The Anaheim Convention Center first became a meetings and conventions destination in 1967, and the original construction consisted of the domed Arena, which stands on Katella Avenue, an Exhibit Hall and Meeting Space. Since those early days, the Anaheim Convention Center has completed a total of 7 expansions plus several cosmetic renovations to update the Convention Center. Five of the major expansions provided additional exhibit hall and meeting room space. While the 5th expansion, completed in January 2000 resulted in a complete transformation of the Anaheim Convention Center and surrounding campus, the 6th expansion, completed in January 2013, was the Grand Plaza, a 100,000 square feet of exterior space offering meeting planners the opportunity for large outdoor gatherings including alfresco dining, concerts, receptions, exhibitions, meetings and more. The Grand Plaza’s singular design makes it unique among outdoor event venues and extremely versatile to accommodate almost any event.
Outside Shot of the Anaheim Convention CenterArena Shot During the Evening The Anaheim Convention Center had the grand opening of the 7th expansion referred to ACC North on September 26, 2017. This expansion is situated on what was formerly car park 1 and added 200,000 square feet of flexible space, which can be used for exhibits, meeting rooms or ballroom functions and includes a parking structure with 1,400 spaces. This expansion increases potential exhibit space beyond the 1 million square foot mark cementing the position of the Anaheim Convention Center as the largest convention center on the west coast of the United States.
Approach
Attendees approach the Anaheim Convention Center from Convention Way. They drive along a corridor of palm trees and convention hotels toward the glass walled towers which form the dramatic rotunda lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center main entrance. Taxis, buses and cars move efficiently around a traffic circle, dropping off attendees then moving back along Convention Way.
Lobby Areas For Registration & Pre-function Activities
The main lobby area soars 190 feet to the top of the highest spire. The walls are glass, inviting Southern California’s famous sunshine into your meeting. The Anaheim Convention Center’s pre-function areas total 200,000 square feet, offering limitless possibilities for dramatic meeting themes and show decoration. They invite the meeting planner’s imagination to soar.
Exhibition Space
The Anaheim Convention Center with 1.15 million square feet of exhibit space is the largest exhibit facility on the West Coast. All halls are directly accessible from spacious lobby/registration pre-function areas. ACC North with 200,000 square feet of exhibit space is connected to the other halls via an enclosed temperature controlled bridge to the second level of the main building.