The Savannah Convention Center (SCC) in Savannah, Ga., has completed a massive, $276 million expansion that has positioned the venue to not only serve long-standing events wishing to grow but also attract new and larger-scale meetings and conventions to the historic coastal destination. 

Started on March 17, 2021, and completed on February 6, the transformative project has doubled the facility’s size to 660,000 square feet, with enhancements to existing spaces featuring modernized design elements, refreshed color schemes, and premium technology upgrades.  

“The enhanced functionality and aesthetics of the newly expanded facility are second to none,” said Kelvin Moore, senior vice president and general manager of the Savannah Convention Center. “In my 30+ years in the industry, I’ve overseen and worked with convention centers nationwide. None have the simple yet breathtaking views that the Savannah Convention Center now offers.” 

He added, “This investment reflects our commitment to driving more economic impact by attracting larger conventions, meeting the evolving needs of event organizers and attendees, and enhancing the overall attendee experience.” 

By the numbers 

Key highlights of the expansion include: 

• An additional 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, increasing the total to 200,000 square feet 
• A new 40,000 square-foot ballroom offering state-of-the-art design and flexibility for large gatherings with picturesque Savannah Historic District waterfront views 
• 14 new meeting rooms, increasing the venue’s total to 27 meeting rooms 
• An additional boardroom, bringing the total to five 
• Upgraded IT infrastructure to accommodate live streaming and internet access on multiple devices 
• Updated casual furniture in public spaces, dedicated spaces for Teams and Zoom calls, and huddle rooms 
• Three new public retail dining outlets just steps away from the Savannah River: The Port, a wine bar; The Brick, a coffee house; and The Hangar, a customizable open concept venue 
• A 900-space onsite parking garage 

The expansion, which underwent construction while the building remained open, welcomed its first event, the NIKE Savannah Showdown, February 15-17, and is currently booked to host more than 100 events through 2030. The venue hosts a variety of events annually, ranging from national, regional, and local associations to corporate events and trade shows, to sports, competitive arts, and consumer shows. 

Upcoming events using the entirety of the expanded facility include the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention, scheduled for June 20-24, and first-time events such as the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society (IVECCS 2026), and the Women in Aviation International (WAI 2027) conference, according to venue officials. 

Big picture 

Since opening in 2000, the facility has become a premier venue in the region for various events and clients, according to SCC officials. However, the growing demand for dates and more space highlighted the need for an expansion to enable the SCC to host more large-scale, simultaneous, and wider variety of events, not to mention increase its capacity to generate greater economic impact for the region and state.  

They added that in recent years event activity at the facility has yielded more than $200 million in economic impact annually, but with the doubling in space, the center’s capacity for generating economic impact has also doubled.  

“The expansion equips the Visit Savannah sales team and our sales partners at the SSC with new opportunities to engage in deeper and more productive conversations with current and new customers,” said Joseph Marinelli, president and CEO of Visit Savannah. “These enhancements will allow us to attract a wider variety of events and larger groups that may have previously faced challenges due to Savannah’s space limitations.” 

Hotel package 

To complement the expanded facility, a new Signia by Hilton headquarter hotel adjacent to the SCC is also in the works. Currently in the predevelopment stages with Songy Highroads, Matthews Southwest, and Hilton Hotels, the hotel is currently planned to feature more than 400 rooms, ballrooms, and additional meeting space, as well as a host of high-end amenities.  

Combined with the more than 400 rooms and extensive meeting spaces at the recently renovated Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, the city is now ready and able to compete with larger convention destinations, according to SCC officials. 

“People always love coming to Savannah from a leisure standpoint, but this expansion will truly put Savannah on the map for meetings and conventions,” said Angela Daniels, SCC director of sales and marketing. “With new spaces showcasing the destination—like the stunning Savannah Terrace overlooking the Savannah River and the Landmark Historic District—attendees will experience spectacular views and warm breezes that set Savannah apart from competing markets.” 

Looking ahead 

So how does the SCC envision this multi-million-dollar investment to impact Savannah’s meeting and convention business over the next decade? 

“Over the next decade, this investment will shape Savannah’s convention landscape by driving increased visitation, filling more hotel rooms, and supporting local businesses,” Moore explained. “The expanded facility will elevate Savannah’s reputation in the meetings industry, reinforcing its appeal as a top-tier destination that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern infrastructure. Ultimately, this project is about ensuring that Savannah remains a top choice for meeting planners and event organizers for years to come.” 

Have some meeting and convention venue news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

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