Alabama law, and since 2016 the state constitution, protects the right to work without joining a union. Your show kit still sets what your own staff may build.
Exhibitor guide · Huntsville, AL · Updated Nov 2026
Von Braun Center Exhibitor Guide
Also known as the VBC; it opened in 1975 as the Von Braun Civic Center
Huntsville's convention center is where the Army and missile-defense industry meets: the 100,800 sq ft South Hall, the East Hall and the Saturn Ballroom fill up for Global Force in March and the SMD Symposium in August. Alabama is right-to-work, the VBC runs its own exhibitor services, and the real limit on your booth is often your show's height rule, not the 35 ft roof.
- 3,000+ exhibitors served
- 10,000+ booths built
- 2 days to a design brief
Photo: The Von Braun Center's Propst Arena across the Big Spring Park lagoon. “IMG_4503 3-29-24 Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville, AL - Von Braun Center” by ruthdaniel3444, CC BY 2.0. Source
- 100,800sq ft in the South Hall, 210 × 480 ft, ballrooms included
- 600booths of 10×10 in the whole South Hall, 500 on its 81,900 sq ft exhibit floor
- 35 ftSouth Hall ceiling, as the venue lists it; shows may set lower limits
- 350 lbper sq ft floor load in the South Hall; the arena floor is rated 400
- 170,000+sq ft of exhibit and meeting space across the campus
- ≈ 12 mistraight-line to Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
Quick answers
What exhibitors ask about the Von Braun Center
The venue lists 35 ft in the South Hall, but Global Force 2026 told exhibitors 20 ft in the South Hall, 12 ft in its ballroom area and a 12 ft maximum in the East Hall.
100,800 sq ft in all, with an 81,900 sq ft exhibit floor that splits into South Hall 1 and 2, plus five ballrooms. The East Hall and Saturn Ballroom are much smaller.
A skywalk runs from the South Hall to the Embassy Suites next door, and the AC Hotel and Trilogy Hotel are across the street.
Photos: "Rocket City Marathon Expo" by ShanMcG213, CC BY-SA 2.0 Source · "Yoga for Runners at the Expo" by ShanMcG213, CC BY-SA 2.0 Source · "AUSA Global Force 2019" by U.S. Army Materiel Command, CC BY 2.0 Source
The exhibit space
Von Braun Center floor plan: South Hall, East Hall and Saturn Ballroom
The VBC is a campus of joined buildings on Monroe Street: the South Hall at one end with its own garage and the skywalk to the Embassy Suites, Propst Arena and the East Hall in the middle, and the Saturn Ballroom (the old North Hall) beside the concert hall and Mars Music Hall. Big shows use several of them at once. The diagram groups the spaces by building and sizes each box by floor area.
The Von Braun Center's main exhibit space is the 100,800 sq ft South Hall, with an 81,900 sq ft exhibit floor for 500 booths of 10×10 and a 35 ft ceiling, plus the 24,900 sq ft East Hall and 23,184 sq ft Saturn Ballroom.
- South Hall exhibit floor, 35 ft
- Ballrooms and halls, 15–24 ft
Schematic, not to scale: spaces are grouped by building and box widths follow floor area; positions, walls and dock locations are not drawn. Sizes, ceilings and booth counts from the venue's rates and specs pages. Official drawings: South Hall floor plan, East Hall floor plan, Saturn Ballroom plan and the VBC facility map (PDF).
Recent and upcoming show floor plans
Official plans and maps from organizers of shows at the Von Braun Center. Every show draws its own layout, aisles and booth numbers, so use these to see how a real show spreads across the halls, then work from your own show's plan.
- Upcoming · Mar 16–18, 2027AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition 2027South Hall (inline booths), East Hall, outdoor displaysFloor plan pages in the AUSA exhibit and sponsorship prospectus (PDF)
- Upcoming · Aug 10–12, 2027Space & Missile Defense Symposium 2027South Hall, East Hall and Saturn BallroomThe VBC facility map the organizer links for exhibitors; the booth plan is not public
Links go to the organizers' files and open outside this site. Checked November 9, 2026. Layouts differ for every show.
| Space | Building | Floor area | Size | Ceiling | Booths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Hall 1 | South Hall | 50,400 sq ft | 210′ × 240′ | 35 ft | 300 · 10×10 |
| South Hall 2 | South Hall | 31,500 sq ft | 210′ × 150′ | 35 ft | 200 · 10×10 |
| South Hall Ballrooms 1–5 | South Hall | 16,280 sq ft | 220′ × 74′ | 18–22 ft | 75 · 10×10 |
| East Hall 1–3 | East Hall | 24,900 sq ft | three rooms, 79′ × 116′ and 62′ × 106′ | 15–19 ft | 160 · 10×8 |
| Saturn Ballroom 1–3 | Saturn Ballroom (former North Hall) | 23,184 sq ft | 112′ × 207′ | 19–24 ft | 133 · 10×8 |
| Propst Arena floor | Arena | — | 110′ × 212′ | — | — · 400 lb per sq ft |
From the venue's South Hall, East Hall and Saturn Ballroom specs pages and Visit Huntsville for the arena floor. The whole South Hall, ballrooms and lobbies included, is 100,800 sq ft and 600 booths; South Hall 1 and 2 make the 81,900 sq ft exhibit floor (the specs page lists South Hall 1 as 50,000 sq ft; 210 × 240 ft is 50,400). East Hall and Saturn Ballroom booth counts use 10 × 8 ft booths. Dock door sizes and rigging points are not published.
82,000sq ft of column-free exhibit space in the South Hall
10,400sq ft of exhibit pre-function outside the South Hall
500spaces in the covered South Hall garage
227 × 18 ftSaturn Ballroom gallery for registration
Only at the Von Braun Center
Von Braun Center defense shows: Global Force, SMD and the race for South Hall space
The two big Army and missile-defense shows fill every hall: SMD 2026 drew about 10,000 attendees and 320 exhibiting companies, and its 2027 exhibit space was sold out by August 2026, with new exhibitors pointed to the East Hall and Saturn Ballroom.
Huntsville's biggest exhibit floors belong to the defense industry. When Global Force or SMD comes to town, booths spread from the South Hall to the East Hall, the Saturn Ballroom and the lot outside, and where you land decides your ceiling, your door and your foot traffic.
- 320Exhibiting companies at SMD 2026, the largest in its history, with more than 250 on the waiting list. For 2027, the organizer's form says new exhibitors will likely get the East Hall or Saturn Ballroom.
- 260+Exhibitors at AUSA Global Force 2026, which uses the East Hall, the South Hall with its ballroom, the South Hall foyer and outdoor space.
- 20 ft / 12 ftGlobal Force 2026's usable heights: 20 ft in the South Hall, 12 ft in its ballroom area, 12 ft maximum in the East Hall, and no hanging signs over the ballroom. Design to your show's number, not the 35 ft roof.
- OutdoorVehicles, heavy equipment and drones go on the outdoor exhibit space at Global Force, with their own move-in day. Displays must be weather-resistant.
- 100,000+Sq ft of new event and exhibit space planned in a roughly $200 million expansion, with groundbreaking expected in November 2026.
Going to a bigger Southeast show too? See our BJCC Birmingham guide and the Music City Center guide in Nashville.
Insider tips
Von Braun Center exhibitor tips: what experienced teams do
Ask which building, not which booth
South Hall, East Hall and Saturn Ballroom booths differ in size (10×10 versus 10×8), ceiling and traffic. Get the building before you design.
Design to the show's ceiling
Global Force 2026 allowed 20 ft in the South Hall and 12 ft in the ballroom and East Hall. A 16 ft tower that fits one hall will not fit the other.
Get on the SMD list now
SMD 2027 exhibit space was sold out by August 2026 with 97 companies waiting. Pay in full by February 28, 2027 for the 25% discount.
Book your move-in slot
Global Force moves vehicles in first, then booths of 300 sq ft and up, then everyone. Big booths that miss their day lose a full day of build.
Bring the vehicle outside
Global Force sells outdoor space for vehicles, heavy equipment and drones, with its own move-in day. Plan weatherproof graphics for a March morning.
Grab the skywalk hotel early
The Embassy Suites is the only hotel joined to the South Hall. Book it as soon as your show's housing opens; for Global Force 2027 that is December 2026.
Freight & move-in
Von Braun Center loading dock and freight
Get directions to Von Braun Center →
The South Hall has its own loading docks (seven, by the CVB's 2015 count), the East Hall has one rollup door, and your show's kit or contractor sets the move-in schedule, often by booth size.
- Docks by buildingA 2015 Visit Huntsville count gave seven loading docks at the South Hall, two at the North Hall (now the Saturn Ballroom) and one at the Concert Hall. The VBC's East Hall page lists one rollup door. The venue does not publish current dock locations or door sizes.
- Heavy floorsThe South Hall floor is rated 350 lb per sq ft and the arena floor 400 lb. The South Hall has held as many as three helicopters at one time.
- Targeted move-inGlobal Force 2026 ran a vehicle-only evening first, then a day for booths of 300 sq ft and up, then two days for everyone and an outdoor-only day. Your kit sets your slot.
- Forklifts and riggersThe VBC prices a forklift with driver at $450 a day and riggers in teams of three, so ask early whether your show uses the venue's crew or a contractor.
- Truck parkingThe venue charges by vehicle: $50 a day for a semi, $15–$20 for a box truck, $25 for a trailer with its vehicle.
- Day −90Get your hall. South Hall, East Hall or Saturn Ballroom changes your ceiling, your door and your walk.
- Day −60Read the kit's height limit and labor rules; Global Force 2026 capped ballroom booths at 10 ft.
- Day −30Order power, internet and rigging through the kit or the VBC price sheet.
- Day −21Purple ships to Huntsville through our carrier network, to the warehouse or show-site address your kit gives.
- Day −3Confirm your move-in slot; targeted schedules move bigger booths in first.
- Day 0Move-in at your assigned dock, with truck parking paid by vehicle.
Labor & rules
Who sets up my booth at the Von Braun Center?
Alabama is a right-to-work state under Title 25, Chapter 7 of the state code, and voters wrote right-to-work into the Alabama Constitution in November 2016. The VBC runs its own exhibitor services, A/V and catering, and publishes hourly rates for casual labor, riggers and production technicians. We found no published VBC rule that limits exhibitor self-setup, so your show kit is the document that decides it.
Your show's kit decides who may set up your booth. Alabama is right-to-work, the VBC offers in-house exhibitor services, and the venue publishes labor rates from $21 an hour for casual labor to $61 an hour per rigger.
✓Usually yours to plan
- Bringing your own staff or installers, within the show's rules
- Ordering booth packages, power and internet from the VBC or your show's contractor
- Outdoor vehicle and equipment displays, where the show offers them
●Ask before you plan
- Rigging: VBC riggers work in teams of three with a 4-hour minimum
- A/V: a VBC technician is required when you use VBC equipment
- Food and drink: outside food needs VBC management approval
!Watch for
- Show height limits well under the 35 ft roof
- Targeted move-in slots by booth size
- Cashless parking and paid truck parking
Common exhibitor mistakes at the Von Braun Center
- Designing to the 35 ft roof: Global Force 2026 allowed 20 ft in the South Hall and 12 ft in its ballroom area and the East Hall.
- Planning a hanging sign over the South Hall ballroom: Global Force 2026 banned hanging signs there and capped booth structures at 10 ft.
- Expecting a South Hall spot as a first-time SMD exhibitor: the 2027 form says new exhibitors will likely get the East Hall or Saturn Ballroom.
- Missing the booth payment date: Global Force 2027 balances are due January 11, 2027, and SMD adds 10% for payments after April 30, 2027.
- Bringing cash: the VBC is a cashless facility, card and mobile payments only, including the $15 lots.
- Forgetting the truck: the VBC charges $50 a day to park a semi and $25 for a trailer with its vehicle.
Background photo: "AUSA Global Force 2019" by U.S. Army Materiel Command, CC BY 2.0 Source
Free tool · plan your Huntsville budget
Von Braun Center drayage estimator and show budget
Pick a booth size and type to get planning numbers for 2026 and 2027: shipping weight, drayage at about $105 per hundredweight, and installation and dismantling (I&D) labor. Every number is a Purple planning estimate, not a quote: the VBC publishes hourly rates for its own casual labor and riggers but no drayage rate, and your show's kit carries the real tariff. See all venues on the drayage rates page.
Plan on about $105 per hundredweight for drayage in Huntsville, with a 200 lb minimum. That is a Purple planning figure: neither the VBC nor a current public show kit publishes the rate.
The fields below fill in from size and type. Change any of them.
Purple planning estimate · not a quote
Drayage + I&D labor, Von Braun Center
$4,100 – $7,690- Shipping weight planning estimate
- 1,800 lbs
- Drayage planning estimate
- $1,890
- I&D labor hours planning estimate
- 16 – 28 hrs
- I&D labor planning estimate
- $2,210 – $5,800
18 cwt at $105 per 100 lbs. Labor at $138–$207 per hour, straight time.
Get a real Huntsville quoteHow these planning numbers work
- Shipping weight: about 6 lbs per sq ft for a rental booth, 9 for custom or hybrid, 12 for fully custom, crated, with graphics and furniture.
- Drayage: $105 per 100 lbs (cwt), Purple's Huntsville planning rate for 2026 and 2027, with a 200 lb minimum. Right-to-work cities usually run lower than union cities; loose or pad-wrapped freight adds 30%, and late or off-target freight costs more.
- I&D labor hours: install plus dismantle, 0.06–0.10 person-hours per sq ft for rental, 0.08–0.14 for custom or hybrid, 0.12–0.20 for fully custom.
- Labor rate: $138–$207 per person-hour, straight time, a planning range for skilled exhibit labor from published 2026 show labor rates elsewhere. The VBC's own published rates are lower for its casual labor ($21) and riggers ($61), but those crews are not booth installers; overtime costs more.
- Own staff: Alabama is right-to-work, but your show kit decides what your own staff may build. If your staff does it all, I&D labor drops to $0 here.
- Not included: booth space, the exhibit itself, freight to Huntsville, power, internet, rigging, forklift, parking, travel and tax.
At the Von Braun Center: the 200 lb minimum and the loose-freight surcharge follow common show kits; your kit sets the real figures. Vehicles and heavy equipment for outdoor displays follow the show's own move-in day.
On the floor at AUSA Global Force
Photo: "AUSA Global Force 2019" by U.S. Army Materiel Command, CC BY 2.0 Source
The calendar
Von Braun Center events 2026–2027: trade and consumer shows
The 2027 calendar runs from a transportation conference in February through Global Force in March and two April shows to the SMD Symposium in August. Dates below are confirmed by each organizer at this venue; confirm hall, move-in and contractor with them too.
Five 2027 shows are confirmed here so far: the Alabama Transportation Conference, AUSA Global Force, the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo, the Alabama Bandmasters All-State festival and the Space & Missile Defense Symposium.
Alabama Transportation Conference
70th annual conference for road and transportation professionals; sponsor-exhibitor prospectus announced · organized by Auburn University's ATAP · 2027
AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition
Army modernization, 260+ exhibitors in 2026, East and South Halls plus outdoor displays · organized by the Association of the United States Army · 2027
Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo
Year 12, 200+ vendors across halls and ballrooms, open to the public · organized by the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo · 2027
All-State Band Festival exhibits
Music-education exhibitors in a VBC hallway and ballroom, exhibit days April 22–23 · organized by the Alabama Bandmasters Association · 2027
Space & Missile Defense Symposium
About 10,000 attendees and 320 exhibitors in 2026; 2027 exhibit space sold out, waiting list open · organized by the SMD Symposium · 2027
Dates and venue from the organizers, checked November 9, 2026: Auburn University ATAP, AUSA Global Force exhibit FAQ and its 2027 prospectus, the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo, the Alabama Bandmasters Association exhibitor agreement and the SMD Symposium. Event dates are shown; exhibit days inside them are set by each organizer. The VBC also hosts RV, boat and home shows, whose 2027 dates were not posted on organizer sites we could reach.
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
Hotels near the Von Braun Center
The Embassy Suites is the hotel joined to the VBC, by a skywalk from the South Hall. The AC Hotel sits across the street in the City Centre development, and the Trilogy Hotel faces the Box Office, next to the Monroe Street city garage. During Global Force and SMD the downtown hotels fill early; AUSA opens its Global Force housing block in December 2026.
Only the Embassy Suites connects to the Von Braun Center, by skywalk from the South Hall; the AC Hotel and Trilogy Hotel are across the street, and Huntsville International Airport is about 12 miles away in a straight line.
| Map number | Hotel | Rooms | Link to the VBC | Straight-line | Walk (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Embassy Suites Huntsville Hotel & Spa800 Monroe St SW | 295 | Skywalk to the South Hall | 0.14 mi750 ft | ≈ 4 min |
| 2 | Trilogy Hotel Huntsville, Autograph Collection707 Monroe St SW | — | City garage across from the Box Office | 0.15 mi790 ft | ≈ 4 min |
| 3 | AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown435 Williams Ave SW | — | Across the street (City Centre) | 0.17 mi900 ft | ≈ 4 min |
| 4 | Hotel Russell Erskine115 Clinton Ave W | — | Not stated | 0.34 mi1,790 ft | ≈ 9 min |
Distance: straight line from the Von Braun Center map point; the campus is long, so the walk from your hall can differ. Walk: an estimate, straight-line, at 20 minutes a mile plus 30% for streets; not a measured route. Link: skywalk from the VBC facility map and Wikipedia; AC Hotel across the street from Visit Huntsville; Trilogy beside the Monroe Street city garage from the VBC parking page; "Not stated" means we found no source. Rooms: Embassy Suites 295 suites from Visit Huntsville (2015); "—" where we found no source.
Skywalk
Embassy Suites Huntsville
Next door on Monroe Street, joined to the South Hall by a skywalk; 295 two-room suites by the CVB's count.
≈ 12 mi
Huntsville International (HSV)
About 12 miles straight-line west of downtown; the VBC calls it minutes away.
Parking
$15 on site, cashless
The covered South Hall garage has indoor access to every venue; city lots nearby charge about $5.
Across the street
AC Hotel and Trilogy
The AC Hotel is in City Centre across the street; the Trilogy shares the Monroe Street city garage with the Hampton Inn.
Crew logistics
Purple in Huntsville
Purple ships to the Von Braun Center and coordinates crews and freight for installs here; we ship and install from New York.
History
From Von Braun Civic Center to a $200 million expansion
The city-owned building opened on March 14, 1975 as the Von Braun Civic Center, named after rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun. It grew hall by hall: the West Hall (now part of the East Hall) in 1980, the North Hall in 1987 and the South Hall in 1997, when "Civic" was dropped from the name. The North Hall, renovated by 2023, is now marketed as the Saturn Ballroom.
What changed at the Von Braun Center in 2025–2026
- A $15 million Concert Hall expansion with bigger loading docks and a steel rigging system was due in July, and the city approved a $4.8 million kitchen renovation (WAFF).
- A $220 million tax increment district went to the City Council, with about $200 million for more than 100,000 sq ft of new event and exhibit space (Hville Blast).
- AUSA reported more than 7,300 attendees and 260 exhibitors at Global Force 2026, and opened 2027 booth sales for the South and East Halls (prospectus).
- The SMD Symposium set a record of about 10,000 attendees and 320 exhibitors; the VBC said the expansion was approved and groundbreaking was expected in November 2026 (VBC).
- 1975The Von Braun Civic Center opens on March 14, after a $15 million build.
- 1980The West Hall opens; it is now part of the East Hall.
- 1987The North Hall adds an upscale exhibit and ballroom space.
- 1997The 100,800 sq ft South Hall opens and the building becomes the Von Braun Center.
- 2006A skywalk links the center to the hotel next door, now the Embassy Suites.
- 2011The arena and concert hall finish a renovation; the arena becomes Propst Arena.
- 2020Mars Music Hall and the Rhythm on Monroe rooftop restaurant open.
- 2026A roughly $200 million expansion with 100,000+ sq ft of new space moves ahead.
Real costs
What it costs to exhibit at the Von Braun Center
The VBC publishes its own price sheet: power from $60 per 20-amp drop per day, a wired internet line at $500, a forklift with driver at $450 a day and parking at $15. It publishes no drayage rate.
| Item | Published rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, 120V 20A / 120V 30A, per drop per day | $60 / $65 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Electrical, 208V 30–59A / 60–99A / 100–200A, per drop per day | $150 / $250 / $500 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Internet, wired connection / dedicated connection per event | $500 / $2,400 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Forklift with driver, full day / half day | $450 / $300 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Rigger, per person per hour (teams of three, 4-hour minimum), straight / premium | $61 / $91.50 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Casual labor, per hour / production technician, per hour (4-hour minimum) | $21 / $40 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Booth package, 10×10 / tabletop, per event | $95 / $30 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Water or compressed air hookup, per day | $115 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Parking: car on VBC lots / semi / box truck / trailer with vehicle, per day | $15 / $50 / $15–$20 / $25 | VBC services & staffing (2026) |
| Booth space, 10×10, SMD Symposium (South Hall / East Hall or Saturn) | $1,800 / $1,700 | SMD 2027 booth request form (SMD 2027) |
Not published: drayage (material handling), I&D labor by your show's contractor, and dock or marshaling fees. The VBC's sheet does not say whether each rate is billed to the show or to exhibitors; at a contracted show you may order the same items through the show's contractor at its own prices.
Rates change from year to year and show to show: check your show's exhibitor kit before you order. The VBC adds that all prices are subject to change and that premium furniture and exhibitor equipment are priced on request.
