Our work also considers the broader impact of how these facilities operate. In 2025, the Convention Center expanded sustainability efforts that reduced waste and supported local food rescue programs—helping surplus food reach people in need throughout the region.

We also continued to invest in the people who make these spaces run every day, from facility teams to hospitality staff, while strengthening partnerships with local businesses and vendors. These choices reflect a belief that public assets should benefit the community in more than one way.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2026, the calendar is already filled with major conventions, sporting events, concerts and community gatherings. That momentum signals confidence from event organizers, visitors, and partners who see Columbus as a welcoming and well-run destination. At the same time, FCCFA is beginning a comprehensive master planning process for its downtown campus, creating a long-range framework to guide how these publicly owned assets work together, support future growth and continue delivering value for the community in the years ahead. Learn more: Shaping the Future of the FCCFA Campus

A Shared Effort

The progress of 2025 reflects the work of many. It would not be possible without dedicated staff, trusted operating partners, and the support of community and public leaders across Central Ohio.

As Columbus continues to grow, FCCFA remains focused on careful stewardship—ensuring these public facilities remain welcoming, resilient, and ready to serve the community for years to come.

By Ken Paul, Executive Director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority

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