Houston Convention Center: Events, Parking, Hotels & Map

Downtown Houston, Texas • 2026 Visitor Guide

Houston Convention Center: Find Your Event, Parking, Hotel & Entrance

Plan a visit to George R. Brown Convention Center with up-to-date garage rates, current construction advisories, official event registration, hall directions, METRORail connections and nearby hotels.

George R. Brown Convention Center 2026 Events Parking & Transit Downtown Houston Map

The main Houston Convention Center is the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) at 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010, directly across from Discovery Green in Downtown Houston. The venue hosts trade shows, conferences, technology exhibitions, professional meetings and public consumer events. Your best arrival plan depends on the particular hall, whether event tickets are required and which roads or garages remain accessible during convention-district construction.

1001 AvenidaConvention center entrance and address
$42 daily maxAvenida North regular garage rate
Green + PurpleMETRORail at Convention District
713-853-8000GRB venue information
01 / Find the right Houston venue

Houston Convention Center Address, Entrance & Map

Primary convention venue

George R. Brown Convention Center

1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, TX 77010

Located along the eastern edge of Downtown Houston, opposite Discovery Green and near Toyota Center, Daikin Park and the Avenida Houston entertainment district.

Phone: 713-853-8000

Get Venue Directions
Know your destination

Not every Houston event uses GRB

Houston has other large meeting and exhibition venues. NRG Center is part of NRG Park, while hotel conference centers operate across Downtown, Uptown and other districts.

Confirm the full venue name on your ticket. Searching only for “Houston convention center” is not enough to identify the correct building for every event.

Navigation tip: This map identifies the convention center. Drivers should separately navigate to an open garage entrance. Exhibitors must follow their specific loading dock instructions.
2026 access alert: Construction around GRB South and parts of the Downtown convention district affects several roads and older routes. Check the live venue road-closure information before driving rather than relying solely on a saved map screenshot.
02 / Upcoming event highlights

Houston Convention Center Events and Tickets

The GRB hosts both public exhibitions and registration-only professional conventions. Event organizers determine their own hours, registration prices, access rules and ticket refunds.

OCT
15–18
Affordable Art Fair Houston October 15–18, 2026 • Private preview October 15; public admission October 16–18

Art fair featuring galleries and original works. Public ticket options and special admission sessions are arranged by the fair organizer.

OCT
15–18
Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2026 October 15–18, 2026 • Professional conference

Medical and professional conference programming at the convention center. Check professional eligibility and registration requirements.

OCT
21–23
SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE 2026) October 21–23, 2026 • Energy industry conference and exhibition

Sessions on Level 3; exhibition in Level 1 Halls B and C. Organizer registration begins October 20 in Lobby C.

About these listings: This is a verified selection of October 2026 events, not a continuously updated complete schedule. Events later in the year may be added, moved or altered by their organizers.

How to find current tickets and registration

  1. Find the exact event title.

    Open the convention center’s official calendar and match the event name and date.

  2. Open the organizer’s registration page.

    Check whether the event is open to the public, industry professionals, registered delegates or invited guests.

  3. Confirm the hall and admission time.

    The organizer may assign Exhibit Hall A–E, an upper-level space or separate registration lobby.

  4. Save the actual ticket requirements.

    Keep a QR code, registration receipt, badge instructions and any identification requirements.

  5. Check transportation updates.

    Parking and road closures can vary between convention dates.

03 / Parking rates and locations

Houston Convention Center Parking: Where to Park and What It Costs

The most straightforward convention-campus garage is currently Avenida North Garage. Its entrances are on Rusk Street and Capitol Street, and it connects to the convention center and Marriott Marquis Houston through a covered skybridge.

