The bustling Phoenix Convention Center & Venues has seen a surge in its use this past year, totaling 70 conventions and welcoming an estimated 293,300 delegates throughout 2025. "We are proud to continue to grow the number of events we host each year," said Phoenix Convention Center & Venues Director Jerry Harper, in a statement obtained by the City of Phoenix's newsroom. Harper praised the hard work of the venue's team, attributing it to them for creating "memorable moments for the thousands of people who visit us."
Without the lure of any large-scale mega events, the Phoenix Convention Center still managed an economic impact of $453.7 million in 2025, showcasing its importance to downtown Phoenix and beyond. "That economic impact reverberates throughout the community and provides funding for statewide programs," according to Harper. The contribution to the city and state's economy highlights the role such gatherings play in the broader economic landscape.
In addition to the Convention Center, Phoenix's cultural scene was notably vibrant, thanks to Symphony Hall and the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Together, these two storied venues hosted 244 performances and drew in 162,238 attendees in 2025. Harper boasted about the variety of their offerings and recommended the historic Orpheum Theatre to visitors, saying, "there’s something for everyone."
Looking ahead to 2026, the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues aims to capitalize on its 2025 momentum with an upbeat forecast. "We are set to break records in 2026, and, we are looking forward to hosting the fan events for the NCAA Women’s Final Four in April," Harper declared. Such optimism is a bedrock for the team's pursuit to keep Phoenix atop the list of destinations for meetings and events.
For readers inclined to explore the cultural or corporate offerings of downtown Phoenix in the coming year, it seems the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues stands ready, with open doors and a packed calendar. For more information on upcoming events and performances, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Phoenix Convention Center & Venues website.
