City of Dallas reports steady progress on major expansion of Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Dallas, Texas – The City of Dallas is moving forward with a major transformation of one of its most important civic and economic assets, announcing clear progress on the first phase of a sweeping plan to demolish and expand the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.
City officials said recent advances on Component 1 of the Master Plan show steady momentum toward building a modern convention center that can compete on a global stage, while also supporting nearby neighborhoods and long-term growth across the city. Updates on the work were shared during a City Council briefing, where leaders outlined how planning, design, and early implementation steps are coming together.
“This is steady, disciplined progress on a project that matters deeply to Dallas,” said City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “Our teams have been focused on doing the work the right way, including refining the design, managing costs, and preparing the site. We will deliver a convention center that serves our residents, supports downtown, and positions Dallas to compete at the highest level.”
A cornerstone project for Dallas’ future
Component 1 is the foundation of the long-term effort to modernize the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, which serves as the city’s primary hub for conventions, trade shows, and major events. This phase includes the demolition of the existing facility and construction of a larger, more flexible, and more advanced convention center built to meet the changing needs of the meetings and events industry.
City leaders said the expanded facility will offer more exhibit space, additional meeting rooms, and larger ballroom areas, along with advanced event technology designed to support modern conventions. Sustainability is also a key focus, with energy-efficient building practices planned to align with Dallas’ environmental and resilience goals.
The work on Component 1 is being led by Inspire Dallas, the city’s program manager and owner’s representative. Inspire Dallas is a collaboration headed by Matthews Southwest, a Dallas-based firm known for shaping major parts of the city’s downtown skyline and delivering complex, large-scale projects.
Rosa Fleming, Director of the City’s Convention and Event Services Department, said the project is about more than a building.
“We are building a convention center that reflects where Dallas is headed,” Fleming said. “Component 1 strengthens our ability to attract major conventions and global events while creating a facility that connects better to downtown, supports local businesses, and delivers real economic benefits to our communities.”
Behind-the-scenes work and economic impact
Over the past several months, city staff and project partners have completed extensive behind-the-scenes preparation to keep the project moving. This includes finishing 100 percent schematic designs, finding cost efficiencies without cutting program scope, starting early enabling work, and coordinating complex operational transitions so events can continue during construction.
Much of this work has taken place within and around the existing convention center, carefully laying the groundwork for demolition and future construction while limiting disruption.
City officials said the expanded convention center is expected to act as a powerful economic engine for Dallas. By improving flexibility, functionality, and the visitor experience, the project aims to attract larger conventions, major trade shows, and international events. These events are expected to boost visitor spending, increase hotel stays, and support job creation across hospitality, tourism, construction, and small businesses.
Component 1 also places strong emphasis on connectivity. Plans focus on better links between the convention center, downtown Dallas, and South and Southern Dallas, with improved walkability, transportation access, and public spaces that benefit residents as well as visitors. Workforce development and local business participation are central goals, helping ensure Dallas residents and firms share in the benefits of the investment.
As Dallas prepares to host major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, city leaders said the expanded convention center will serve as a global front door, shaping how the world experiences Dallas.
With early phases now underway, the City of Dallas said it will continue advancing Component 1 through further design, engagement, and construction stages. City leaders emphasized their commitment to transparency, collaboration, and delivering a convention center that supports Dallas’ economic strength and community goals for decades to come.