Checklist
Von Braun Center exhibitor checklist
Get your building and your show's height limit first, pay booth space before the show's deadline, order power and internet from the VBC sheet or the kit, book your move-in slot and budget paid truck parking.
- 16 weeks out Ask your show for your building (South Hall, East Hall or Saturn Ballroom) and the booth size it sells there, 10×10 or 10×8.
- 14 weeks out Get the height limit in writing: Global Force 2026 allowed 20 ft in the South Hall and 12 ft in its ballroom area and the East Hall.
- 12 weeks out Pay booth space on time: Global Force 2027 balances are due January 11, 2027; SMD 2027 is due April 30, 2027.
- 10 weeks out Read the kit's labor rules: Alabama is right-to-work, but the kit decides what your staff may build.
- 8 weeks out Plan any hanging sign with the show and the VBC: no hanging signs over the South Hall ballroom at Global Force 2026, and VBC riggers work in teams of three.
- 6 weeks out Order power ($60 per 120V 20A drop per day on the VBC sheet) and a wired internet line ($500) or your kit's equivalents.
- 5 weeks out For outdoor displays, confirm the outdoor move-in day and weatherproof every graphic.
- 3 weeks out Ship to the warehouse or show-site address in your kit; the VBC publishes no advance-freight policy of its own.
- 2 weeks out Budget truck parking: $50 a day for a semi, $15–$20 for a box truck, $25 for a trailer with its vehicle.
- Travel day Tell staff parking is $15 and cashless, and book the Embassy Suites early if you want the skywalk.
- Move-in Arrive in your targeted slot; book the VBC forklift with driver ($450 a day) ahead if your show uses it.
- Move-out Book your carrier for the kit's move-out window; Global Force 2026 ran from Thursday noon to Friday 4 pm.
Rules and dates from the Global Force 2026 show information, the SMD 2027 booth form and the VBC services & staffing page; your show's kit sets its own dates.
Questions
Von Braun Center FAQ for exhibitors
What is the Von Braun Center address, and how far is the airport?
700 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, downtown beside Big Spring International Park. Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is about 12 miles away in a straight line.
How big is the Von Braun Center exhibit space?
The South Hall is 100,800 square feet in all, with an 81,900 sq ft exhibit floor (South Hall 1 and 2) for 500 booths of 10 by 10, or 600 using the whole hall. The East Hall adds 24,900 sq ft and the Saturn Ballroom 23,184 sq ft; the campus totals more than 170,000 sq ft.
What is the ceiling height in the South Hall?
35 feet, as the venue lists it, with 18 to 22 feet in the South Hall ballrooms, 15 to 19 feet in the East Hall and 19 to 24 feet in the Saturn Ballroom. Shows set lower limits: Global Force 2026 allowed 20 ft in the South Hall and 12 ft in its ballroom area.
Where is the loading dock?
Each building has its own: a 2015 Visit Huntsville count gave seven loading docks at the South Hall, two at the North Hall (now the Saturn Ballroom) and one at the Concert Hall, and the East Hall has one rollup door. The venue does not publish dock locations or door sizes; your show kit gives the dock and move-in slot.
Is labor union at the Von Braun Center?
No union requirement by state law: Alabama is a right-to-work state, written into its constitution in 2016. The VBC runs in-house exhibitor services, and your show's kit sets what your own staff may build.
Can I set up my own booth?
Usually, but check your show kit. We found no published VBC rule limiting exhibitor self-setup; the show and its contractor set the rules, and VBC rigging and A/V use the venue's own crews.
How much is drayage at the Von Braun Center?
About $105 per hundredweight is Purple's planning estimate for 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum. The VBC publishes no drayage rate; your show kit carries the actual tariff.
How much does parking cost at the Von Braun Center?
$15 on the VBC's own lots and garage, cashless only (card or mobile pay). Nearby City of Huntsville lots run about $5, and the VBC charges $50 a day for a semi and $15–$20 for a box truck.
Which hotel connects to the Von Braun Center?
The Embassy Suites Huntsville, by a skywalk from the South Hall. The AC Hotel is across the street in City Centre, and the Trilogy Hotel faces the Box Office.
What trade shows are at the Von Braun Center in 2026 and 2027?
Confirmed for 2027: the Alabama Transportation Conference (February 17–18), AUSA Global Force (March 16–18), the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo (April 16–18), the Alabama Bandmasters All-State festival exhibits (April 21–24) and the Space & Missile Defense Symposium (August 10–12).
Von Braun Center or the BJCC in Birmingham: what is the difference?
Focus and size: the VBC's South Hall is 100,800 sq ft and its biggest shows are Army and missile-defense events. The BJCC's East Exhibition Halls total about 92,000 sq ft; both are in right-to-work Alabama. See our BJCC guide.
Who provides electrical, internet and food at the Von Braun Center?
The VBC itself: it publishes power from $60 per 20-amp drop per day, wired internet at $500 a line, and in-house catering, and outside food needs management approval. At a contracted show, order through the channels your kit names.
Can I show a vehicle or heavy equipment?
Yes, at shows that allow it: the South Hall floor holds 350 lb per sq ft and has held three helicopters at once, and Global Force sells outdoor space for vehicles, heavy equipment and drones with its own move-in day.
Is the Von Braun Center being expanded?
Yes. In 2026 Huntsville moved ahead with a roughly $200 million expansion adding more than 100,000 sq ft of event and exhibit space, and the VBC expected groundbreaking in November 2026. Ask your show whether work affects its halls or parking.
Exhibiting in Huntsville?
South Hall at 20 ft, or the East Hall at 12?
Send us the show and booth number. Within two business days you get a design sized to your hall's real height limit, a freight plan for your move-in slot, a drayage estimate and a build timeline for Global Force, SMD or any VBC show.
Background photo: "U.S. Space & Rocket Center" by ShanMcG213, CC BY-SA 2.0 Source
Compare venues
Von Braun Center vs other major U.S. convention centers
How the Von Braun Center stacks up against other big-city halls we have guides for. Drayage figures are Purple planning rates, not published tariffs.
