The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is undergoing a major $2.6 billion expansion and modernization project that is expected to reshape the trade show landscape in Southern California. When completed in 2029, the project will create 750,575 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, giving large-scale events a significantly more flexible footprint.
For exhibitors, event planners, and trade show organizers, the expansion could make Los Angeles an even more competitive destination for major conventions and exhibitions.
A More Connected Los Angeles Convention Center
One of the biggest limitations of the existing Los Angeles Convention Center has been the separation between its South Hall and West Hall. Pico Boulevard currently divides portions of the facility, creating challenges for events that need large, connected exhibit areas.
The expansion addresses that limitation by adding approximately 190,000 square feet of exhibit space above Pico Boulevard. The new construction will connect the existing halls and create more than 750,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2029. Construction began in October 2025, and the convention center will remain operational during the expansion. Construction will also pause during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games before resuming afterward.
According to the Los Angeles Convention Center, the completed facility is designed to provide the flexibility needed to compete for larger conventions and exhibitions.
Why Contiguous Exhibit Space Matters
For a major trade show, having hundreds of thousands of square feet available is only part of the equation. How that space connects can be just as important.
A contiguous exhibit floor allows organizers to create larger and more efficient show layouts without requiring attendees to move between separated halls. It can also simplify registration, signage, traffic flow, exhibitor placement, and event logistics.
The new LACC configuration is designed to give organizers greater flexibility. The expanded exhibit area can be divided into smaller halls using operable partitions while retaining the ability to create a much larger connected footprint when an event requires it. For exhibitors, this flexibility creates more opportunities to use strategically designed Los Angeles trade show displays that take advantage of larger exhibit footprints and changing event configurations.
For large trade shows, that flexibility can make Los Angeles a more attractive option when organizers are comparing convention centers across the country.
New Spaces Beyond the Exhibit Floor
The LACC project goes beyond expanding exhibit space.
The modernization includes new meeting rooms and a large multipurpose space designed to accommodate different types of events and configurations. The project also includes the new Skynode Atrium, which will provide a prominent gathering and event space within the expanded convention center.
The Skynode is designed as a multi-level, skylit space that can support gatherings, meetings, digital displays, and brand activations.
For exhibitors and sponsors, these additional spaces create opportunities to extend a brand experience beyond the traditional trade show booth.
A company could potentially use meeting rooms for presentations, hospitality events, or private demonstrations while maintaining its primary presence on the exhibit floor.
What the Expansion Could Mean for Los Angeles Trade Shows
The improved footprint could help Los Angeles compete for more large-scale conventions and exhibitions.
The City of Los Angeles has specifically identified the lack of contiguous exhibit space as a limitation on the convention center’s ability to attract some large events. The expansion is intended to address that issue and improve the facility’s competitiveness with other major convention destinations.
That could mean more opportunities for companies that exhibit at Los Angeles trade shows.
As the venue becomes capable of accommodating larger and more complex events, exhibitors may encounter larger exhibit floors, more international shows, and increasingly competitive environments where booth design and brand visibility matter.
Planning Your Trade Show Display in Los Angeles
A larger convention center does not necessarily mean exhibitors need a larger booth. The right display depends on the event, available footprint, marketing goals, and budget.
The expanded LACC will give event organizers more flexibility, but exhibitors will still need to make strategic decisions about how to use their assigned space.
A well-designed booth should make the most of the available footprint while creating clear sightlines, strong branding, useful meeting areas, and an easy path for attendees to interact with the company.
Los Angeles Is Part of a Larger California Trade Show Market
The LACC expansion is also significant because Los Angeles is part of one of the largest trade show markets in the country.
California offers exhibitors access to major convention destinations including Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, San Francisco, and other cities throughout the state.
For companies exhibiting at multiple California events, a trade show booth rental strategy can provide flexibility without requiring a separate permanent exhibit for every show.
California is a popular trade show destination, with major convention centers, large metropolitan markets, and year-round events attracting exhibitors and attendees from across the country and around the world.
Los Angeles vs. Other Major West Coast Convention Destinations
The LACC expansion also comes as other major West Coast convention centers continue investing in their facilities.
The Las Vegas Convention Center, for example, has undergone significant modernization and expansion, including its West Hall and new connected areas. Las Vegas remains one of the country’s largest trade show destinations and continues to attract some of the industry’s biggest events.
San Diego is another important California trade show market, with events at the San Diego Convention Center attracting exhibitors from a wide range of industries throughout the year. Companies planning to exhibit in the area can also explore some of the biggest trade shows in San Diego this year to identify events that align with their industry and target audience.
As convention centers throughout the region expand and modernize, exhibitors have more opportunities to reach large audiences. They also face greater competition for attendee attention.
That makes the design, messaging, and functionality of a trade show display increasingly important.
Preparing for the 2029 LACC Expansion
The full impact of the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion will become clearer as new events are booked into the facility for 2029 and beyond.
For exhibitors, however, it is worth planning ahead.
Large trade shows often require booth design, graphics, logistics, installation, and other services to be arranged well before the event. Companies expecting to participate in major Los Angeles events should consider their exhibit strategy early, particularly if they anticipate needing a custom display of any size or specifically a prominent island booth.
The expanded LACC is being designed to accommodate more ambitious event layouts. Exhibitors should be prepared to take advantage of that opportunity with displays that are equally adaptable.
A New Era for Trade Shows in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Convention Center expansion represents more than additional square footage. By connecting the existing halls, adding new exhibit and meeting space, and modernizing the facility, Los Angeles is positioning the LACC to compete for larger and more complex events.
For exhibitors, that could mean more opportunities to connect with customers, prospects, and industry professionals in one of the country’s largest business and entertainment markets.
As construction continues toward the 2029 completion, companies planning future Los Angeles trade shows should keep an eye on the expanding capabilities of the LACC and begin planning their exhibit strategy accordingly.
E&E Exhibit Solutions provides California trade show booth rentals, custom exhibits, LED display walls, graphics, and superior exhibit services for companies exhibiting throughout the state and across the country. To get started, book a design session with our team to discuss your exhibit goals and event requirements.
