Trade Show News

Allied Construction Industries (ACI) released its latest Economic Impact Analysis on March 26, 2026, revealing that commercial construction in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Statistical Area generated $10.2 billion in total economic activity and supported 76,466 jobs. This report aims to inform elected officials and business leaders about the industry's significant contribution to the region.

Hillman Solutions Corp. was honored with a James A. Wuenker Growth Award by REDI Cincinnati for its Forest Fair Mall redevelopment project. This award acknowledges expansion projects that demonstrate significant economic impact and contribute to the Cincinnati region's long-term vitality. The presentation took place at the Duke Energy Convention Center during REDI Cincinnati's Annual Meeting.

Hillman Solutions Corp. received a REDI Cincinnati James A. Wuenker Growth Award for its Forest Fair Mall redevelopment project. The award recognizes projects with measurable economic impact and contribution to the region's vitality. The award ceremony was held at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

Hillman Solutions Corp. was honored with the 2026 James A. Wuenker Growth Award by REDI Cincinnati at an annual meeting held at the Duke Energy Convention Center (now First Financial Center). This award recognizes projects that significantly strengthen the regional economy, highlighting Hillman's commitment to the redevelopment of the Forest Fair Mall site. The project involves constructing a 715,000-square-foot multipurpose facility to consolidate several of Hillman's Cincinnati-area operations.

As part of Cincinnati's renovated Downtown Convention District, a new $536 million Marriott headquarters hotel is being added. The 700-room Marriott will be across the street from the First Financial Center and connected via skywalk, featuring 62,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 17,000-square-foot terrace. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2028 and will significantly expand the city's capacity for large-scale meetings.

A&S Party Rental provides professional trade show and expo services across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, specializing in pipe and drape rentals, tables, chairs, and complete booth installation. They support conventions, expos, and corporate events with reliable equipment and expert installation. The company works with show management to ensure booths meet venue requirements and exhibitor needs.

A&S Party Rental, an event rental company, provides professional trade show and expo services across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, including Cincinnati. They specialize in pipe and drape rentals, tables, chairs, and complete trade show booth installation for conventions, corporate expos, and industry trade shows. Their services ensure seamless setup and teardown for exhibitors and event planners.

Hospitality commercial platform Thynk has partnered with exhibition management software provider ShowCycle to introduce an integrated Exhibition Center Solution. This collaboration aims to streamline exhibition and venue management for large-scale convention centers and event venues by combining sales, operations, and exhibition management tools into a single Salesforce-powered system.

Messer Construction Co.'s Cincinnati office recently completed the comprehensive renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center and the adjacent Elm Street Plaza. This significant project transformed the convention center into a modern facility, enhancing Cincinnati's appeal for major events.

Messer Construction Co.'s Cincinnati office recently completed the comprehensive renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center and Elm Street Plaza. The firm, in partnership with Triversity Construction and Jostin Construction, served as the construction manager for the $264 million project. This completion marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of Cincinnati's downtown convention district.

The Cincinnati Auto Expo is preparing to return to the newly refreshed Duke Energy Convention Center from March 26-29, 2026. The four-day event will showcase new crossovers, EVs, sedans, SUVs, pickups, and vans from various manufacturers. Attendees can explore the latest features and technology in the automotive industry.

The 2026 Cincinnati Auto Expo, held at the First Financial Center (formerly Duke Energy Convention Center), celebrated the regional retail automotive industry. Guests had opportunities to experience new technologies and features in the latest model cars, crossovers, EVs, sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and trucks. The event also featured special exhibits like the Chevrolet Ride & Drive and Dream Machine Boulevard.

Allied Construction Industries (ACI) will host its Construction Career Days on May 6-7, 2026, at the Warren County Fairgrounds. This career fair will draw middle and high school students to explore interactive exhibits related to the construction trades.

The 2026 Cincinnati Auto Expo is scheduled to take place from March 26-29, 2026, at the newly renamed First Financial Center. The expo will showcase new model cars, crossovers, EVs, sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and trucks, offering guests a sales-free environment to compare models and features.

The Cincinnati Auto Expo 2026 is scheduled for March 26-29, 2026, at the Duke Energy Convention Center (now First Financial Center), showcasing the latest features and technology in the automotive industry.

Vivid Exhibits, a Cincinnati trade show display company, highlighted the Duke Energy Convention Center (now First Financial Center) undergoing a transformative renovation. The updated center will feature modernized spaces, upgraded ballrooms, a new expansive rooftop terrace, improved energy efficiency, and a redesigned exterior for greater natural light. It is located downtown within walking distance of 3,200 hotel rooms and connected to a new Marriott headquarters hotel via skywalk.

The newly updated First Financial Center (formerly Duke Energy Convention Center) in Cincinnati showcases modernized spaces, upgraded ballrooms, a new expansive rooftop terrace, and improved energy efficiency. The venue is located downtown, within walking distance of 3,200 hotel rooms, and is connected to a new Marriott headquarters hotel via skywalk, also featuring the new two-acre Elm Street Plaza outdoor convention area.

BizBash highlighted the newly opened First Financial Center in Cincinnati as part of its 'What's New in Event Venues' report for March 2026. The article notes the modernized gathering spaces and connected outdoor plaza as part of the city's bold transformation of its convention campus. This makes it a standout for event planners.

Messer Construction Co.'s Cincinnati office recently completed a comprehensive renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center and Elm Street Plaza. The facility has been renamed the First Financial Center following a $10.1 million, 15-year naming rights agreement. The $264 million transformation, which debuted in January, includes a sleek glass façade, upgraded meeting rooms, ballrooms, a new roof, and a 6,000-square-foot outdoor terrace.

The Sharonville Convention Center, located 15 miles north of Cincinnati, has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices.