Exhibitor guide · Lafayette, Louisiana
Cajundome Convention Center: the exhibitor's guide
A compact two-level hall built next to Louisiana's Cajundome arena, in the heart of Acadiana where Cajun and Creole culture set the calendar. What exhibitors need to know about Lafayette's main venue.
Why this page exists
The Cajundome Convention Center is the newer, smaller sibling of the Cajundome arena, which broke ground in 1982 and opened in 1985; the convention center itself didn't arrive until 2002, a $16.7 million addition on the east side of the arena. Lafayette sits in the heart of Acadiana, Cajun and Creole South Louisiana, which shapes both the local audience and the food-and-culture shows that fill the calendar alongside regional trade shows. This guide covers the exhibit space, Louisiana's labor rules, drayage, and hotels nearby.
The building
The exhibit space
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibition area | 37,300 sq ft. | Regional trade shows, food and culture expos | Confirm current dock count. |
| Meeting and banquet space | Nearly 20,000 sq ft. | Association meetings, banquets | Two-level layout; confirm freight elevator access for upper-level space. |
| Mall area | 5,000 sq ft. | Registration, sponsor tables | Connects the convention center to the adjacent Cajundome arena. |
Figures from the Cajundome Convention Center's published facility overview.
The labor map
Who sets up my booth?
Louisiana's right-to-work law applies; confirm hand-carry and self-install allowances with the show's official contractor.
Full-time staff, no card required
Standard right-to-work terms apply.
Exhibitor-appointed contractors
Purple files as your EAC for Cajundome shows.
History
The arena and the convention center
Groundbreaking on the Cajundome arena happens January 27, 1982, and it opens November 10, 1985, becoming Lafayette's primary arena and a home venue for University of Louisiana at Lafayette athletics.
The Cajundome Convention Center opens April 30 on the east side of the arena, a $16.7 million addition giving Lafayette a dedicated exhibit and meeting facility for the first time.
Free tool
Cajundome drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Airport: Lafayette Regional is about 10–15 minutes.
- By car: I-10 and US-90 both reach the campus.
- Nearby: downtown Lafayette's Cajun and Creole restaurant scene is a short drive away.
- Crew: Purple coordinates Gulf South crews for Lafayette installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels near the Cajundome | 5–10-min drive | Closest options to the venue. |
| Downtown Lafayette hotels | 10–15-min drive | Cajun and Creole dining nearby. |
Questions
Cajundome Convention Center FAQ
Is this the same building as the Cajundome arena?
No, they're adjacent but separate: the arena opened in 1985 and the convention center was added in 2002 on its east side.
How big is the exhibit space?
37,300 square feet of exhibition area, part of more than 72,000 square feet on two levels.
Can I set up my own booth?
Louisiana's right-to-work law applies; confirm hand-carry allowances with your show's official contractor.
How much is drayage?
Purple's planning estimate is about $130 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
When did the convention center open?
April 30, 2002, at an original construction cost of $16.7 million, next to the 1985 Cajundome arena.
How much total space is there?
More than 72,000 square feet on two levels, with 37,300 sq ft of exhibition area.
Exhibiting in Lafayette?
Send us the show and booth number. You get a labor briefing, a drayage estimate, and a build timeline within two business days.
Venue guides
Every venue we have a guide for
Same standard, every hall: the building, the rules, the tools and the calendar.