(For Immediate Release) – The highly-anticipated $24 million expansion project at the Sharonville Convention Center is now open. Doubling the space in the expo hall and adding several strategic event-focused features and amenities elevates Sharonville and Hamilton County, Ohio’s competitive position for trade shows, meetings, conventions, and tourism.

"The Todd Portune Hall stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering economic growth and bolstering our reputation as a premier destination for conventions and trade events," said Julie Calvert, President and CEO of Visit Cincy. "This expansion not only enhances our capacity to host larger gatherings but also underscores our dedication to providing top-notch facilities that leave a lasting impression on attendees."

Named in honor of the esteemed former Cincinnati City Councilmember and Hamilton County Commissioner, the Todd Portune Hall offers an expansive 40,000 square feet of flexible space. The Center also upgraded the amenities for meeting planners as well as attendees, including enhanced technology, complimentary Wi-Fi, the new Northern Lights Café, and the Aurora quick service Marketplace.

“The Center has always had a reputation for excellence and attention to detail, and that is certainly reflected in the expansion,” said Sharonville Convention Center Executive Director Jim Downton. “But most importantly, the expansion allows us to keep more business in the city and the county. We had to turn away business because of space restrictions. We won’t have to do that anymore.”

The annual economic impact of the expanded Sharonville Convention Center is, expected to reach $27 million within the first five years.

“The expanded Sharonville Convention Center is primed to attract a diverse array of conventions, meetings, and trade organizations, driving sustained growth and prosperity for the region,” said Sharonville Mayor Kevin Hardman.

“With the Duke Energy Convention Center reimagining beginning in July we will be able to utilize this larger space in Sharonville to keep some events in Hamilton County,” Calvert said. “Once the DECC is complete we will have two ideal locations to hold any event of any size right here.”

About Visit Cincy

Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.

###