The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center offers over 1 million square feet of total event space, including 434,224 square feet of dedicated meeting space with more than 80 configurable meeting rooms. The venue hosts large-scale events such as the Dallas Auto Show and International Builders’ Show.
You’ll find diverse dining options with capacity to serve up to 15,000 guests. Located just 7 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport, the venue features ADA-compliant facilities and multiple transit options.
A $3–4 billion redevelopment project will transform the convention center and surrounding area with new infrastructure and modern amenities by 2029.
Meeting Spaces and Venue Specifications
When planning events at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, you’ll find a variety of versatile meeting rooms and large exhibit halls within its expansive 1 million+ square feet of event space. The largest contiguous exhibit hall spans over 203,000 square feet, and the center features additional breakout rooms and ballrooms designed for trade shows, corporate meetings, and public expos.
Interactive 3D floor plans and digital layouts help planners customize the venue to fit specific needs, offering details like ceiling heights, seating capacities, and technical setups.
With proximity to both Dallas Love Field (7 miles) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (approx. 20 miles), the venue offers seamless access for local and international attendees. Catering is provided by Sodexo Live!, with downloadable menus available for pre-planning.
Upcoming Events and Convention Highlights
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With over 1 million visitors annually, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center hosts a full calendar of high-profile events year-round. As Dallas’s premier convention venue, it draws major shows across various industries.
Here are a few standout events:
- Dallas Auto Show – Showcasing the latest in vehicle design and technology
- International Builders’ Show – One of the largest home construction expos in the country
- Fan Expo Dallas – A large pop culture and comic convention held each summer
The center previously hosted the NRA Annual Meeting, though future appearances rotate locations. Expect expanded programming and capacity with the completion of the upcoming redevelopment. This growth aligns with Dallas’s increasing prominence as a top-tier corporate destination, now home to 24 Fortune 500 headquarters.
Catering Options and Culinary Excellence
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Food service at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center goes beyond expectations, delivering scalable catering solutions with a focus on quality and sustainability. Its culinary team, managed by Sodexo Live!, offers over 100 menu options, capable of serving up to 15,000 attendees at peak events.
Catering includes:
- Locally sourced and health-conscious options, such as gluten-free meals
- Customizable banquets, buffets, and quick-service stations
- Signature Tex-Mex favorites and regional Southern cuisine
The Convention Center holds the distinction of being the first in the country certified by the Food Recovery Network, donating over 11,000 meals annually to local nonprofits. This reinforces its commitment to sustainability and social equity through every plate served.
Transportation and Accessibility Features
Located in downtown Dallas, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is one of the most accessible venues in Texas. It lies just 7 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport and about 20 miles from DFW International Airport.
Key features include:
- ADA-compliant design with accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators, and seating
- Gender-neutral restrooms and accessible registration desks
- DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail access via Convention Center Station
- Dallas Streetcar connections to nearby districts and hotels
Driving visitors will find plentiful parking, including a convention center garage, surface lots, and bus drop-off zones. The 524 bus route offers direct transfer from DART’s rail system to Love Field.
Local Attractions and Exploring Dallas
The Convention Center sits within walking distance of some of Dallas’s most beloved cultural landmarks:
- Klyde Warren Park – A 5.2-acre deck park with food trucks, games, and community programs
- Dallas Arts District – Home to the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and Meyerson Symphony Center
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – Chronicling the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy
For sports fans, American Airlines Center and AT&T Stadium are accessible via public transit or rideshare. Whether arriving through DFW or Love Field, visitors will enjoy easy navigation to and from the convention center, along with endless entertainment and dining opportunities.
Expansion Plans and Future Developments
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A multibillion-dollar redevelopment plan announced in 2022 will replace and reimagine the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center by 2029. The project includes a complete rebuild of the current facility and a new 2.5 million-square-foot campus, connecting downtown to South Dallas.
Planned features include:
- Over 1 million square feet of exhibit space
- Dozens of modern meeting rooms and a 1,750-seat theater
- A new arena with nearly 10,000 seats for sports, concerts, and large productions
- Adjacent mixed-use development, parks, and improved pedestrian access
This investment underscores Dallas’s ambition to become a top five convention city in the U.S., attracting even more large-scale global events and tourism dollars to the region.
Sustainable Practices and Community Impact
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center—it’s a pillar of its operating model. As the first Food Recovery Network–certified facility of its kind, the center rescues excess food and redistributes it to residents through local nonprofits.
Additional practices include:
- Waste diversion programs and green cleaning initiatives
- Inclusive infrastructure with ADA compliance and gender-neutral facilities
- Community partnerships with Dallas ISD and local job training programs
The convention center has earned accolades such as inclusion in EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Centers of Excellence for four consecutive years, thanks to its blend of functionality, sustainability, and civic impact. Nearby, guests can visit the Dallas Farmers Market or free exhibitions in the Arts District to enrich their stay with local culture.