Exhibitor guide · Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport Convention Center: the exhibitor's guide
Louisiana's second-largest convention center, the biggest in the Ark-La-Tex region, and a downtown riverfront setting where the Red River, not the Mississippi, sets the skyline. What exhibitors need to know about northwest Louisiana's main venue.
Hero photo: "Shreveport Convention Center" by pasa47, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Source
Why this page exists
Shreveport sits in the far northwest corner of Louisiana, closer to Dallas and Little Rock than to New Orleans, and its convention center reflects that regional role: it's the anchor venue for the Ark-La-Tex, the tri-state area spanning Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Opened in 2005 as part of a $70 million downtown riverfront project, the building sits a short walk from the Red River and the casinos of neighboring Bossier City across the water. This guide covers the meeting space, Louisiana's labor rules, drayage, and hotels downtown.
The building
The meeting space
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibit and meeting space | 350,000 sq ft across three floors. | Regional trade shows, association conferences | Confirm current floor and hall assignment. |
Figures from the Shreveport 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 Shreveport shows.
History
A $70 million riverfront project
The Shreveport Convention Center opens in downtown Shreveport as part of a $70 million complex, built along the Red River within walking distance of the riverfront park and the casino district across the water in Bossier City.
A Hilton hotel opens next to the convention center, adding a direct-connect option for exhibitors.
The center is Louisiana's second-largest convention venue and the largest in the Ark-La-Tex, the tri-state region spanning Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
Free tool
Shreveport drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Airport: Shreveport Regional is about 15–20 minutes.
- Walking: the Red River waterfront and the connected Hilton are both steps away.
- Nearby: the Bossier City casino district is a short drive across the river.
- Crew: Purple coordinates regional crews for Shreveport installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Shreveport | Connected | Directly next to the convention center. |
| Downtown Shreveport hotels | Walking distance | A range of price points near the riverfront. |
Questions
Shreveport Convention Center FAQ
How big is the Shreveport Convention Center?
350,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space across three floors, the second-largest convention center in Louisiana.
Is there a connected hotel?
Yes, a Hilton opened next to the convention center in 2007.
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 $135 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
How is the building laid out?
350,000 square feet of meeting space across three floors.
When did it open?
2005, as part of a $70 million riverfront complex.
Exhibiting in Shreveport?
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.