Welcoming Visitors to Columbus and Inspiring Them to Explore Ohio

Every year, millions of people visit the Greater Columbus Convention Center to attend conventions, trade shows, sporting events and meetings. 

For many of them, it’s one of their very first experiences with Columbus. And often, it’s one of their first experiences with Ohio. 

That’s what makes this new partnership between the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) and the Ohio Department of Development’s TourismOhio initiative so meaningful. 

Together, we’ve introduced the Ohio, The Heart of It All brand throughout the Greater Columbus Convention Center, creating new opportunities to inspire visitors to discover more of our state while enhancing their experience inside one of Ohio’s premier visitor destinations.  

More Than New Signs 

Visitors arriving at the convention center will notice a series of new experiences designed to celebrate Ohio. 

These include: 

• The newly named Heart of It All Ballroom (formerly the Union Station Ballroom)  

• Large-format wallscapes highlighting destinations from across Ohio  

• Tourism-focused digital experiences throughout the building  

• Additional branded experiences that encourage visitors to explore communities across the state  

Together, these elements help tell a broader story about Ohio while making the convention center an even more engaging place for guests from around the country and around the world.  

Why It Matters 

The Greater Columbus Convention Center welcomed 1.7 million visitors last year. 

For some visitors, that first experience becomes something more. Many people who now live and work in Columbus first came here for a convention, meeting, sporting event or to visit family and friends. Their experience helped shape the decision to build careers, start businesses and put down roots in our community. 

Each person who walks through our doors represents an opportunity to not only to experience Columbus, but to discover everything Ohio has to offer. 

Whether that means extending a business trip, planning a return visit with family, exploring one of Ohio’s parks, discovering a charming downtown or visiting another community, every additional experience strengthens our state’s visitor economy. 

Tourism doesn’t stop at city limits. Visitors create itineraries, stay overnight, support local businesses and often return to experience even more. For many of our residents, the That’s why partnerships like this benefit communities across Ohio.  

A Different Kind of Public Partnership 

This initiative also reflects an innovative approach to collaboration. 

Rather than a traditional marketing agreement, the partnership combines naming rights, visitor experiences and promotional assets that help tell Ohio’s story while supporting existing economic development commitments between the State of Ohio and the FCCFA. 

It’s a model that creates value for both organizations while delivering a richer experience for visitors.  

Looking Ahead 

The partnership extends through 2031 and creates new opportunities to connect visitors with the destinations, attractions and experiences that make Ohio unique. 

As one of Ohio’s premier visitor destinations, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is uniquely positioned to introduce guests to the experiences that await throughout our state.