Fall conventions bring big business to downtown Fort Worth

Published on October 12, 2022

Fort Worth projects an estimated $19 million in economic impact this fall as more than 10,000 convention and meeting attendees converge on downtown, contributing to the economy through hotel stays, dining, shopping and visiting attractions.

Fall 2022 meetings include:

• 2022 BWI Expo, Sept. 12-14. Attendance: 2,500.
• Southwest Veterinary Symposium Annual Meeting, Sept. 22-25. Attendance: 4,000.
• Southern Gas Association Gas Machinery Conference, Oct. 2-5. Attendance: 1,300.
• Rail Supply Institute Expo & Conference, Oct. 11-13. Projected attendance: 1,200.
• HRSouthwest Conference, Oct. 16-19. Projected attendance: 1,000.

Conventions are part of a $2.6 billion visitor economy that employs 28,000 people locally. In fiscal year 2022-23, an estimated 229,000 attendees converged on Fort Worth for 255 events, resulting in more than 199,000 hotel nights.

“Conventions are big business for our downtown community and we are thrilled to welcome great customers to Fort Worth this fall,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “We are working closely with the convention center team to ensure business is booked during both phases of the center’s construction.”

The City of Fort Worth recently announced the architectural design firms for Phase 1 of the upcoming convention center expansion, which includes constructing state-of-the-art food and beverage facilities and realigning Commerce Street. The Convention Center will remain operational during the renovation work. 

Photo: The Fort Worth Convention Center is hosting large crowds this fall and will remain operational during upcoming renovation work.

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