New Naming Rights Partner Signals Next Chapter for the City’s Premier Meetings and Events Venue

CINCINNATI (February 9, 2026) – Leaders from the City of Cincinnati, First Financial Bank, Hamilton County, Visit Cincy, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and other project partners and key stakeholders gathered this morning to unveil the new naming rights partner for the Cincinnati Convention Center. First Financial Bank has entered a Naming Rights Agreement with the City of Cincinnati, renaming the venue the First Financial Center.

The media event took place inside the convention center’s main entrance at the corner of Fifth and Elm Streets, where Mayor Aftab Pureval and City Manager Sheryl Long announced the new naming rights partnership and welcomed Archie Brown, President and CEO of First Financial Bank, on stage. Brown spoke about First Financial Bank’s commitment to the community and its belief in the vibrancy of downtown. The venue’s new logo appeared on a digital screen above the stage, offering attendees a first look at the First Financial Center branding that will soon be featured throughout the building’s interior and exterior. At the conclusion of the event, the iconic Cincinnati sign and other exterior digital signage were updated to recognize First Financial’s partnership and display the venue’s new name.

“First Financial’s support of Cincinnati’s revitalized convention center aligns perfectly with our mission of helping our clients and communities thrive,” said Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial Bank. “This outstanding facility will help businesses and visitors experience what we already know—that Cincinnati is a great place to live, work and play. Our support of this important civic resource represents all that we aspire to be as an outstanding community partner.”

First Financial’s downtown office tower, located at 255 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, was formerly known as the First Financial Center and has now been renamed to First Financial Tower.

“We are proud to announce First Financial Bank as the convention center’s new naming rights partner and grateful for their investment in this important civic space. Their support helps ensure our convention center continues to serve as a driver of economic growth and opportunity for our community,” Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said.

The completion of the convention center’s $264 million transformation was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 7, 2026. The 18-month renovation project transformed the outdated 55-year-old structure into a sought-after space for convention and event industry leaders. The modern convention center boasts a sleek glass façade, upgraded meeting rooms and ballrooms, and a brand-new roof. The third-floor Queen City Ballroom (former junior ballroom) underwent a total renovation and now features a 6,000-square-foot outdoor roof terrace adjacent to the space. Additional improvements to building systems and technology enhance energy efficiency and optimize the building for high-caliber conventions and events.

Construction on the Cincinnati Convention Center began in July 2024, with Messer Construction Co.—in partnership with Triversity Construction and Jostin Construction—serving as the construction manager. Moody Nolan served as the Architect of Record for the project with TVS as the interior design consultant. Moody Nolan and Hargreaves Jones collaborated on the design of Elm Street Plaza.

Additional information about the First Financial Center, including upcoming conventions and exhibitor resources, can be found at cincyconventions.com.

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