Eau Claire, Wisconsin is full of unique and unusual meeting spaces. On Sept. 22, another venue will be added to the list with the official opening of the long-awaited Pablo Center at the Confluence, the city’s new arts center.

 “Chautauqua” is an Iroquois word that is literally translated either as “a bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together,” and describes the shape of Lake Chautauqua, in Celoron, New York. Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a new luxury property on the shores of that lake, in the area that gave rise to the Chautauqua Movement of educational and cultural centers in the late 1800s.

Some of the construction in downtown San Francisco will be ending soon, with a positive impact for event planners and attendees. The $551 million Moscone Center expansion project is due to be completed at the end of 2018.

The expansion adds more than 157,000 gross square feet of flexible meeting space to Moscone North and South and will increase the center's total exhibit space to more than 504,000 sq. ft.

On Aug. 13, Governor Rick Smith declared a state of emergency in seven counties along the Florida Gulf Coast, and the red tide continues to have a negative impact on the state’s shores and beaches. The toxic algae bloom is responsible for a drop in tourism that many local businesses worry will continue.

As the exhibitions industry continues to surge full speed ahead, more and more destinations are recognizing the need to upgrade, revamp and expand their convention centers in order to compete for major trade shows and events. 

These days, myriad facilities are celebrating ground breakings, undergoing new construction projects or anticipating grand openings, while others have put their plans on hold. 

Here are some of the major U.S. convention centers proposing, building and completing bigger, better, state-of-the-art spaces.

Caesars Forum

While a reopening of one hotel is always interesting, the reopening of two sister properties is doubly so. The adjacent Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa and Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa recently reopened after extensive renovations, offering new opportunities for corporate events.

Springfield, Mass. has a rich history of innovation. From Webster’s (now Merriam-Webster’s) dictionary to the first American gasoline-powered automobile to basketball, the city has spawned numerous inventions during its 375-year history — in fact, its nickname is “The City of Firsts.”

Hyatt Regency Zhenjiang, in East China’s Jiangsu province, opened in late July. The 318-room hotel is located atop the East Tower of Suning Plaza, the highest skyscraper in Zhenjiang.

“We are very excited to welcome guests and the local community to our new hotel,” said general manager Irwin Bao. “With a prime location, fantastic views, premier meeting facilities and intuitive service, we are confident that Hyatt Regency Zhenjiang will provide one-stop convenience to guests during their travels.”

Dual-branded hotels are becoming more and more prevalent. What can beat a dual-brand? A triple brand! Hilton has made new advances in the market, opening the world’s first tri-branded Hilton in Chicago.

The new property, which includes Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place, Hampton Inn by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place and Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place, is connected to McCormick Place, adjacent to Wintrust Arena.

The 10,000-square-foot Madison Meeting Center at Park MGM is a new breed of Las Vegas event space: a self-contained executive meeting center designed for small groups.

MGM Resorts says that the majority of their convention business is groups with 100 or fewer guest rooms. But traditionally, Las Vegas meeting space is rented using a model designed for larger groups. MGM aims to change that with the Madison Meeting Center, which opened in late July.