Open garage

Avenida North Garage

701 Avenida de las Americas

  • Vehicle entrances: Rusk and Capitol
  • 1,848 parking spaces
  • Published 7-foot vehicle clearance
  • Accessible parking provided
  • GRB and Marriott Marquis skybridge connection
Event-dependent option

Tundra Garage

1515 Jackson Street

  • Located at Toyota Center
  • 2,478 spaces
  • Rates depend on the event
  • Published clearance approximately 6 feet 9 inches
  • Check construction access and walking route to GRB

Avenida North Garage standard rates

Parking durationRegular rateWhat to know
0–1 hour$15Short appointments
1–2 hours$24Brief meetings and visits
2–4 hours$32Partial-day events
Daily maximum$42Regular maximum, not guaranteed event pricing
Garage price warning: Rates above are the regular published Avenida North prices. Special-event rates may replace them. When an event rate applies, it is posted outside the garage and collected on entrance. The regular parking billing cycle begins at 2:00 AM.

Convention campus parking availability

GaragePublished statusPlanning advice
Avenida NorthOpenPrimary current campus choice
Tundra GarageOpenEvent-dependent rate and southern approach
Avenida CentralTemporarily closedDo not assume it has reopened
New Avenida SouthOpening soonVerify public opening before driving there
Private downtown lotsVariesCheck rates, security, walking distance and exit access

How to park at GRB

  1. Check current garage status.

    Use the official parking page on your event date, particularly for Avenida Central and the new South Garage.

  2. Select the correct entrance.

    For Avenida North, navigate toward its Rusk or Capitol approach, subject to current detours.

  3. Read the posted price.

    Special-event rates take precedence over the ordinary rate table.

  4. Park and take the entrance ticket.

    Keep the ticket with you so it is available at the pay kiosk near the garage elevators.

  5. Pay using the official system.

    There is no staffed cashier. Follow kiosk instructions and event signage.

  6. Return to the correct garage.

    Save the garage name and pedestrian route; the campus is large and has multiple parking facilities.

04 / Construction updates

Houston Convention District Construction: What Changes Your Route?

Houston’s convention district is undergoing a major expansion and street-improvement project. Some roads around the south side of GRB may be restricted or temporarily closed, and the former southern parking infrastructure is being replaced.

What drivers should check

  • Current Polk Street access
  • Restrictions on Avenida de las Americas
  • Jackson, Bell and Chenevert detours
  • Garage access via Rusk and Capitol
  • Truck and exhibitor routes separate from public routes

What pedestrians should check

  • Whether the intended walkway is open
  • Changes to south-side connections
  • Temporary wayfinding and construction barriers
  • Accessible and step-free routes
  • Event registration and hotel bridge entrances
Construction status changes frequently. The official parking page still marks Avenida Central closed and Avenida South as opening soon. This article intentionally does not assume either garage is operational merely because a fall 2026 opening was planned.

For more detailed explanations of the convention district’s street closures, parking diagrams and GRB hall approaches, see our George R. Brown Convention Center parking and visitor guide.

Official Current Directions & Construction Maps
05 / Venue layout and hall selection

George R. Brown Convention Center Floor Plans and Capacities

GRB is a multi-level convention venue. The main Level 1 exhibition area contains Halls A through E, with additional mezzanine, exhibit, ballroom, general assembly and meeting spaces on upper levels.

Level 1

Exhibition Halls A–E

Five contiguous main exhibition halls offering approximately 547,730 square feet of combined usable floor area.

Ideal for large trade shows, multi-hall conventions and consumer exhibitions.

Level 2

Mezzanine and Support Spaces

Mezzanine spaces overlook or connect convention areas, with configurations depending on the show and room allocation.

Check the actual organizer floor plan for permitted access and registration locations.

Level 3

Halls A3–B3, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms

Additional large event halls, ballroom spaces, a general assembly area and configurable meeting rooms.

Major technical conferences frequently use this level for sessions and networking.

Event-specific areas

Registration, Lobbies and Loading

Registration desks, badge pickup, exhibit aisles and exhibitor receiving locations change by organizer.

Do not use a generic exhibit floor plan as a substitute for the event’s current booth map.

