Your Complete Guide to the Los Angeles Convention Center

Welcome to the ultimate guide for anyone planning to visit or host an event at the iconic los angeles convention center. Whether you’re an attendee, an exhibitor, or an event planner, this sprawling complex in the heart of Downtown LA is a world-class destination for conventions, trade shows, and entertainment. This article will walk you through everything you need to know, from its impressive architecture and massive capacity to practical tips on parking, dining, and making the most of your visit. We’ll cover its history, what makes it a premier venue, and how to navigate it like a pro. Get ready to explore one of the most significant public assembly spaces in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Vast and Versatile: The los angeles convention center boasts over 720,000 square feet of exhibit space, 147,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 299-seat theater, making it suitable for events of all sizes.
• Prime Location: Situated in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’s sports and entertainment district, the LACC is easily accessible via major freeways and public transportation.
• Sustainable and Modern: The center is a leader in green initiatives, holding a LEED Gold certification. It features a massive solar array and prioritizes water conservation and waste reduction.
• Full-Service Venue: From in-house catering and state-of-the-art A/V services to comprehensive security and event planning support, the LACC offers a complete package for organizers.
• Attendee-Friendly: With ample parking, numerous nearby hotels and restaurants, and full accessibility for guests with disabilities, the LACC ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for all visitors.

Overview and History of the Los Angeles Convention Center

The los angeles convention center (LACC) has a rich history that mirrors the growth and evolution of Los Angeles itself. Originally opened in 1971, the facility was designed by architect Charles Luckman to meet the city’s growing demand for a large-scale event venue. The initial structure was modest compared to today’s behemoth, but it immediately established itself as a key player in the national convention circuit. A major expansion in the early 1990s, designed by the acclaimed architect I.M. Pei, more than doubled its size and gave the center its signature green glass and steel look. This expansion included the addition of the iconic South Hall and the Concourse Building, creating the modern landmark we know today. Over the years, the LACC has hosted a wide array of prestigious events, including the E3 video game expo, the LA Auto Show, and numerous political conventions and celebrity galas, cementing its status as a vital part of LA’s economic and cultural landscape.

Prime Location and Easy Access

One of the greatest advantages of the los angeles convention center is its strategic location in the vibrant South Park district of Downtown Los Angeles. It sits adjacent to other major attractions like the Crypto.com Arena, L.A. LIVE, and the Peacock Theater, creating a dynamic entertainment hub. This central position makes it incredibly accessible for both local and out-of-town visitors. The center is bordered by major freeways, including the I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) and the I-110 (Harbor Freeway), allowing for straightforward driving routes from all over Southern California. For those flying in, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 17 miles away, with shuttle services, taxis, and rideshare options readily available. Public transportation is also a convenient choice, with several Metro Rail and bus lines stopping nearby, including the Pico Station on the A & E Lines, which is just a short walk from the convention center’s entrance. This seamless connectivity ensures that getting to and from your event is as stress-free as possible.

Architecture and Layout: Navigating the Space

The sheer scale of the los angeles convention center can be daunting, but its design is intuitive and well-organized. The facility is primarily divided into two main buildings—South Hall and West Hall (formerly North Hall)—connected by a stunning Concourse that bridges over Pico Boulevard. This layout allows for multiple large events to occur simultaneously without interfering with one another.

South and West Halls

The South Hall is the larger of the two main exhibit spaces, recognizable by its two massive, 15-story glass and steel towers that have become a Downtown LA skyline fixture. It offers approximately 347,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space. The West Hall, located to the north, provides another 210,000 square feet. Both halls are incredibly flexible, with the ability to be subdivided to accommodate smaller shows or used in their entirety for massive exhibitions. They feature high ceilings, ample utility hookups, and direct access to loading docks, making them ideal for trade shows with heavy machinery or complex booth setups. The connecting Concourse is more than just a walkway; it’s a bright, airy space filled with natural light that often houses registration areas, food courts, and smaller displays.