| Venue | Type | Largest space | Ceiling | Labor | Drayage (plan) | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Von Braun CenterThis guide | Convention center + arena | 100,800 sq ft South Hall · 81,900 sq ft exhibit floor | 35 ft South Hall · 15–19 ft East Hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $105/cwt | HSV · ~12 mi |
| Albany Capital CenterAlbany | Convention center | 22,500 sq ft Multipurpose Room | 25–26 ft | Own staff OK · IATSE rigging | ≈ $85/cwt | ALB · ~20 min |
| America's Center Convention ComplexSt. Louis | Convention center | 574,000 sq ft contiguous, with Dome floor | 40 ft | Union · 300 sq ft rule | ≈ $150/cwt | STL · 14 mi |
| AmericasMart AtlantaAtlanta | Wholesale market | About 7M sq ft in 3 buildings · First Finds booths | 8 ft booth walls in most temp areas | Right-to-work · check manual | ≈ $140/cwt | ATL · 8.6 mi |
| Anaheim Convention CenterAnaheim | Convention center | 221,284 sq ft Hall D | 25 ft Hall D · 13 ft 8 in Hall E | Union · check kit | ≈ $172/cwt | SNA · 13 mi |
| Atlanta Marriott MarquisAtlanta | Hotel ballrooms | 28,281 sq ft International Hall · 162,526 sq ft in all | 30 ft Atrium Ballroom · 18 ft Marquis | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | ATL · MARTA Red/Gold |
| Atlantic City Convention CenterAtlantic City | Convention center | 199,500 sq ft Hall D (500,000 total) | 30 ft clear | Union · own staff to 400 sq ft (check kit) | ≈ $120/cwt | ACY · nearest; PHL bigger |
| Austin Convention CenterAustin | Convention center (closed, rebuilding) | Closed · 620,000 sq ft rentable from 2029 | — | Right-to-work · venue closed | ≈ $100/cwt | AUS · ~5 mi |
| Baltimore Convention CenterBaltimore | Convention center | 300,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–G | up to 30 ft · varies by hall | Union · carpenters' rules | ≈ $140/cwt | BWI · light rail |
| Beaver Run ResortBreckenridge | Resort ballrooms | 7,200 sq ft Colorado Ballroom · 100 tabletops | 15 ft ballroom · 8–16 ft rooms | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $175/cwt | DEN · ~2 hrs |
| Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and SpaMichigan City | Casino resort ballrooms | 11,000 sq ft Fremont Ballroom · ~45,000 sq ft in all | 13–22 ft (Cvent) | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SBN · ~45 min |
| Borgata Hotel Casino & SpaAtlantic City | Resort ballrooms | About 30,000 sq ft Event Center, Salons A–D | 30 ft listed | Union · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | ACY · ~12 mi |
| Boston Convention & Exhibition CenterBoston | Convention center | 516,000 sq ft contiguous (Halls A–C) | 35 ft low · up to 100 ft | Union · staff setup OK | ≈ $324/cwt | BOS · 3 mi |
| Broward County Convention CenterFort Lauderdale | Convention center | 348,040 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | — | Right-to-work · IATSE 500 AV/rigging | ≈ $165/cwt | FLL · 2 mi |
| Buffalo Convention CenterBuffalo | Convention center | 64,410 sq ft exhibit hall | 35 ft | Union facility · check kit | ≈ $90/cwt | BUF · ~20 min |
| Cajundome Convention CenterLafayette | Convention center | 37,303 sq ft Halls A + B · 40,000 sq ft arena floor | — | Right-to-work | ≈ $130/cwt | LFT · ~3 mi |
| Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention CenterSalt Lake City | Convention center | 515,000 sq ft contiguous, 10 halls | 30 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $120/cwt | SLC · ~6 mi |
| Central Bank CenterLexington | Convention center + arena | 100,000 sq ft exhibit hall | 30 ft hall · 24.7 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | LEX · ~5 mi |
| Century CenterSouth Bend | Convention center | 25,000 sq ft Convention Hall · 100,000+ sq ft in all | 38 ft Great Hall · hall not published | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | SBN · 3.8 mi |
| Charlotte Convention CenterCharlotte | Convention center | 280,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 30 ft listed max | Right-to-work | ≈ $115/cwt | CLT · 7 mi |
| CHI Health Center OmahaOmaha | Convention center | 194,300 sq ft, Halls A–C on one level | 30 ft halls · 35 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $105/cwt | OMA · 3.5 mi |
| Cobb Convention Center AtlantaAtlanta | Convention center | 144,000 sq ft, four 36,000 sq ft halls | Not published | Right-to-work · non-union building | ≈ $145/cwt | ATL · ~20 min |
| Colorado Convention CenterDenver | Convention center | 584,000 sq ft on one level, Halls A–F | 30 ft to low steel | IATSE 7 · 60-min rule | ≈ $160/cwt | DEN · 30–40 min |
| Dallas Market CenterDallas | Wholesale market | 5M+ sq ft · Temps floors in a 15-floor WTC | 8 ft GEM walls in Temps booths | Right-to-work · self-setup OK | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · 3.4 mi |
| DC ArmoryWashington | Arena / expo hall | 70,000 sq ft column-free floor | — (listings: ~88 ft) | Union · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | DCA · ~15–20 min |
| DCU CenterWorcester | Convention center + arena | 48,640 sq ft Exhibition Hall · 26,200 sq ft arena floor | 30 ft hall · 36 ft Showcase Corner | IATSE Local 96 · check kit | ≈ $110/cwt | ORH · <5 mi |
| Donald E. Stephens Convention CenterRosemont | Convention center | 250,000 sq ft Hall A · 840,000 total | 16–26 ft | Union state · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | ORD · 2.4 mi |
| Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterNew Orleans | Convention center | 127,364 sq ft Hall E · 1.1M sq ft in all | — | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MSY · 25–30 min |
| Fairmont Scottsdale PrincessScottsdale | Resort ballrooms | 22,500 sq ft Princess Ballroom + 22,394 sq ft Palomino | 18–18.6 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | PHX · ~20 mi |
| First Financial CenterCincinnati | Convention center | 192,356 sq ft Halls A–C, contiguous | 35 ft · 18 ft low zones | Open shop · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | CVG · ~15–20 min |
| Fontainebleau Las VegasLas Vegas | Resort ballrooms | 105,264 sq ft Royal Ballroom | 28 ft 10 in | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LAS · 4.3 mi |
| Fort Worth Convention CenterFort Worth | Convention center | 182,613 sq ft Halls A–F + 45,000 sq ft annex | 25 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $90/cwt | DFW · 25–30 min |
| French Lick ResortFrench Lick | Resort ballrooms | 31,624 sq ft Exhibition Hall | 22 ft Hoosier · 18 ft Windsor | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SDF · ~90 min |
| Galt House HotelLouisville | Hotel ballrooms | 23,331 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 22 ft ballroom · 11 ft exhibit hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SDF · ~8 mi |
| Gas South Convention CenterDuluth | Convention center | 89,470 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A–D | ~30 ft (Cvent listing) | Right-to-work · non-union | ≈ $140/cwt | ATL · ~45 min |
| Gaylord National Resort & Convention CenterNational Harbor | Resort ballrooms | 178,787 sq ft Prince George's Exhibition Hall | 24 ft hall · 28.5 ft ballrooms | Union · check kit | ≈ $170/cwt | DCA · ~15 min |
| Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention CenterChula Vista | Resort ballrooms | 140,049 sq ft California Exhibit Hall | 34 ft hall · 27–28 ft ballrooms | Check show kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · ~10–12 mi |
| Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CenterKissimmee | Resort ballrooms | 178,500 sq ft Florida Exhibition Hall | 24 ft hall and ballrooms | Right-to-work | ≈ $160/cwt | MCO · ~20 min |
| Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention CenterAurora | Resort ballrooms | 114,648 sq ft Aurora Exhibit Hall (≈175,000 with the Aurora Ballroom) | 30 ft hall · 36 ft Aurora Ballroom | Union · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | DEN · ~10 min |
| Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention CenterGrapevine | Resort ballrooms | 179,520 sq ft Longhorn Exhibition Hall | 24 ft hall · 24 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DFW · ~6 min |
| George R. Brown Convention CenterHouston | Convention center | 547,730 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–E | 35 ft (Level 1) · 30 ft (Level 3) | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | HOU · ~9 mi |
| Georgia International Convention CenterCollege Park | Convention center | 151,200 sq ft, four 37,800 sq ft halls | 32 ft halls and ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | ATL · 1/4 mi, SkyTrain |
| Georgia World Congress CenterAtlanta | Convention center | 1M+ sq ft contiguous (Halls B, BC, C) | 30 ft to grid | Right-to-work | ≈ $150/cwt | ATL · 15–20 min |
| Golden Nugget Lake CharlesLake Charles | Casino resort ballroom | 18,000 sq ft Grand Event Center | 28 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | LCH · ~20 min |
| Grand Wayne Convention CenterFort Wayne | Convention center | 50,000 sq ft Convention Hall · 225,000 sq ft in all | Not published | Right-to-work · non-union crews | ≈ $125/cwt | FWA · ~7 mi |
| Greater Columbus Convention CenterColumbus | Convention center | 373,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–D | 30 ft halls · 33 ft Battelle Grand | Union state · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | CMH · ~10 min |
| Harrah's Waterfront Conference CenterAtlantic City | Resort ballrooms | 49,447 sq ft Wildwood Ballroom (two stacked ~50,000) | 27.5 ft Wildwood (Cvent) | Union · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | ACY · ~14 mi |
| Henry B. González Convention CenterSan Antonio | Convention center | about 514,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls 1–4 + Bridge Hall | 35 ft halls · 24 ft Bridge Hall | Right-to-work | ≈ $95/cwt | SAT · ~8 mi |
| High Point MarketHigh Point | Wholesale market | 11.5M+ sq ft at 160+ showroom addresses | — | Right-to-work · check venue | ≈ $95/cwt | GSO · 11 mi |
| Hilton AnatoleDallas | Hotel ballrooms | 73,000–75,900 sq ft Trinity Exhibit Hall | 18 ft hall · 28–29 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · ~4 mi |
| Hilton Baltimore Inner HarborBaltimore | Hotel ballrooms | 26,712 sq ft Key Ballroom (42,102 sq ft exhibit space) | 21 ft Key · 26 ft Holiday | No right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | BWI · ~9 mi |
| Hilton ChicagoChicago | Hotel ballrooms | 40,140 sq ft Stevens Salon A · 234,000 total | 10–11 ft Stevens · 23–34 ft ballrooms | Union · pop-ups ≤ 10×10 | ≈ $175/cwt | MDW · 12 mi |
| Hilton New Orleans RiversideNew Orleans | Hotel ballrooms | 26,894 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 18 ft Grand Ballroom · 12 ft Grand Salon | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | MSY · ~25 min |
| Hilton OrlandoOrlando | Hotel ballrooms | 48,167 sq ft Orlando Ballroom | 26 ft Orlando · 24 ft Orange · 18 ft Florida | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 11 mi |
| Hilton San Francisco Union SquareSan Francisco | Hotel ballrooms | 29,637 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 23 ft 2 in Grand (fact sheet: 20 ft) · 20 ft Continental | Union · check kit | ≈ $180/cwt | SFO · 13 mi |
| Huntington Convention Center of ClevelandCleveland | Convention center | 225,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 25–40 ft | Union · own staff may build | ≈ $145/cwt | CLE · ~20–25 min |
| Huntington PlaceDetroit | Convention center | 623,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–D | 30 ft (A–D) · 18 ft 8 in (E) | Union · 400 sq ft rule | ≈ $155/cwt | DTW · 20 mi |
| Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner HarborBaltimore | Hotel ballrooms | 14,161 sq ft Constellation Ballroom (35,000+ sq ft event space) | 15 ft Constellation | No right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | BWI · ~20–25 min |
| Hyatt Regency ChicagoChicago | Hotel ballrooms | 70,000 sq ft Riverside Exhibit Hall | 12 ft hall · 17–19 ft ballrooms | Union · check kit | ≈ $225/cwt | MDW · 12 mi |
| Hyatt Regency ColumbusColumbus | Convention hotel | 15,800 sq ft Regency Ballroom · 70,000 total | 24 ft ballroom · 8–13.5 ft rooms | Union state · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | CMH · 7 mi |
| Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention CenterDenver | Convention hotel | 30,000 sq ft Centennial Ballroom · 60,600 total | 30 ft Centennial · 22 ft Capitol | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | DEN · 25 mi |
| Hyatt Regency New OrleansNew Orleans | Hotel ballrooms | 48,100 sq ft Elite Hall + 25,379 sq ft Storyville Hall | about 9–24 ft Elite Hall · 20.5 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · union in kits | ≈ $160/cwt | MSY · ~14 mi |
| Hyatt Regency OrlandoOrlando | Hotel ballrooms | 54,638 sq ft Regency Ballroom | 31 ft Regency (listed) · 21 ft Plaza | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 12 mi |
| Hynes Convention CenterBoston | Convention center | 176,480 sq ft (Halls A–D + auditorium) | 14–18 ft plaza · 20–43 ft level 2 | Union · staff setup OK | ≈ $190/cwt | BOS · 4.6 mi |
| Indiana Convention CenterIndianapolis | Convention center | 566,600 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–K | 35 ft | Union · own staff OK | ≈ $135/cwt | IND · ~15 min |
| Iowa Events CenterDes Moines | Convention center | 150,000 sq ft contiguous, EMC Expo Center Halls A–C | 35 ft (Halls B–C) | Right-to-work | ≈ $100/cwt | DSM · ~10 min |
| Irving Convention Center at Las ColinasIrving | Convention center | 48,576 sq ft column-free exhibit hall | 35 ft hall · 24 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DFW · ~6 mi |
| Javits CenterNew York | Convention center | ~500,000 sq ft contiguous (Level 3) | Varies by hall · check plan | Union · 250 sq ft rule | ≈ $195/cwt | EWR / LGA / JFK · 45–70 min |
| John S. Knight CenterAkron | Convention center | 28,640 sq ft exhibit halls, 123,000 sq ft building | 35 ft halls · 20 ft ballrooms | No right-to-work · own staff OK | ≈ $130/cwt | CAK · ~20 min |
| Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention CenterRochester | Convention center | 49,275 sq ft Empire Hall | 45 ft (hall halves) | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $85/cwt | ROC · ~15 min |
| JW Marriott AustinAustin | Hotel ballrooms | 23,175 sq ft Griffin Hall · 30,183 sq ft JW Grand Ballroom | 12 ft Griffin · 18–21 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | AUS · 6.5 mi |
| JW Marriott IndianapolisIndianapolis | Hotel ballrooms | 40,500 sq ft JW Grand Ballroom | 19–21 ft ballroom · 12 ft Griffin Hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | IND · ~15–20 min |
| JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & SpaPhoenix | Resort ballrooms | 33,218 sq ft Grand Canyon Ballroom · ~84,000 in 3 ballrooms | 21–24.6 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | PHX · 22 mi |
| Kalahari Resorts & Conventions SanduskySandusky | Resort ballrooms | 38,232 sq ft Kilimanjaro Ballroom | ≈ 28 ft Kilimanjaro (listing) | No right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | CLE · ≈42 mi |
