Animate Columbus - Friday Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus

The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Downtown Columbus, Ohio, broke ground in 1978, and it was opened for the local public in 1993. Since then, it has undergone an expansion in 1999 and 2017. The convention center is under the ownership of Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, operated by ASM Global, with Peter Eisenman was the architect. The initial construction cost of the venue was $94 million. The convention center includes 447,000 square feet (41,500 m2) of exhibit space, 75 meeting rooms, and three ballrooms.

Some of the major events that took place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center include the 4th International Eco-summit, which was held first time in the US in 2012; John Deere: Ag & Turf New Product Intro; the National Hockey League’s 2015 Fan Fair; the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church; and World Summit on Trade Efficiency.

Some of the notable annual expositions that are held at the convention center include Arnold Sports Festival, Columbus International Auto Show, Cultivate – An American Hort Experience, Ohayocon: a three-day anime convention, Ohio Star Ball, Origins Game Fair, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast Celebration, and Health Occupations Students of America.