2024 has been a year marked by growth, innovation and memorable events at the Sharonville Convention Center.
The centerpiece of 2024 was the $24 million expansion of the Convention Center, which introduced Todd Portune Hall, a 40,000-square-foot flexible space named in honor of the late Cincinnati City Councilmember and Hamilton County Commissioner. This state-of-the-art addition allows us to attract larger events and improve the guest experience. Complementing the new hall are the Northern Lights Café and Aurora Marketplace, an innovative bar and grill concept paired with a “stop-and-go” mini marketplace offering fresh foods and beverages. This is an entirely new concept for convention centers,
and the response has been amazing.
This year, the Center hosted a variety of State of Ohio associations and events. These included the Ohio Society of Association Professionals, the Ohio Association of Magistrates, the Ohio Association of Builders, Ohio Prima Risk Safety & Training and the Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference. State associations are a vital part of the convention industry and we’re proud that so many chose our Center for their meetings.
The expanded facility allows us to welcome thousands of guests to wide array of events in 2024. The Cincinnati Comic Expo brought pop culture enthusiasts together to meet stars like Chuck Norris and Ron Perlman, while HorrorHound Weekend celebrated its 15th anniversary with record-breaking attendance and iconic horror figures like Robert Englund. Events like the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market and the
House & Outdoor Living Show highlighted the versatility of our spaces, connecting local vendors, shoppers, and homeowners in vibrant, engaging environments.
We also celebrated unique cultural events. Anime Ohio captivated fans of Japanese animation through star-studded panels, cosplay, and interactive workshops. Each event exemplified the Center’s ability to adapt to the needs of diverse audiences, providing a space where creativity, community, and commerce flourish.
Beyond events, the city of Sharonville itself continues to grow. This year, our streetscaping and infrastructure projects, coupled with the opening of new hotels and a brewery near the Center, further reinforced Sharonville’s position as a regional and national destination. Together, these developments highlight the synergy between the Convention Center’s evolution and the city’s broader commitment to
economic growth and community enrichment.
As we reflect on 2024, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful for the continued support of our staff, partners, and community. The past year set the stage for even greater achievements in 2025, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey at the Sharonville Convention Center—here’s to another remarkable year!