Level 1 exhibition hall sizes

Exhibition areaUsable floor spacePublished theater capacity
Hall A114,750 sq ft7,500
Hall B106,700 sq ft7,000
Hall C104,400 sq ft7,000
Hall D106,200 sq ft7,000
Hall E115,680 sq ft7,500
Combined A–E547,730 sq ft36,000

Other important conference spaces

Event spacePublished areaPlanning benefit
Hall A3114,620 sq ftLarge upper-level exhibition and sessions
Hall B390,820 sq ftAdditional exhibit and meeting space
Ballroom A–C31,590 sq ftGeneral sessions, banquets and receptions
General Assembly A–C3,600 fixed seatsLarge audience presentations
The figures above are the venue’s published specifications. Capacity depends on seating arrangement, booth configuration, staging, safety rules and the event’s approved layout. A ballroom’s square footage and seating capacity are not interchangeable.

How to find your hall on arrival

  1. Read your organizer’s exact hall assignment.

    Confirm Hall A, B, C, D, E or an upper-level space.

  2. Find the correct lobby.

    Some events designate Lobby C or another location for registration.

  3. Match the hall with the official floor map.

    Save both the general venue plan and the organizer’s exhibit map.

  4. Use current indoor signs.

    Large events can restrict cross-hall access or install temporary partitions.

06 / Downtown Houston hotels

Hotels Near Houston Convention Center

Two hotels have direct convention-campus skybridge connections: Marriott Marquis Houston and Hilton Americas-Houston. Other Downtown Houston hotels offer alternative room types, breakfast benefits and prices.

North-side skybridge

Marriott Marquis Houston

1777 Walker Street, Houston, TX 77010

Located immediately north of GRB with a direct skybridge. Also convenient to Avenida North Garage and Discovery Green.

Best for: North-side GRB sessions, large conferences and hotel-to-hall convenience.

South-side skybridge

Hilton Americas-Houston

1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010

Convention headquarters hotel on the south side with pedestrian skybridge connectivity to GRB. Check whether construction changes your intended route.

Best for: South-side conventions, group blocks and full-service stays.

Breakfast-oriented

Hampton Inn Houston Downtown

710 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002

Located near Discovery Green and downtown restaurants. Check breakfast inclusion and the walk to your assigned hall.

Best for: Practical business trips and value comparisons.

All-suite option

Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown

1515 Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77010

Suite-focused accommodation near Discovery Green, useful for guests wanting more living space and breakfast options.

Best for: Groups, families and longer multi-day visits.

Convention district alternative

Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center

1314 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

Downtown property within the broader convention and entertainment area. Confirm the exact walking route and final hotel charges.

Best for: Guests comparing full-service alternatives and downtown restaurants.

Downtown extended stay

Residence Inn Houston Downtown/Convention Center

904 Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77002

Extended-stay style accommodation farther west in Downtown Houston. A potential option for multi-day meetings or guests prioritizing suite facilities.

Best for: Longer conference trips and additional room amenities.

Hotel choice by priority

PrioritySuggested comparison
Direct north-side accessMarriott Marquis Houston
Direct south-side accessHilton Americas-Houston
Breakfast and practical locationHampton Inn Houston Downtown
Suite-style roomEmbassy Suites Houston Downtown
Extended stayResidence Inn Houston Downtown
Beware of unofficial conference housing sellers. For example, ATCE 2026 identifies Maritz as its only official housing provider. Use your event organizer’s verified hotel block and compare it with directly booked refundable rates.

Hotel parking is separate from convention-center parking. Do not assume a hotel room grants access to the GRB garage or that the garage allows storage of a vehicle throughout a multi-night hotel stay.

07 / Airport arrivals

How to Get to Houston Convention Center from IAH or Hobby Airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Approximately 20 miles north of GRB. The METRO Route 500 Downtown Direct links IAH with Downtown Houston and the convention district.

Published standard fare: $4.50 one-way.

Check the current terminal stop, schedule and operating hours before choosing the service.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Approximately 10 miles southeast of GRB. Travelers can use a taxi, rideshare, car rental or available METRO bus connections.

