Trade Show News

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston saw local hotel occupancy down in June compared to previous years, despite increased revenue due to higher rates. Experts suggest that World Cup attendees may have displaced other tourism drivers, including conferences and conventions, leading to a 'crowding-out effect.'

Houston's tourism industry generated a significant economic impact of $26.8 billion in 2025, with conventions and events playing a crucial role. The region welcomed 90.1 million visitors and hosted 730,000 attendees for events booked by Houston First, resulting in 22.8 million hotel room bookings.

The George R. Brown Convention Center expansion project, which recently received approval for $2.3 billion in bonds, is projected to generate more than $20 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years. This transformative investment aims to reshape downtown Houston.

The full expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center won't be completed for several years. But it's already bringing new economic benefits to Houston.

The Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) has announced upcoming events, including a gathering at the Bayou City Event Center on September 24, 2026, and a webinar on September 30, 2026. These events provide networking and educational opportunities for industry professionals.

Pinnacle Live is seeking a Venue Director I for Audio Visual and Event Technology in Houston, TX. This leadership role involves managing venue operations, achieving sales and operations goals, and providing best-in-class customer service to hotel partners, clients, and team members.

Houston First Corporation has restructured its leadership to support the ongoing George R. Brown Convention Center's GRB South expansion and the broader Convention District Transformation initiative. Luther Villagomez was named Chief Development Officer, and John Gonzalez was promoted to Chief Venues and Events Officer, separating venue operations from development functions to provide dedicated oversight for future growth.

Houston First Corporation has restructured its leadership, separating venue operations from development functions to provide dedicated oversight for the George R. Brown Convention Center's GRB South expansion and ongoing event management. Luther Villagomez was named Chief Development Officer, and John Gonzalez was promoted to Chief Venues and Events Officer.

Houston First Corporation has restructured its leadership, creating separate executive roles for convention center development and venue operations. This strategic move aims to provide dedicated focus on the large-scale George R. Brown Convention Center expansion while ensuring efficient management of ongoing events and operations.

Tokyo X, described as 'Texas' largest indoor Japanese festival,' is returning to Houston's NRG Center this weekend, transforming the venue into a Japanese food, anime, and pop culture festival. The two-day event is expected to draw over 25,000 attendees and features more than 600 vendors, live entertainment, and interactive spaces.

The Power Continuity Expo Houston, a new trade show under the Disasters Expo USA umbrella, is announced for 2027. It will focus on backup power solutions, generators, UPS systems, and grid resilience for operational continuity.

The HEAT Convention & Competition is coming to Houston, TX, on February 19-21, 2027, hosted at the Hilton Houston North, featuring classes with industry faculty, competition, and scholarship auditions.

The txEDCON (TASA/TASB) Convention is scheduled for October 8-11, 2026, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. This exhibition celebrates Texas School Districts' participation in Youth Art Month/TAEA Programs.

The Card Syndicate Trade Show, 'Houston New Year Kickoff,' is scheduled for January 2-3, 2027, at The Westin Galleria Houston. The event offers standard and premium vendor tables for the two-day opportunity.

Houston City Council has approved $2.3 billion in bonds for the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion, a project anticipated to generate over $20 billion in economic impact over the next three decades. The first phase, GRB Houston South, will add 700,000 square feet and connect to the Toyota Center, with completion expected by May 2028.

Houston First Corporation has unveiled an ambitious master plan for the George R. Brown Convention Center, including a 700,000-square-foot expansion dubbed GRB Houston South, expected to be completed by May 2028. The project, which received approval for $2.3 billion in bonds, aims to transform downtown's East End into a walkable convention and entertainment district and is projected to generate over $20 billion in economic impact.

Houston City Council has approved $2.3 billion in bonds to advance the George R. Brown Convention Center's expansion project. This transformative investment is projected to generate over $20 billion in economic impact for the region over the next three decades. The initial phase, known as GRB Houston South, will be a 700,000-square-foot facility designed to connect with the Toyota Center via a new pedestrian plaza, with an anticipated completion in May 2028.

Houston City Council has approved $2.3 billion in bonds to advance the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) expansion. The project, including the GRB South building and a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza connecting to the Toyota Center, is expected to generate over $20 billion in economic impact over 30 years. The first phase is scheduled to open in May 2028.

A Facebook post from Downtown Houston's leadership highlights the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion as a 'neighborhood story,' aiming to create a vibrant, walkable convention and entertainment district. Phase one includes a 700,000-square-foot GRB expansion and a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza connecting to Toyota Center.