ASM Global awarded management of revamped Duke Energy Convention Centre

The City of Cincinnati has chosen ASM Global, the world’s leading venue manager, to operate the revamped Duke Energy Convention Centre (DECC). Located in downtown Cincinnati, the venue is currently undergoing a $240m transformation and is scheduled to be unveiled in January 2026. DECC joins an extensive ASM Global portfolio of convention and conference centres – the largest in the world. With top restaurants, bars, sports venues and more just blocks away, the venue is on the doorstep of some of Cincinnati’s most popular attractions. City manager Sheryl M.M. Long said: “We are so thrilled to begin a new chapter for DECC, which will be a truly world-class facility and attract more events than ever before. The role of the newly-renovated DECC in welcoming visitors, driving economic activity downtown and showcasing Cincinnati to the world will be nothing short of extraordinary.” Dan Hoffend, ASM Global’s executive vice-president, convention centres, commented: “We are honoured that the City of Cincinnati has entrusted ASM Global to unveil and share the new DECC with clients the world over.” Julie Calvert, president and CEO of Visit Cincy, added: “The operations and management of the reinvented DECC will be a key part of our ability to attract new conventions and drive economic impact. ASM Global’s … network of convention centres in their portfolio will be a key factor in achieving our collective goals.” The facility closed 1 July 2024 and will reopen 1 Jan 2026. When the updates are complete, it will house upgraded meeting space and ballrooms and an expansive rooftop terrace, as well as improvements to its technology systems, making the building more energy-efficient. The development will spill over to a neighbouring street creating a two-acre park and outdoor convention area for activities and breakout sessions. The DECC reconstruction comes as part of a new, elevated convention district in the city. This will include a new convention headquarters hotel with 800 rooms, 80,000 sqft of flexible meeting space with junior and senior ballrooms. Before closing down for the construction, the venue’s 750,000 sqft of event space hosted 63 events in 2024 with more than 292,540 attendees. At present, there are nearly 3,487 adjacent hotel rooms, over 5,000 nearby parking spaces and more than 100 restaurants.