Local bus fares generally start at $1.25, but the full airport-to-convention itinerary may involve transfers.

Taxi and rideshare

Useful with luggage, children or early arrival requirements. Enter the full convention-center address or hotel destination and follow airport-designated pickup areas.

Rental car

A vehicle can be convenient for meetings outside Downtown Houston, but factor in hotel parking, convention garage fees and road construction.

Route 500 airport bus: a useful alternative

  1. Check the live Route 500 timetable.

    Confirm the correct IAH terminal pickup and whether the service operates at your flight time.

  2. Pay the applicable fare.

    The published standard one-way price is $4.50.

  3. Arrive at the downtown stop.

    Use the current service map to determine your stop near GRB or a connection onward.

  4. Finish the walk to your actual entrance.

    Allow time for construction detours, crossing streets and finding your registration lobby.

08 / Downtown public transport

METRORail Convention District Station

Convention District Station is the closest METRORail stop to GRB and is served by the Green and Purple lines. The Red Line uses a different downtown corridor, with transfer options to the Green and Purple lines.

Local transit

$1.25 Regular Fare

The published standard METRORail and local bus fare is $1.25 per boarding, with eligible discounted fares available.

Check current transfer and fare-payment rules for your trip.

Nearest rail station

Convention District

Use the Green or Purple line and exit at Convention District. The station is close to the convention district’s Avenida side.

Verify construction-related pedestrian changes before crossing toward the venue.

Don’t confuse nearby transit: Convention District Station is not the Red Line station at Downtown Transit Center. The appropriate rail route depends on your starting point and any necessary transfer.
METRO Routes, Fares and Service Alerts
09 / Accessibility and guest services

Accessible Parking, Venue Assistance & Visitor Facilities

The convention campus publishes accessible parking options, with indoor elevators, public circulation routes and event assistance services. Plan around the exact hall or meeting room rather than assuming every garage entry is equally convenient.

Before arriving

  • Confirm the correct hall and level.
  • Check accessible garage and vehicle clearance information.
  • Ask whether your selected skybridge or walkway is open.
  • Request any event-specific accommodation early.
  • Save the nearest step-free route to registration.

At GRB

  • Follow accessible directional signs.
  • Use venue elevators for upper-level rooms.
  • Ask event or security staff about assistance locations.
  • Keep the return path to your garage or hotel saved.
  • Follow construction-related accessibility detours.

Main venue phone: 713-853-8000

After-hours security: 713-853-8087

Administrative office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Those hours do not determine event admission or building access for weekend conferences.

10 / Event planners and exhibitors

How to Book an Event or Exhibit at George R. Brown Convention Center

GRB hosts large conventions, exhibitions, conferences and business meetings. The event sales team manages dates and space proposals, while technical services and exhibitor requirements are coordinated through venue and organizer procedures.

  1. Define the event.

    Prepare the preferred dates, attendee estimate, exhibition needs, breakout rooms and general event type.

  2. Select possible spaces.

    Review Level 1 Halls A–E, Level 3 Halls A3–B3, ballroom configurations and the General Assembly.

  3. Review the room specifications.

    Use the official dimensions and capacity charts rather than a single total venue capacity.

  4. List technical requirements.

    Include internet, electrical power, rigging, catering, cleaning, security, accessibility and freight services.

  5. Submit an official RFP.

    Contact the GRB sales team to request space, discuss availability and receive an event proposal.

  6. Confirm contractual requirements.

    Review the agreed layout, deposits, staffing, insurance, service providers and cancellation terms.

Important exclusive venue services

ServicePublished GRB provider arrangement
Food and beverageLevy is the exclusive venue provider.
IT and utility servicesSmart City is the exclusive provider.
Exhibit-floor booth cleaningGRB provides the exclusive in-booth cleaning service.
RiggingStaging Solutions is the exclusive rigging contractor.
Other audiovisual servicesConfirm provider rules with your event manager.
Exhibitor freight: The exhibit loading entrances and dock instructions differ from public visitor entrances. Do not direct delivery trucks to 1001 Avenida de las Americas without an approved event manual and route confirmation, especially during 2026 road construction.

