During a press conference at PCMA’s Convening Leaders conference in Philly yesterday, Visit Austin CEO Tom Noonan and Austin Convention Center Director Trisha Tatro shared significant updates regarding the city’s infrastructure, hospitality growth and a new brand identity.
The “MORE AUSTIN” Campaign
Austin has launched a new campaign titled MORE AUSTIN. This initiative highlights that during the multi-year redevelopment of the convention center, visitors can expect an enhanced focus on live music, local culinary scenes, and neighborhood-specific experiences.
Austin Convention Center Redevelopment
Scheduled to open in early 2029, the new convention center is currently in the excavation phase following the completion of demolition in October 2025. Key features of the new facility include:
- Capacity & Space: A 336,000-sf exhibit hall, a 92,000-sf Flex Hall, and a 47,000-sf ballroom inspired by Texas dance halls.
- Outdoor Integration: A nearly 30,000-sf open-air plaza and a dedicated shuttle drive that can be closed for street festivals.
- Sustainability & Community: The project aims for LEED Gold and ILFI Zero Carbon certification. Over 70 percent of original materials were recycled, and excavated soil is being used to help build a local high school.
A sneak peek of updated renderings was shared during the press conference; however, these will not be available for distribution until later this month. Stay tuned to Prevue! Check out the details here.
Transportation & Infrastructure
- Airport Expansion: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is undergoing a physical transformation, including the West Infill project to expand TSA checkpoints and a new gate expansion.
- Future Growth: Planning is underway for a new Arrivals & Departures Hall and the 20-gate Concourse B, slated for the early 2030s.
- Airlines: Delta recently opened a flight attendant base, and Southwest Airlines will launch a new pilot and crew base by mid-2027, bringing 2,000 jobs to Austin.
Hotels & Hospitality
- New Openings (2026): The 1 Hotel Austin (located in the Waterline, the tallest building in Texas) and the Hotel Trinity (an Autograph Collection boutique) are both set to open in 2026.
- Renovations: The historic Driskill Hotel will complete a massive restoration in 2026. Recent renovations were also completed at the W Austin, JW Marriott and Hyatt Regency, among others.
Live Music & Entertainment
- AEG Presents Venue: A new 4,000-capacity indoor venue at River Park is scheduled to open in early 2027.
- UT Public Arena: The University of Texas is constructing a new 6,000-seat multipurpose arena for its volleyball program and other events.
New Digital Resources
Visit Austin recently launched a redesigned website, visitaustin.org, and a dedicated microsite for planners at austinmeetings.org.
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