| Kansas City Convention CenterKansas City | Convention center | 388,800 sq ft column-free, Bartle Hall A–E | 33 ft A–C · 42 ft D–E | IATSE 31 · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | MCI · ~19 mi |
| Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center DallasDallas | Convention center | 304,250 sq ft open in Halls A–C (2026) | 35 ft (A, B) · 31–37 ft (C) | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · ~6 mi |
| Kentucky Exposition CenterLouisville | Expo center | 218,286 sq ft North Wing (421,200 sq ft South Wing A–C) | 27 ft South Wing · 15–28 ft North Wing | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SDF · adjacent |
| Kentucky International Convention CenterLouisville | Convention center | 204,169 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A–E | 32 ft halls · 30 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · self-setup | ≈ $130/cwt | SDF · 7.6 mi |
| Long Beach Convention CenterLong Beach | Convention center | 224,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 25 ft halls · 30–75 ft Arena | Union · 30-min no-tools rule | ≈ $170/cwt | LGB · ~10–15 min |
| Los Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles | Convention center | 346,890 sq ft South Hall G–K | 40 ft South · 36 ft West | Union · check kit | ≈ $175/cwt | LAX · ~20 mi |
| Manchester Grand Hyatt San DiegoSan Diego | Hotel ballrooms | 34,000 sq ft Grand Hall | ~14 ft Grand Hall · 18–21 ft ballrooms | Union dock · check kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · 3 mi |
| Marriott Marquis San Diego MarinaSan Diego | Hotel ballrooms | 35,631 sq ft Marriott Grand and Pacific ballrooms | 26 ft Grand · 16 ft Pacific | Union · check kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · 3 mi |
| Marriott Marquis Washington, DCWashington | Hotel ballrooms | 30,600 sq ft Marquis Ballroom | 22 ft Marquis Ballroom | Union · check kit | ≈ $170/cwt | DCA · ~3.7 mi |
| MassMutual CenterSpringfield | Civic center + arena | 40,650 sq ft Exhibition Halls A + B | 27 ft halls · 24 ft ballroom | Union market · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | BDL · ~12 mi |
| McCormick PlaceChicago | Convention center | 840,000 sq ft Hall A (South) · 1.2M+ on one level | Varies by hall · check plan | Union · staff setup any size | ≈ $210/cwt | MDW · ~20 min |
| Meadowlands Exposition CenterSecaucus | Expo center | 61,000 sq ft contiguous main hall | 20 ft | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $110/cwt | EWR · ~12 mi |
| Mesa Convention CenterMesa | City convention campus | 19,000 sq ft main exhibit hall | 22 ft hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | PHX · ~11 mi |
| Metropolitan PavilionNew York | Loft event venue | 25,000 sq ft Full Pavilion | 12–16 ft | Check fair kit | ≈ $150/cwt | LGA · ~35 min |
| Miami Beach Convention CenterMiami Beach | Convention center | 491,654 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–D | — | Union · IATSE/IBEW · check kit | ≈ $170/cwt | MIA · ~12 mi |
| Minneapolis Convention CenterMinneapolis | Convention center | 376,200 sq ft contiguous, Halls B–E | 30 ft 6 in to truss · 85 ft domes | Union · open dock | ≈ $150/cwt | MSP · ~20 min |
| Moscone CenterSan Francisco | Convention center | 502,440 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–F | 37 ft Halls A–C · 28 ft Hall F | Union · check kit | ≈ $180/cwt | SFO · 25–40 min |
| Mountain America Expo CenterSandy | Expo center | 243,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls 1–5 | 30 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $115/cwt | SLC · 16 mi |
| Nassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumUniondale | Arena + expo hall | 60,000 sq ft Exhibition Hall | 20 ft | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | JFK · ~11 mi |
| National Western ComplexDenver | Fairgrounds | 153,089 sq ft Expo Hall, Livestock Center | 25 ft · 20 ft low point | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | DEN · ~17 mi |
| Navy Pier Festival HallChicago | Exhibition hall on a pier | 170,100 sq ft, Halls A + B | 60 ft centre · 28–30 ft sides | Union state · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | MDW · ~25–35 min |
| New Jersey Convention and Exposition CenterEdison | Expo center | ~135,000 sq ft single-level hall | 24 ft beams · 19 ft ducts | Non-union building · check kit | ≈ $105/cwt | EWR · ~15 min |
| New York Hilton MidtownNew York | Hotel ballrooms | 16,450 sq ft Americas Hall I (plus Hall II) | 15 ft halls · 24 ft Grand Ballroom | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LGA · ~35 min |
| New York Marriott MarquisNew York | Hotel ballrooms | 28,258 sq ft Broadway Ballroom | 23 ft Broadway · 12 ft Westside | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LGA · ~40 min by car |
| Northern Kentucky Convention CenterCovington | Convention center | 46,200 sq ft Event Center (Halls I + II) | 29 ft hang points · 25 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | CVG · ~9 mi |
| Ocean CenterDaytona Beach | Convention center | 93,028 sq ft exhibit hall | 32 ft hall · 45 ft arena | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | DAB · ~10 min |
| Oklahoma City Convention CenterOklahoma City | Convention center | 200,730 sq ft continuous, up to 4 halls | 30 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $105/cwt | OKC · ~9–10 mi |
| Omni Dallas HotelDallas | Hotel ballrooms | 31,704 sq ft Dallas Ballroom | 32 ft Dallas · 28 ft Trinity | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · 6.2 mi |
| Orange County Convention CenterOrlando | Convention center | 1,103,538 sq ft West Building | 30–40 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 12 mi |
| Oregon Convention CenterPortland | Convention center | 255,000 sq ft Halls A–E | 30 ft | Union · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | PDX · MAX ~30 min |
| Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando | Resort ballrooms | 105,000 sq ft Cypress Ballroom | 31 ft Cypress · 22 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | MCO · ~17 mi |
| Overland Park Convention CenterOverland Park | Convention center | 58,494 sq ft column-free hall, Halls A + B | 30 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | MCI · ~30 min |
| Owensboro Convention CenterOwensboro | Convention center | 44,096 sq ft, Exhibit Halls 1–3 | 30 ft halls · 18 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · non-union building | ≈ $120/cwt | OWB (limited) · SDF/BNA ~2 hr |
| Palm Beach County Convention CenterWest Palm Beach | Convention center | 100,000 sq ft exhibit hall (Halls A–B) | ≈ 29 ft hall | Right-to-work · own tools OK | ≈ $165/cwt | PBI · ~10 min |
| Palm Springs Convention CenterPalm Springs | Convention center | 92,545 sq ft Oasis Halls 1–4 (112,561 with Primrose) | 29 ft 8 in (Halls 1, 4) · 24 ft 8 in (Halls 2, 3) | Union · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | PSP · 1.5 mi |
| Phoenix Convention CenterPhoenix | Convention center | 312,500 sq ft contiguous, lower Halls 1–6 | 32 ft lower · 35 ft upper | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | PHX · ~3 mi |
| Prime F. Osborn III Convention CenterJacksonville | Convention center | 78,540 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A + B | 32.5 ft halls · 75 ft Grand Lobby | Right-to-work · IATSE 115 · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | JAX · via I-95 |
| Raising Cane's River CenterBaton Rouge | Convention center | ≈ 70,000 sq ft Exhibition Hall · 100,000+ with arena | — hall · 27 ft ballroom | Right-to-work | ≈ $140/cwt | BTR · ~7 mi |