Convention sales: 713-853-8300

11 / Things to do nearby

Restaurants and Attractions Around Houston Convention Center

Discovery Green

Located directly across from GRB, this central Downtown park offers open space, seasonal programming and a convenient outdoor break between convention sessions.

Avenida Houston

The convention district’s restaurants and gathering areas are useful for meals, business meetups and events near the main entrance.

Daikin Park

Major baseball stadium on the north/east side of Downtown Houston. Check event-day traffic, especially if a game overlaps with your conference.

Toyota Center

Sports and entertainment venue south of the convention campus. Nearby concerts and games can affect garage demand and evening traffic.

When planning restaurants for a large business group, reserve ahead. Convention, basketball, baseball and concert crowds can overlap within the same downtown district.
12 / Essential visitor checklist

Houston Convention Center Event-Day Checklist

  • Confirm the event’s full venue name.
  • Save 1001 Avenida de las Americas.
  • Check the current GRB event calendar.
  • Find your hall and registration lobby.
  • Review current road closures.
  • Check whether Avenida North is the best open garage.
  • Read the actual event parking rate.
  • Do not assume Avenida Central has reopened.
  • Compare METRORail or airport bus options.
  • Save ticket, registration or badge details.
  • Confirm hotel skybridge routing.
  • Arrange accessibility and exhibitor needs early.
13 / Frequently asked questions

10 FAQs About Houston Convention Center

1. What is the Houston Convention Center called?

Houston’s principal downtown convention center is the George R. Brown Convention Center, commonly abbreviated GRB. It is distinct from other Houston-area facilities such as NRG Center.

2. What is the Houston Convention Center address?

George R. Brown Convention Center is at 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas 77010, directly across from Discovery Green in Downtown Houston.

3. How much is parking at Houston Convention Center?

Avenida North Garage’s regular published rates are $15 for 0–1 hour, $24 for 1–2 hours, $32 for 2–4 hours and a $42 daily maximum. Special event prices may differ.

4. Where should I park for George R. Brown Convention Center?

Avenida North Garage at 701 Avenida de las Americas, with entrances on Rusk and Capitol, is a primary current option. Tundra Garage is another option, with pricing that varies by event.

5. Is Avenida Central Garage open?

The official GRB parking page currently marks Avenida Central temporarily closed. Its planned reopening was listed for fall 2026. Verify public availability before driving there.

6. Which hotels are directly connected to GRB?

Marriott Marquis Houston on the north side and Hilton Americas-Houston on the south side have direct skybridge connections to the convention center. Construction can affect particular access routes.

7. What METRORail station is closest to Houston Convention Center?

Convention District Station on the Green and Purple lines is the closest METRORail stop to George R. Brown Convention Center. The published regular METRORail fare is $1.25.

8. Is there direct public transit from IAH Airport?

METRO Route 500 Downtown Direct links George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Downtown Houston. Its published regular one-way fare is $4.50. Check current pickup, timetable and stop details.

9. How large is George R. Brown Convention Center?

The five main Level 1 exhibit halls provide approximately 547,730 square feet of combined usable space, with additional upper-level exhibit halls, ballrooms and meeting facilities.

10. How can I book a convention or exhibition at GRB?

Use the official GRB event booking portal to submit an RFP or contact convention sales at 713-853-8300. Provide proposed dates, attendance, space requirements and event-service needs.

14 / Related Houston planning

More Detailed George R. Brown Visitor Information

15 / Verified primary resources

Official Houston Convention Center Maps and Booking Links

Reviewed October 16, 2026. Construction, garage openings, event dates, admission, rates, transit schedules and hotel policies can change. Use the current official operator and event organizer information before completing payment or setting out.