Petree Hall and Meeting Rooms

Beyond the main exhibit halls, the LACC offers a variety of other spaces. Petree Hall is a versatile, 21,300-square-foot ballroom-style space perfect for keynotes, banquets, and smaller general sessions. It can be divided into two separate sections for added flexibility. Additionally, the los angeles convention center features 64 meeting rooms spread throughout the complex, totaling 147,000 square feet of meeting space. These rooms range in size and can be configured for classroom-style learning, theater presentations, or boardroom meetings. There’s also the 299-seat Peacock Theater (formerly Microsoft Theater), a fully equipped theater perfect for press conferences, product launches, or intimate performances. This diversity of spaces makes the LACC a truly adaptable venue capable of hosting nearly any type of gathering.

Diverse Event Types Hosted at the LACC

The los angeles convention center is renowned for its versatility, hosting a calendar packed with an eclectic mix of events that draw millions of visitors each year. Its adaptable spaces can be transformed to suit everything from global trade shows to local community gatherings. For decades, it has been the home of the LA Auto Show, where the world’s leading car manufacturers unveil their latest models. It’s also famous for hosting E3, the premier trade event for the video game industry, and Anime Expo, the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. Beyond these flagship events, the LACC is a popular venue for medical, scientific, and professional conventions, bringing experts from around the globe to share knowledge and network. It also serves the community by hosting graduations, religious conventions, and cultural festivals, truly making it a center for all of Los Angeles. In recent years, it has even become a hub for esports tournaments and film shoots, showcasing its ability to evolve with modern entertainment trends.

Capacity and Technical Specifications

Understanding the technical capabilities of the los angeles convention center is crucial for event organizers. The facility is designed to handle the most demanding technical requirements with ease. In total, it offers 720,000 square feet of exhibit hall space and 147,000 square feet of meeting room space. These halls are equipped with a grid of utility boxes providing electricity, water, compressed air, and data connections. The center boasts 21 covered loading docks with load-leveling capabilities, ensuring a smooth and efficient move-in and move-out process for exhibitors.

For modern connectivity needs, the venue offers robust, high-speed Wi-Fi capable of supporting thousands of simultaneous users. The in-house technology team, Encore, provides comprehensive audio-visual services, from basic microphone setups in meeting rooms to complex concert-grade sound and lighting systems in the main halls. This ensures every presentation is seen and heard with crystal clarity. This technical infrastructure makes the LACC a top choice for tech-heavy conferences and product launches where seamless connectivity is non-negotiable.

Here is a quick comparison of the main venue spaces:

Planning Your Event at the LACC

Organizing an event at the los angeles convention center is a significant undertaking, but the venue’s experienced team is there to guide you through the process. The first step is to submit a booking inquiry to the sales team, who will help you determine space availability and provide an initial quote. Once you have a contract, an Event Manager is assigned to your event. This person becomes your primary point of contact, helping you coordinate all logistical details.

The Core Planning Steps

1. Booking and Contracts: This involves securing your dates and spaces. The LACC’s team works with you to find the best fit for your event’s size and scope.
2. Permits and Insurance: Like any major venue, the LACC requires event organizers to secure the necessary permits from the City of Los Angeles and provide proof of liability insurance. Your Event Manager will provide a checklist of all required documentation.
3. Vendor Coordination: While the LACC has exclusive providers for services like catering (Levy Restaurants) and telecommunications, you have flexibility in choosing other vendors for things like decor and production. All outside vendors must be approved and coordinate with the venue’s operations team.
4. Catering and Security: Levy Restaurants offers a wide range of food and beverage options, from concession stands to gourmet plated dinners. You’ll work with their team to design a menu that fits your budget and audience. The LACC also provides comprehensive security services to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

Planning an event here involves meticulous attention to detail, but the professional staff at the los angeles convention center simplifies the process, ensuring every aspect is covered from start to finish.

An Attendee’s Guide to the LACC Experience

Attending an event at the los angeles convention center is an exciting experience, and a little preparation can make your visit smooth and enjoyable. First, consider your accommodation. Downtown LA has a wealth of hotels within walking distance, ranging from luxury properties like the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton to more budget-friendly options like the Moxy and AC Hotel. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during large city-wide events. When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Inside the center, you’ll find various food courts and cafes. Just outside, the L.A. LIVE complex offers dozens of restaurants, from casual spots like Yard House to upscale dining at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse.

