Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority

Last weekend, the Greater Columbus Convention Center came alive with celebration, connection, and community during PRIDE Party on the Plaza 🌈✨

As thousands gathered in downtown Columbus for Pride weekend, Arnold Plaza became a place to celebrate the spirit that makes our city so special, welcoming, vibrant and proudly inclusive. Teams from Hilton Columbus Downtown, Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Columbus Blue Jackets were amongst the thousands of proud parade participants. We’re honored to create spaces where our community can come together, celebrate openly and experience the energy of Columbus at its best.

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture and community.

As a gathering place in the heart of Columbus, we recognize the importance of creating spaces where stories are shared, history is remembered, and communities come together.

Here are a few ways to celebrate: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/blog/post/how-to-celebrate-juneteenth-in-columbus/

❤️🖤💚

Creating a welcoming destination starts with creating an inclusive community.

In this NBC4 feature, our Executive Director, Ken Paul, discusses how hospitality, inclusion and community engagement help shape the visitor experience in Columbus.

Check out more here: https://www.nbc4i.com/columbus-living/how-hospitality-helps-build-a-welcoming-columbus/ 🌈

How hospitality helps build a welcoming Columbus Sponsor: Stonewall Columbus for Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority Throughout Pride Month, we have been highlighting organizations that help make Central Ohio a welcoming place to live…

Origins Game Fair is back at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and for 30 years, Columbus has proudly served as the home base for dragons, dice, cosplay and countless legendary stories.

Thousands of gamers. Thousands of events.

Read more here: https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/17/origins-game-fair-marks-30-years-in-columbus?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&stream=topre:

Origins Game Fair marks 30 years in Columbus Tabletop gaming enthusiasts take over the convention center starting Wednesday, marking 30 years of Origins Game Fair in Columbus.

June is PRIDE Month, and the Greater Columbus Convention Center is proud to help welcome visitors, celebrate community and support the events that make Columbus a vibrant and inclusive destination. 🌈

As thousands gather in the city for Pride celebrations, we’re honored to support several events and experiences happening throughout the month, including:

🎉 Pride Party on the Plaza – June 20 at Arnold Plaza featuring live music, food and beverage stations, and Pride March viewing
🚶 Stonewall Columbus Pride March – June 20, where members of the Greater Columbus Convention Center team will join the celebration

From hosting events to welcoming guests from across Ohio and beyond, we’re proud to play a role in creating experiences that reflect the energy, diversity and hospitality that make Columbus special.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

For 25 years, Nationwide Arena has helped shape the transformation of Downtown Columbus into the vibrant destination it is today. Now, the next chapter is underway.

Nationwide Arena is looking ahead with renovations and upgrades designed to keep the venue a top destination for the community, performers and events for years to come.

Hear from General Manager Derek Smith on the vision for the future of Nationwide Arena:

Nationwide Arena--What's Next As a public facility managed on behalf of the community, Nationwide...

Help us tell the Columbus story.

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority is seeking qualified photographers, videographers and drone operators to help create a refreshed visual media library showcasing the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton Columbus Downtown, Nationwide Arena and the experiences that define our community.

We are looking for creative professionals with a distinctive artistic vision and a passion for destination storytelling.

📅 Proposals are due June 29, 2026.

Learn more at meetusincolumbus.comhttps://meetusincolumbus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RFP-visual-media-library.pdf

In case you missed it: The Greater Columbus Convention Center has a new leader.

Dean Dennis officially joined Legends Global in March, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience and a fresh perspective to the GCCC at an exciting time for Columbus’ continued growth.

From enhancing the guest experience to strengthening partnerships across the city, Dean is focused on building on the strong foundation already in place and helping position Columbus to continue competing on the national stage.

Get to know Dean and hear what drew him to Columbus, https://meetusincolumbus.com/2026/05/21/meet-dean-dennis-leading-the-next-chapter-at-the-convention-center/

The future of the FCCFA Campus starts now.

We’ve officially begun the master planning process for the next chapter of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton Columbus Downtown, Nationwide Arena and surrounding FCCFA-owned sites. From connectivity and sustainability to future development opportunities, this effort will help shape a long-term vision for our campus and the region’s visitor economy.

We’re excited to partner with industry experts and community stakeholders to chart what’s next for Columbus.

Read more in our latest newsletter:

Partnering with Industry Experts to Chart the Future of the FCCFA Campus | Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority - Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority The next chapter of the FCCFA Campus is officially underway and the first step is choosing the right partners to help shape it.