Top Ten Convention Centers in New York

Top Ten Convention Centers in New York [Updated for 2024]

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an art lover, or a culinary explorer, New York’s convention centers offer an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of innovative experiences.

Although the streets of the Big Apple appeal to many, New York convention centers are as vast as the state itself. From Albany to Syracuse to New York City, these beautiful expo centers are a big piece of modern innovation.  

These colossal venues, like the Javits Center, are more than just buildings; they are sprawling canvases where the world’s most innovative minds converge to create unparalleled products and services. 

Now imagine walking through convention halls, echoing the latest tech breakthroughs, fashion trends, and global cuisines, each corner unveiling a new surprise. This is the essence of trade shows in the state of New York. 

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an art lover, or a culinary explorer, New York’s convention centers offer an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of innovative experiences.  

In New York, every step is a discovery, and its convention centers are shining jewels in the state’s illustrious crown.  

Today, we will dive deep into the Top Ten Convention Centers in New York. 

Top Ten Convention Centers in New York


10. The New York Expo Center 

Location: 1110 Oak Point Ave, Bronx, NY 10474 

Website: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/venues/expo-center 

The New York Expo Center is located in the heart of the Bronx, a sprawling venue that transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.  

This sprawling venue stretches across an impressive 10 acres, with a whopping 90,000 square feet of indoor space that acts as a canvas for all sorts of gatherings – from electric music festivals to large-scale trade shows where the latest innovations dazzle attendees.  

This Expo Center has an ample outdoor area, often transformed into a carnival of food trucks and pop-up performances, and offers a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline.  


9. The Oncenter 

Location: 800 S State Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 

Website: https://www.asmsyracuse.com/p/book/our-spaces/the-oncenter-convention-center 

What makes the Oncenter truly unique is its trio of facilities: the War Memorial Arena, a haven for sports lovers and concert-goers; the Crouse Hinds Theater, which transforms into a magical world for theater and dance; and the Convention Center, a sprawling space for everything from comic cons to elegant galas to trade show events. 

This massive center is a prime space in upstate New York. 


8. Albany Capital Center 

Location: 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207 

Website: https://www.albanycapitalcenter.com/ 

The Albany Capital Center is a glistening jewel in the heart of New York’s capital.  

This state-of-the-art facility encompasses an impressive 50,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting space, each room bathed in natural light and offering stunning views of the Albany skyline. 

But it’s not just about size and beauty; the Albany Capital Center is renowned for its advanced technological capabilities, featuring top-tier audio-visual equipment that can spark any presentation or performance.  

It is also strategically located, seamlessly connected to the Empire State Plaza and the Egg Performing Arts Center, creating a dynamic hub of culture, business, and entertainment.  


7. Buffalo Niagara Convention Center  

Location: 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 

Website: https://buffaloconvention.com/ 

The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center stands proudly in the heart of Buffalo, New York.  

What sets it apart is its impressive 110,000 square feet of versatile event space and its unique embodiment of Buffalo’s spirited vibe and welcoming atmosphere.   

Its strategic location, nestled between Lake Erie’s sparkling waterfront and downtown Buffalo’s historic streets, offers visitors a taste of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant contemporary scene. 


6. Rochester Riverside Convention Center 

Location: 123 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604 

Website: https://www.rrcc.com/ 

This convention center is a venue where the Genesee River’s gentle currents add a serene backdrop to bustling conventions, where natural light dances through expansive glass windows, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.  

But what truly sets it apart is its whimsical “skyway” – an enclosed pedestrian bridge that provides attendees with a delightful aerial pathway to nearby hotels, which gives the trade showgoers a bird’s eye view of Rochester.  

Inside this convention center, the center buzzes with an eclectic mix of events, from comic book conventions to elegant wine tastings where the clink of glasses blends with laughter. 