Parking is available in the South and West Hall garages, with daily rates that can vary by event. To save money and avoid traffic, consider using public transit. The Metro Pico Station is conveniently located right across the street. For attendees with disabilities, the LACC is fully ADA-compliant, with accessible parking, entrances, restrooms, and elevators. The Guest Services kiosks located in the main concourses can provide wheelchairs and other assistance upon request.

Tips for Exhibitors and Organizers

To maximize your return on investment at the los angeles convention center, both exhibitors and organizers need a solid strategy. For exhibitors, booth design is paramount. Your booth should be visually striking, with clear branding and an open, inviting layout that encourages attendees to step inside. Position your most important messaging at eye level and use high-quality graphics. Beyond design, focus on lead capture. Instead of just scanning badges, train your staff to engage visitors in meaningful conversations to qualify leads effectively. Use a digital lead capture app to take notes and schedule follow-ups instantly.

For organizers, marketing is a year-round effort. Start promoting your event well in advance through social media, email marketing, and partnerships with industry publications. During the event, use the official event app to send push notifications about key sessions and exhibitor promotions. Consider creating “Instagrammable moments” throughout the venue to encourage social sharing. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of good planning resources. Many organizers find external sites with tips on event management, like those found on platforms similar to https://forbesplanet.co.uk/, to be incredibly helpful for fresh ideas and industry best practices.

Safety, Sustainability, and Community Impact

The los angeles convention center is deeply committed to providing a safe, sustainable, and community-oriented environment. Safety is a top priority, with a 24/7 security team, extensive CCTV surveillance, and coordinated emergency response plans with local law enforcement and fire departments. During events, security personnel are visibly present to assist guests and manage crowd flow, ensuring a secure experience for everyone.

On the sustainability front, the LACC is a national leader. It was one of the first convention centers in the U.S. to achieve LEED Gold certification, a testament to its eco-friendly operations. The facility boasts one of the largest solar arrays on a municipally owned convention center in the country, generating a significant portion of its own electricity. Other green initiatives include a comprehensive recycling and composting program that diverts over 75% of waste from landfills, the use of water-efficient fixtures, and a “green” purchasing policy that prioritizes sustainable products. These efforts not only reduce the building’s environmental footprint but also offer a model for large-scale sustainable venue management. The LACC also positively impacts the local community by creating jobs and driving economic activity in Downtown LA.

Budgeting for Your LACC Event

Understanding the costs associated with hosting an event at the los angeles convention center is essential for effective budgeting. The primary cost is the space rental fee, which varies depending on the halls and meeting rooms you book, the time of year, and the duration of your event. This fee is typically calculated on a per-square-foot basis for exhibit halls and a flat daily rate for meeting rooms. Beyond the rental fee, you must account for mandatory in-house services. These include catering, which is provided exclusively by Levy Restaurants, and utilities such as electricity and internet, which are managed by the LACC’s technology services department.

Other significant costs to include in your budget are labor, audio-visual equipment, and security. Labor for setting up and tearing down exhibits is often union-based, so it’s important to understand the specific work rules and rates. A/V services, provided by Encore, can range from simple projector rentals to elaborate stage productions. Security costs are determined by the size and nature of your event. To create an accurate budget, request a detailed proposal from the LACC sales team that outlines all potential charges, and be sure to add a contingency fund of 10-15% to cover any unexpected expenses.

Future Developments and Trends

The los angeles convention center is continually evolving to meet the future needs of the event industry. A major expansion, known as “LACC 2.0,” is on the horizon. This ambitious project aims to add approximately 1 million square feet of new space, including a massive, 80,000-square-foot ballroom and new exhibit halls. The goal is to create a seamless, integrated campus that connects the existing North and South Halls more efficiently, allowing the LACC to host larger events or multiple conventions at once. This expansion will also enhance the center’s connection to the surrounding L.A. LIVE district, creating a more cohesive and walkable entertainment zone.

In addition to physical expansion, the LACC is embracing technological trends. This includes upgrading its Wi-Fi infrastructure to support the demands of hybrid events, which combine in-person and virtual components. The venue is also exploring new technologies like augmented reality for wayfinding and interactive exhibitor experiences. The focus on sustainability will continue to be a driving force, with plans to further increase energy efficiency and expand waste diversion programs. These future developments will ensure the los angeles convention center remains a state-of-the-art facility and a global leader in the convention industry for decades to come.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary for LACC Attendees

To help you make the most of your trip to the los angeles convention center, here’s a sample itinerary that blends event participation with exploring the local area.

