Black Meetings & Tourism - NEW $54 MILLION BRADENTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER NOW BOOKING FOR 2026 AND BEYOND

Industry Briefs
NEW $54 MILLION BRADENTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER NOW BOOKING FOR 2026 AND BEYOND
The 95,000 Sq. Foot Venue Offers Upscale Coastal Flair On Florida's West Coast The Bradenton Area Convention Center and its headquarters hotel are setting the foundation for a new era. Highly anticipated renovations and an expansion to the convention center have completely refreshed the venue with an upscale coastal flair. The convention center is expected to open in fall 2025. "The Bradenton Area Convention Center is a cornerstone of our community. As it enters its next decade as a modern convention center, this project represents the best of Manatee County," said Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard. Within the first year of operation, the spacious Bradenton Area Convention Center will add an estimated $30-40 million annual economic stimulus locally to the downtown area and beyond. Near the scenic Manatee River and centrally located on Florida's West Coast, the $54 million project offers: · 95,000 total square feet of conference space, ideal for small-to-midsize gatherings up to 3,800 people · An Exhibit Hall, offering 32,400 square feet of space · A new Grand Ballroom with 14,000 square feet available, offering seating for up to 800 guests banquet style · 4 customizable breakout rooms, that can be broken out into 7 total, equalling 8,000 square feet · Two outdoor plazas to enjoy Florida sunshine, the River Terrace and the Bay Plaza · And full service in-house catering, courtesy of Gulf Islands Hospitality, operated in the convention center's full-size onsite kitchen Meeting attendees can easily travel between the convention center and the headquarters Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa through a climate-controlled corridor connecting the two buildings. The luxurious hotel brings another 10,000 square feet of modern, indoor meeting space and more than 32,400 of outdoor event space. Along with 252 upscale, oversized guest rooms, the resort has a Beach Club that's perfect for team-building activities, a high-end spa offering relaxing treatments, and four unique dining experiences including the exclusive, fine dining experience of Oyster River. "We're proud to serve as the headquarters hotel of the Bradenton Area Convention Center," said Greg Ciaccio, general manager of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. "The connection of the Palmetto Marriott to the Convention Center now completes the expansive campus we've created to be the ideal meetings destination on the West Coast of Florida." The first major event taking place at the new Bradenton Area Convention Center will be the Florida Sports Hall of Fame's Enshrinement of the Class of 2025 on November 18-19. The venue's appeal to attendees continues through its delightful and customizable food options, as partner Gulf Islands Hospitality powered by Aramark will provide full catering services, drawing inspiration from the destination's well known Floribbean flavors. "We are energized to be a part of the Bradenton Area Convention Center team," Aramark Sports + Entertainment District Manager Thomas Crocker said. "By providing a world-class food and beverage experience, we work directly with planners to provide a distinct Florida flair to their events." Meeting planners now have a robust selection of flagship properties to select from when organizing in the Bradenton Area. Nearly 800 hotel rooms are within a five-mile radius of the Convention Center, making the Bradenton Area a must-visit destination for meeting planners on Florida's West Coast. Known for its sugar-white sand and turquoise waters, the Bradenton Area is famous for its authentic Florida beaches, fresh Gulf seafood and coastal charm. Business travelers can take advantage of these destination highlights with the Gulf Islands Ferry, with stops in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Conveniently located 12 miles from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), meeting attendees can get to the Bradenton Area using nonstop services from nearly 70 destinations. Just 41 miles away is Tampa International Airport, which adds another 100-plus nonstop flights to the Bradenton Area. For drivers, the convention center is just 4 miles from Interstate 75 and also easily accessed from multiple major highways. For more information, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/venues/convention-center/ . About the Bradenton Area Convention Center The Bradenton Area Convention Center is a spacious, sophisticated venue conveniently located near the heart of downtown Bradenton. The convention center is undergoing a $54 million renovation project to make it the picture-perfect companion for the headquarters hotel Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, which will be connected via a climate-controlled corridor. Easily accessed from two international airports and multiple major highways, the Bradenton Area Convention Center can host events of up to 3,800 people right next to world-class beaches and an easygoing downtown. For more information or to book your meeting in the Bradenton Area, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/venues/convention-center/ .

