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The San Diego Convention Center

Recognized as one of the top convention centers in the world

The San Diego Convention Center is the meeting planners' choice for hosting major conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events.

The 2.6 million-square-foot San Diego Convention Center is located on sparkling San Diego Bay in the heart of a vibrant downtown and has consistently been recognized as one of the top convention centers in the world. Abundant, flexible space and five-star service make the San Diego Convention Center the meeting planners' choice for hosting major conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events.

Conveniently Located Downtown

With beautiful panoramic views of both the city and the bay, it is ideally situated within a mile of 7,500 first-class hotel rooms and 10 minutes from the airport. Within walking distance are a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences including Horton Plaza, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter, which is home to more than 100 restaurants and nightclubs and 80 retails shops. Also located directly across from the Convention Center is PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

Downtown transportation is both convenient and stylish with horse-drawn carriages, the San Diego Trolley and the Coronado Ferry. The Trolley links downtown, Old Town and Mission Valley hotels to the Convention Center. The Trolley also connects the Convention Center to the Mexican border.

Features and Accolades

The San Diego Convention Center features 615,701 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 204,114 sq. ft. of meeting space including two 40,000-sq.-ft. ballrooms; and 284,494 sq. ft. of pre-function, lobby and registration areas. Over half a million square feet of contiguous exhibit space is divisible into seven halls of varying size, with streamlined columns in selected halls for column-free space. The building's architectural centerpiece, the 90,000-sq.-ft. Sails Pavilion, is now glass-enclosed and has been significantly enhanced with an industry standard trade show floor, state-of the-art lighting and a new cooling and heating system for maximum comfort all year-round. The Sails Pavilion is perfect for accommodating a variety of events ranging from trade show and food and beverage functions, to new product introductions and gala events. 

The San Diego Convention Center is an 11-time recipient of the Planners Choice Award for Excellence and a 6-time winner of the Prime Site Award.

By the numbers

  • 615,701 sq. ft. of total exhibit space
  • 525,701 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space
  • 90,000 sq. ft. Sails Pavilion - exhibit, reception, special event space
  • Two - 40,000 sq. ft. ballrooms
  • 204,114 sq. ft. of overall meeting space
  • 72 meeting rooms
  • 284,494 sq. ft. of pre-function, lobby, and registration space

Contact us to discuss hosting a meeting at the San Diego Convention Center.

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