Day 1: Convention Focus and Local Flavors

• 8:00 AM: Start your day with coffee and a pastry at a local cafe near your hotel, like IlCaffè or Verve Coffee Roasters.
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Head to the LACC for the morning sessions or to explore the exhibit hall. Grab a map and plan your route to see your must-visit booths first.
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: For lunch, step outside to L.A. LIVE and choose from one of its many restaurants. For a quick and tasty option, try Katsuya or Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Return to the convention center for afternoon keynotes and networking opportunities. Take advantage of lounges or designated meeting points to connect with colleagues.
• 6:00 PM: After the event wraps up, take a short walk to the FIGat7th shopping center for dinner. The TASTE Food Hall on the lower level offers a variety of cuisines in a casual setting.
• 8:00 PM: Catch a game or concert at the Crypto.com Arena or see a show at the Peacock Theater, both located just steps from the convention center.

Day 2: Culture, Networking, and Departure

• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Spend the morning at the convention center, attending any final sessions or making last-minute connections on the show floor.
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Use your lunch break to explore a nearby cultural attraction. The Broad museum, with its contemporary art collection, is a short rideshare away.
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the Grand Park area near The Broad. Afterwards, take a stroll through the park and see the iconic City Hall.
• 3:00 PM onwards: Depending on your travel schedule, you can either head back to the los angeles convention center for final networking or collect your luggage from your hotel and make your way to LAX for your flight home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where is the Los Angeles Convention Center located?
The los angeles convention center is located in the South Park district of Downtown Los Angeles at 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. It is adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena and L.A. LIVE.

2. How much is parking at the LACC?
Parking is available in two main garages: South Hall Garage and West Hall Garage. Daily rates typically range from $20 to $40, but can vary depending on the event. It’s best to check the specific event’s website for the most current parking information.

3. Can I bring my own food and drinks into the convention center?
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the LACC. However, there are numerous food courts, cafes, and concession stands located throughout the facility offering a wide variety of options. Levy Restaurants is the exclusive caterer.

4. Is there Wi-Fi available for attendees?
Yes, the los angeles convention center offers Wi-Fi service throughout the facility. Basic Wi-Fi is often available for free in public areas like the main concourses, while premium, higher-speed access may be available for a fee or provided by the event organizer.

5. What hotels are near the Los Angeles Convention Center?
There are many hotels within walking distance of the LACC. Some of the closest include the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, Courtyard by Marriott L.A. LIVE, Residence Inn L.A. LIVE, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, and the Hotel Figueroa.

6. Is the LACC accessible for guests with disabilities?
Absolutely. The LACC is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It offers accessible parking, automatic doors, ramps, accessible restrooms, and elevators. Guest Services can also provide wheelchair assistance upon request.

7. How do I get to the LACC using public transportation?
The LACC is easily accessible via the LA Metro Rail system. The Pico Station, which serves the A Line (Blue) and E Line (Expo), is located directly across the street from the convention center. Several Metro and DASH bus routes also stop nearby.

8. What are the main event spaces inside the LACC?
The primary event spaces are the massive South Hall (346,890 sq. ft.) and West Hall (210,685 sq. ft.), which are used for large exhibitions. Other key spaces include Petree Hall (a 21,300 sq. ft. ballroom) and 64 different meeting rooms.

Conclusion

The los angeles convention center is more than just a building; it is a dynamic hub of commerce, innovation, and culture at the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities. With its vast, flexible spaces, cutting-edge technology, and prime location, it offers an unparalleled platform for events of every kind. Its commitment to sustainability and safety ensures a responsible and secure environment, while the dedicated staff works tirelessly to bring every event vision to life. Whether you are attending a trade show, exhibiting your latest products, or planning a major international conference, the LACC provides the world-class facilities and services needed for success. Its ongoing evolution and future expansion promise to keep it at the forefront of the industry, ready to welcome the world for many years to come.