Industry Briefs

NEW $54 MILLION BRADENTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER NOW BOOKING FOR 2026 AND BEYOND

The 95,000 Sq. Foot Venue Offers Upscale Coastal Flair On Florida's West Coast

The Bradenton Area Convention Center and its headquarters hotel are setting the foundation for a new era. Highly anticipated renovations and an expansion to the convention center have completely refreshed the venue with an upscale coastal flair. The convention center is expected to open in fall 2025.

"The Bradenton Area Convention Center is a cornerstone of our community. As it enters its next decade as a modern convention center, this project represents the best of Manatee County," said Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard.

Within the first year of operation, the spacious Bradenton Area Convention Center will add an estimated $30-40 million annual economic stimulus locally to the downtown area and beyond.

Near the scenic Manatee River and centrally located on Florida's West Coast, the $54 million project offers:

· 95,000 total square feet of conference space, ideal for small-to-midsize gatherings up to 3,800 people

· An Exhibit Hall, offering 32,400 square feet of space

· A new Grand Ballroom with 14,000 square feet available, offering seating for up to 800 guests banquet style

· 4 customizable breakout rooms, that can be broken out into 7 total, equalling 8,000 square feet

· Two outdoor plazas to enjoy Florida sunshine, the River Terrace and the Bay Plaza

· And full service in-house catering, courtesy of Gulf Islands Hospitality, operated in the convention center's full-size onsite kitchen

Meeting attendees can easily travel between the convention center and the headquarters Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa through a climate-controlled corridor connecting the two buildings. The luxurious hotel brings another 10,000 square feet of modern, indoor meeting space and more than 32,400 of outdoor event space. Along with 252 upscale, oversized guest rooms, the resort has a Beach Club that's perfect for team-building activities, a high-end spa offering relaxing treatments, and four unique dining experiences including the exclusive, fine dining experience of Oyster River.

"We're proud to serve as the headquarters hotel of the Bradenton Area Convention Center," said Greg Ciaccio, general manager of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. "The connection of the Palmetto Marriott to the Convention Center now completes the expansive campus we've created to be the ideal meetings destination on the West Coast of Florida."

The first major event taking place at the new Bradenton Area Convention Center will be the Florida Sports Hall of Fame's Enshrinement of the Class of 2025 on November 18-19.

The venue's appeal to attendees continues through its delightful and customizable food options, as partner Gulf Islands Hospitality powered by Aramark will provide full catering services, drawing inspiration from the destination's well known Floribbean flavors.

"We are energized to be a part of the Bradenton Area Convention Center team," Aramark Sports + Entertainment District Manager Thomas Crocker said. "By providing a world-class food and beverage experience, we work directly with planners to provide a distinct Florida flair to their events."

Meeting planners now have a robust selection of flagship properties to select from when organizing in the Bradenton Area. Nearly 800 hotel rooms are within a five-mile radius of the Convention Center, making the Bradenton Area a must-visit destination for meeting planners on Florida's West Coast.

Known for its sugar-white sand and turquoise waters, the Bradenton Area is famous for its authentic Florida beaches, fresh Gulf seafood and coastal charm. Business travelers can take advantage of these destination highlights with the Gulf Islands Ferry, with stops in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

Conveniently located 12 miles from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), meeting attendees can get to the Bradenton Area using nonstop services from nearly 70 destinations. Just 41 miles away is Tampa International Airport, which adds another 100-plus nonstop flights to the Bradenton Area. For drivers, the convention center is just 4 miles from Interstate 75 and also easily accessed from multiple major highways.

For more information, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/venues/convention-center/ .

About the Bradenton Area Convention Center

The Bradenton Area Convention Center is a spacious, sophisticated venue conveniently located near the heart of downtown Bradenton. The convention center is undergoing a $54 million renovation project to make it the picture-perfect companion for the headquarters hotel Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, which will be connected via a climate-controlled corridor. Easily accessed from two international airports and multiple major highways, the Bradenton Area Convention Center can host events of up to 3,800 people right next to world-class beaches and an easygoing downtown. For more information or to book your meeting in the Bradenton Area, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/venues/convention-center/ .