5. Park Avenue Armory 

Location: 643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065 

Website: https://www.armoryonpark.org

This historic building, constructed in the 1880s, is an eclectic mix of military bravado and artistic flair. Once a bastion for the prestigious Seventh Regiment of the National Guard, it now hosts an entirely different battalion: Trade Shows, Performances, and Expo Events. 

The Armory’s massive Drill Hall, reminiscent of a European train station with its soaring 80-foot ceilings, provides a dramatic backdrop for avant-garde performances and trade show installations. 


4. Pier 36 NYC 

Location: 299 South St, New York, NY 10002 

Website: https://pier36nyc.com/ 

Pier 36 in New York City is not just a pier; it’s the bustling hub of creativity and commerce surrounded by water. Pier 36 stands out by its chameleon-like ability to transform from a serene riverside spot into a dynamic venue for trade shows and events.  

With its sprawling 70,000 square feet of space, this waterfront venue is like a chameleon, constantly changing its colors to host an eclectic array of events – from fashion extravaganzas to sports competitions and high-profile corporate gatherings to lively cultural festivals. 

Whether hosting a high-tech expo or a gourmet food festival, Pier 36 seamlessly adapts, making it a unique gem in the city’s crown, beloved by locals and visitors alike. 


3. Manhattan Center 

Location: 311 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 

Website: https://mc34.com/services/ 

This architectural marvel, Manhattan Center, which was originally built in the early 20th century, has witnessed the roaring twenties, survived the Great Depression, and danced through the disco era, emerging as a versatile venue that effortlessly adapts to the evolving cityscape.  

However, its remarkable adaptability in hosting trade shows truly sets the Manhattan Center apart. Imagine walking through a space where one day, you’re swept away by a symphonic orchestra, and the next, you’re navigating through a bustling trade show with innovative booths and lively interactions at every turn. 

The center’s grand ballrooms, with their soaring ceilings and intricate detailing, transform seamlessly to accommodate the buzzing energy and diverse needs of trade shows, making it not just a venue but a chameleon of the event world. 


2. Brooklyn Expo Center 

Location: 72 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 

Website: https://brooklynexpocenter.com/ 

The Brooklyn Expo Center is nestled in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 

This convention center is a place where the extraordinary happens every day. Unlike your typical convention center, this space buzzes with a unique Brooklyn flair, which blends the area’s rich history with a modern, industrial design. The way you would picture Brooklyn 

Imagine a spacious, light-filled hall with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, providing a canvas for events as diverse as the borough itself. The center’s large glass façade pours sunlight onto the wooden floors, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.  

This is a place where the community’s creative pulse is palpable, where entrepreneurs, artists, and locals converge, making the Brooklyn Expo Center not just a venue but a part of what makes Brooklyn… Brooklyn.  


1. Jakob K. Javits Convention Center 

Location: 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001 

Website: https://javitscenter.com/ 

The world-famous Javits Convention Center is on our list of top ten convention centers in New York.  

This convention center was named after the United States Senator Jacob K. Javits and stands as a unique and significant structure in the heart of New York City.  

Opened in 1986, the Javits Center spans an impressive 1.8 million square feet, making it one of the largest convention centers in the United States.   

It’s not just its size that makes it unique; the center is also renowned for its environmental sustainability efforts. A massive green roof spanning nearly seven acres supports local wildlife and helps control the urban heat island effect, exemplifying urban environmental stewardship. This green roof is one of the largest in the United States. 

The Javits Convention Center isn’t just a convention center but an American icon.  


We all know about the majestic nature of New York City. The city that never sleeps, but the state of New York offers ample opportunity to grow your brand or product through its state-of-the-art trade show venues and expo centers. 

It’s up to you to explore not just the wonders of New York City but the underrated areas around the Big Apple. These convention centers have been designed to be forward-thinking and innovative for your brand and all brands alike.  

It’s time to explore the state of New York with an empire state of mind.   

The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or an event that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at (800) 343-2005.

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