Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim

The Anaheim Convention Center is one of the largest and most prominent convention and exhibition venues in the United States. Located in the heart of Anaheim’s Resort District and within walking distance of Disneyland Resort, it plays a crucial role in hosting major conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, and public events in Southern California.

Overview and History

Opened: July 1967

Address: 800 W Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802

Size: Over 1.8 million square feet of function space, including exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and outdoor plazas

Owner: City of Anaheim

Operator: Anaheim Convention Center Authority

Renovations and Expansions: The facility has undergone numerous expansions, the most recent being the ACC North expansion, completed in 2017

The center has evolved significantly since its original construction, expanding its capacity and capabilities to meet the growing demand for large-scale events in Orange County.

Facilities and Layout

The Anaheim Convention Center spans several buildings and outdoor areas designed to accommodate events of all sizes. It is composed of:

Main Exhibit Halls

7 Exhibit Halls (A–E, plus ACC North Upper/Lower Halls)

Over 1 million square feet of exhibit space

High ceilings, load-in access, and utility ports for trade show setups

Meeting Rooms and Ballrooms

Over 100 flexible meeting rooms

Two ballrooms (including the 38,000-square-foot Arena Ballroom)

Advanced AV technology, lighting, and sound systems

Ideal for breakout sessions, workshops, and keynote addresses

Anaheim Convention Center Arena

A multi-purpose indoor arena attached to the convention center

Seats up to 7,500 people

Hosts concerts, large keynote sessions, e-sports tournaments, cheer competitions, and public shows

ACC North Building (opened in 2017)

200,000+ square feet of additional space

Two levels of flexible meeting and exhibit space

Indoor/outdoor pre-function areas

Skybridge connection to the main building

Outdoor Areas

Grand Plaza: A 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza along Katella Avenue, often used for receptions, food trucks, outdoor exhibitions, and special events

Landscaped walkways, palm trees, and fountains create a welcoming open-air atmosphere

Major Events Hosted

The Anaheim Convention Center has hosted thousands of events over the decades, ranging from pop culture expos to industry trade shows and faith-based gatherings. Notable recurring events include:

WonderCon – One of the largest comic book and pop culture conventions in the U.S.

NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) – A major international music industry trade show

VidCon – The leading conference for digital creators, influencers, and online video platforms

Natural Products Expo West – The largest natural and organic product trade show in the U.S.

D23 Expo – The official Disney fan convention (hosted every other year)

Anime Expo Lite, e-sports events, and fan-driven conventions

Medical and scientific conferences, tech expos, church conventions, and corporate summits

The center’s versatility allows it to handle everything from niche conventions to massive global expos.

Location and Accessibility

Directly adjacent to the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim GardenWalk, and numerous hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, etc.)

Situated in the Anaheim Resort District, making it a pedestrian-friendly environment with clear signage, palm-lined streets, and public art

ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) shuttles connect the convention center with local destinations and transit stations

On-site and nearby parking structures accommodate thousands of vehicles

Closest major airports: John Wayne (SNA – 13 miles), Long Beach (LGB – 18 miles), LAX (35 miles)

Amenities and Services

Wi-Fi and Technology: High-speed internet, digital signage, and on-demand AV support

Catering: Provided by Aramark—offers full banquet and concession services

Business Services: FedEx Office on-site for printing, shipping, and administrative support

Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with ramps, elevators, accessible seating, and hearing assistance technology

Sustainability and Green Initiatives

The Anaheim Convention Center is committed to sustainability and has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Efforts include:

Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems

Recycling and composting programs

Water-saving landscaping and plumbing fixtures

Participation in green meetings programs

Summary

The Anaheim Convention Center is a state-of-the-art complex that blends size, flexibility, and location into a premier venue for conferences, expos, entertainment, and business events. Its proximity to major tourist attractions, wide range of facilities, and commitment to modern standards make it one of the most active and high-profile convention centers in the United States. Whether hosting a global trade show or a fan convention, it remains a central hub for activity in Southern California.