| Reliant CenterHouston | Convention center | 706,000+ sq ft on one level, Halls A–E | 25–60 ft · avg 30 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $116/cwt | HOU · ~8 mi |
| Reno-Sparks Convention CenterReno | Convention center | 382,303 sq ft on one level, Halls 1–5 | 34 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $115/cwt | RNO · 2.1 mi |
| Rocky Gap Casino ResortFlintstone | Resort event center | 5,000 sq ft Allegheny Event Center | up to 21 ft | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | BWI / PIT · ~2–2.5 hr |
| Roland E. Powell Convention CenterOcean City | Convention center | 75,400 sq ft Exhibit Halls A–C | 30 ft halls · 35 ft ballroom | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | SBY · ~30 min |
| Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade CenterWashington | Conference center | 9,185 sq ft Atrium Hall (65,000 sq ft in all) | 26 ft Atrium Hall · 80–125 ft Atrium | Union · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | DCA · ~8 min |
| Rosen Centre HotelOrlando | Hotel ballrooms | 35,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 25 ft Grand · 22 ft Executive, Junior | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 12 min |
| Rosen Shingle CreekOrlando | Resort ballrooms | 95,000 sq ft Gatlin Ballroom | 31 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work | ≈ $160/cwt | MCO · ~10 min |
| SAFE Credit Union Convention CenterSacramento | Convention center | 159,509 sq ft, Halls A–D | 30 ft halls · 25 ft ballrooms | Union · 30-minute rule | ≈ $160/cwt | SMF · ~15 min |
| Saint Paul RiverCentreSaint Paul | Convention center | 68,699 sq ft Halls A–B + Rotunda; ~100,000 with Roy Wilkins hall | 27–39 ft | Union AV · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | MSP · ~8 mi |
| San Diego Convention CenterSan Diego | Convention center | 525,701 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–H | 27 ft 4 in A–E · up to 64 ft F–H | Union · check kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · 3 mi |
| San Francisco Marriott MarquisSan Francisco | Hotel ballrooms | 39,621 sq ft Yerba Buena Ballroom | 24.5 ft Yerba Buena 7–9 · 14 ft Golden Gate | Union · check kit | ≈ $180/cwt | SFO · ~13 mi |
| San Jose McEnery Convention CenterSan Jose | Convention center | 143,000 sq ft Halls 1–3 | 32 ft | Union · 30 min / 10 ft rule | ≈ $160/cwt | SJC · 4 mi |
| Santa Clara Convention CenterSanta Clara | Convention center | 90,014 sq ft Halls A–D | 28 ft 6 in | Union · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | SJC · 5–6 mi |
| Savannah Convention CenterSavannah | Convention center | 200,000 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A–D | 30 ft C–D · up to 52 ft A–B | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | SAV · under 15 mi |
| Schaumburg Convention CenterSchaumburg | Convention center | 97,200 sq ft column-free hall | 30 ft hall · 22 ft ballroom | Non-union venue · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | ORD · ~13 mi |
| Seattle Convention CenterSeattle | Convention center | 205,700 sq ft Arch Halls 4A–4F | 25 ft Arch · 30 ft Summit | Union · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | SEA · Link ~40 min |
| Sheraton Boston HotelBoston | Hotel ballrooms | 19,938 sq ft Grand Ballroom Complex | 23 ft Grand · 11 ft Back Bay | Union · own staff per kit | ≈ $185/cwt | BOS · 4.7 mi |
| Sheraton Grand Chicago RiverwalkChicago | Hotel ballrooms | 40,003 sq ft ballroom · 35,000 sq ft Riverwalk hall | 22 ft ballroom · 10 ft 6 in hall | Union · pop-ups ≤ 10×10 | ≈ $225/cwt | MDW · 13 mi |
| Sheraton New York Times Square HotelNew York | Hotel ballrooms | 14,896–16,576 sq ft Metropolitan Ballroom | 21.9 ft Metropolitan · 11 ft others | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LGA · ~35 min |
| Shreveport Convention CenterShreveport | Convention center | 95,000 sq ft exhibit hall, divisible by 3 | 30 ft hall · 25–26 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | SHV · ~6 mi |
| Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet CreekOrlando | Resort ballrooms | 35,925 sq ft Bonnet Creek Ballroom | 20 ft Bonnet Creek · 18 ft Waterside, Floridian | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 19 mi |
| Talking Stick ResortScottsdale | Resort ballrooms | 24,556–25,000 sq ft Salt River Grand Ballroom | Listed as 24 · confirm | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | PHX · ~14 mi |
| Tampa Convention CenterTampa | Convention center | 200,000 sq ft, West/Central/East Halls | 30 ft halls | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | TPA · ~8 mi |
| The BroadmoorColorado Springs | Resort ballrooms | 93,500 sq ft Bartolin Hall exhibit floor | 25 ft halls · 35 ft International Center | Union · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | COS · ~11.5 mi |
| THE MARTChicago | Design center | ~1M sq ft NeoCon (showrooms + 7th floor) | — | Union · in-house crews | ≈ $75/cwt | ORD · ~15 mi |
| The OncenterSyracuse | Convention center | 99,000–100,000 sq ft Pirro Convention Center | — | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $85/cwt | SYR · ~5 mi |
| Tucson Convention CenterTucson | Convention center | 89,760 sq ft Exhibit Halls A–C | 26 ft low steel · 35 ft high | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | TUS · ~10–15 min |
| Turning Stone Resort CasinoVerona | Resort ballrooms | ≈ 30,000 sq ft Event Center · 30,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 12–55 ft Event Center | Resort rules · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | SYR · ~35 mi |
| Walt Disney World Swan and DolphinLake Buena Vista | Resort ballrooms | 110,500 sq ft Atlantic + Pacific halls | 30 ft Atlantic · 25′8″ Pacific | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · ~20 min |
| Walter E. Washington Convention CenterWashington | Convention center | 473,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 30 ft (A–C) · up to 52 ft (D–E) | Union · check kit | ≈ $175/cwt | DCA · ~4 mi |
| Washington HiltonWashington | Hotel ballrooms | 29,631 sq ft International Ballroom · ~30,000 sq ft Columbia Hall | 30 ft ballroom · ~11 ft Columbia Hall | Union city · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | DCA · ~6–7 mi |
| Westin Boston Seaport DistrictBoston | Hotel ballrooms | 19,160 sq ft Galleria Exhibit Hall | 14.5 ft Galleria · 24 ft Grand | Union market · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | BOS · <3 mi |
| Wildwoods Convention CenterWildwood | Convention center + arena | 73,000–75,000 sq ft exhibit hall (East + West) | 30 ft (Cvent) | Self-setup allowed · CBAs | ≈ $115/cwt | ACY · ~35 mi |
| World Market Center Las VegasLas Vegas | Wholesale market | 193,858 sq ft The Expo + 3 showroom towers | — | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | LAS · ~6.3 mi |
Nearby guides
Other Alabama and Southeast venues
BJCCBirmingham, AL
Music City CenterNashville, TN
Chattanooga Convention CenterChattanooga, TN
Georgia World Congress CenterAtlanta, GA
Written by the Purple Exhibits team. Purple ships to the Von Braun Center and coordinates crews and freight for installs here; we ship and install from New York. Reviewed for the 2026–2027 season. Sources: the Von Braun Center (specs, parking, services and staffing pages, 2021 planner guide, 2026 news), Visit Huntsville, the Code of Alabama and Ballotpedia, Wikipedia, WAFF, Hville Blast, OpenStreetMap, and organizer sites for AUSA, the SMD Symposium, Auburn University ATAP, the Alabama Bandmasters Association and the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo.