San José Convention Center & South Hall: Know Where to Go
The San José McEnery Convention Center and South Hall are neighboring event facilities in downtown San José, but they have different addresses, parking arrangements and room layouts. The main convention center is at 150 West San Carlos Street; South Hall is at 435 South Market Street.
This practical guide helps you choose the correct entrance and parking facility, locate your event, compare exhibition space, find hotels and plan public transportation without confusing the two buildings.
Do not assume that a convention-center event uses South Hall.
McEnery Convention Center vs. South Hall
The buildings share a downtown convention campus but serve different event configurations. Start with the exact location printed by your event organizer.
| Feature | Convention Center | South Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor address | 150 W San Carlos St | 435 S Market St |
| Main use | Conventions, meetings, ballrooms, large exhibitions | Standalone expos, consumer shows, large assemblies |
| Event space | Multiple halls, ballrooms and breakout rooms | 80,000 sq. ft. column-free |
| Parking | Attached 24-hour garage | Adjacent surface lot |
| Published starting parking | Time-based garage pricing | $7 flat fee, subject to event rate |
| Overnight parking | Garage open 24 hours; daily billing rules apply | Not permitted |
| Key planning distinction | Find your hall and meeting-room level | Confirm South Hall as the actual event location |
San José Convention Center & South Hall Parking Rates
The City-managed ParkSJ parking system publishes separate rates and restrictions for the Convention Center Garage and the South Hall surface lot.
ParkSJ’s currently displayed standard garage rate. Daily maximum generally $25–$30.
First 90 minutes: Free on eligible non-event days.
Published regular parking rate; special-event pricing $7–$25.
Overnight parking: Not permitted.
Main Convention Center Garage
| Garage fact | Published information |
|---|---|
| Official location | 150 W San Carlos Street |
| Vehicle entrances | South Almaden Boulevard and Market Street |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
| Published spaces | 1,140 total spaces |
| First 90 minutes | Free on non-event days under current promotional rules |
| Standard incremental rate | $1 per 15 minutes currently displayed |
| Daily maximum | $25–$30 depending on applicable conditions |
| Special events | Flat rates up to $25, posted at entry |
| Parking office | 408-794-1090 |
South Hall Surface Lot
| Lot fact | Published information |
|---|---|
| Location | 435 S Market Street at Viola Street |
| Regular charge | $7 flat fee |
| Special-event charge | $7–$25 |
| ParkSJ-listed capacity | 155 spaces |
| Overnight parking | Not allowed |
| Nearby destination | South Hall, main convention center and SoFA district |
Which lot saves money?
Short Non-Event Visit
The Convention Center Garage’s eligible 90-minute free period can be useful for a quick downtown visit. Verify that the benefit applies that day.
Multi-Hour South Hall Show
The $7 South Hall flat rate may be economical when no special-event price replaces it. Arrive early if you plan to use the smaller lot.
Late-Night or Overnight Stay
Avoid South Hall parking for overnight use. Select a legal overnight garage or use your hotel’s parking arrangements.
Major Convention
Use the event’s recommended garage and check live occupancy before leaving. A nearby low-cost lot may be full during a large show.
Parking arrival steps
- Read the ticket. Identify whether the event is at the main Convention Center or South Hall.
- Select the appropriate parking address. The garage and surface lot are different facilities.
- Check ParkSJ before traveling. Review current rate information and main garage occupancy.
- Read the entrance sign. Special-event rates may override regular parking charges.
- Keep your ticket and note the vehicle location. Know the legal exit and payment arrangement before the event ends.
ParkSJ official Convention Center Garage rates and live occupancy ↗
South Hall: Exhibition Space, Capacities & Layout
South Hall is a large standalone-style event space adjacent to the convention center. Its 80,000-square-foot column-free configuration is useful for consumer shows, exhibitions, general sessions and special events.
Square feet, column-free
Published maximum height
Approximately, in the official planner document
Published approximate audience capacity
Published approximate capacity at ten-person rounds
Approximate 10 × 10-foot booths
When South Hall is the better event space
| Event format | South Hall advantage | Planner consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer expo | Large open exhibition floor | Booth aisles and entry queues |
| General session | Large unobstructed space | Stage, sound and seat configuration |
| Banquet or awards show | Large round-table arrangement | Catering, service aisles and production |
| Trade show | Approximately 376 standard booth positions in a published layout | Electrical, internet, exhibit shipping and dock access |
| Special event | Flexible temporary layout | Organizer-defined access, staffing and security |
Use the South Hall floor plan
- Open the official South Hall brochure. Review the capacity chart and empty floor plan.
- Confirm the event organizer’s current plan. The building may be subdivided operationally using staging and temporary setup.
- Identify the attendee entrance and parking area. These are different from loading and service routes.
- For exhibitors, obtain your assigned booth number. Use the show-specific booth map rather than an empty venue plan.
San José McEnery Convention Center Halls & Meeting Rooms
The main convention center has multiple exhibit halls, ballrooms and meeting levels. It is also physically connected to Hilton San Jose and San Jose Marriott.
| Event space | Published area | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hall 1 | 43,000 sq. ft. | Individual exhibit hall |
| Hall 2 | 50,000 sq. ft. | Major exhibits and larger sessions |
| Hall 3 | 50,000 sq. ft. | Individual hall or combined exhibit layout |
| Three main halls combined | 143,000 sq. ft. | Base total of the individual halls |
| Grand Ballroom | 35,194 sq. ft. | Banquets and plenary meetings |
| Executive Ballroom | 22,000 sq. ft. | General sessions and divisible meetings |
| Lower Level LL20 | 10,950 sq. ft. | Divisible conference space |
| Lower Level LL21 | 13,268 sq. ft. | Additional large meeting space |
Finding your event room
- Identify the full room code. Note any prefixes such as LL or room-section letters.
- Find your floor level. Concourse exhibition and lower meeting levels are different.
- Locate registration. Some conventions use the main lobby; others designate a specific foyer.
- Confirm the correct meeting-room section. Grand Ballroom or Executive Ballroom may be divided.
- Save the organizer’s final floor plan. It overrides generic diagrams for temporary show setups.
Official Convention Center floor plan and specifications ↗
San José Convention Center & South Hall Events and Tickets
The convention campus is used for trade shows, technology conferences, fan conventions, consumer events, meetings and private functions. Public event schedules change, and not every private booking appears online.
Attending a public show
Check the promoter’s date, the exact building, age restrictions, tickets, prohibited items and entry time before visiting.
Attending a conference
Use your conference’s current registration portal, agenda and badge instructions. Some meetings use both buildings.
Exhibiting at a trade show
Confirm the booth number, exhibitor service manual, loading dock and required service orders.
Private event or banquet
Use the host’s invitation for doors, seating, meal arrangements and guest parking instructions.
Find the right current event
- Open Visit San José’s events directory. Search the event name and dates.
- Check the venue field. A downtown San José event may actually be at San Jose Civic, the Center for the Performing Arts or another location.
- Verify the event organizer’s own page. Confirm South Hall versus McEnery Convention Center.
- Read tickets and safety rules. Admission, bag requirements, refunds and re-entry are organizer-specific.
- Choose parking or transit after confirming the building. Do not make the entire travel plan from an unspecific event listing.
Official Visit San José event search ↗
San José Convention Center & South Hall Maps
Both facilities sit in the downtown convention and cultural district near The Tech Interactive, San Jose Civic and the SoFA arts neighborhood.
VTA Light Rail, Caltrain & San José Airport Travel
VTA Convention Center light-rail station is at 168 West San Carlos Street, alongside the convention district. It offers a way to avoid downtown parking when service works for your itinerary.
VTA Light Rail
Convention Center Station
168 W San Carlos Street
Use the VTA trip planner and current alerts.
Caltrain
San José Diridon Station
Complete the final journey by current VTA service, walking or another suitable transfer.
Airport
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Taxi/rideshare is a direct option; public transit requires route planning.
Public transport arrival steps
- Enter the right building address. This avoids directions to a similarly named venue elsewhere in Silicon Valley.
- Open the VTA trip planner. Check the current service, platform and necessary connections.
- Exit at a suitable downtown stop. Convention Center Station is a convenient named stop.
- Walk to the designated event entrance. Follow pedestrian crossings and accessibility routes.
- Check the final return departure. Late events may finish after normal service intervals.
Official VTA light-rail stations and route information ↗
Hotels Near San José Convention Center & South Hall
Two hotels are directly connected to the main convention center, while additional downtown accommodation is within a broader walking radius.
Hilton San Jose
300 South Almaden Boulevard, San José, CA 95110
A strong choice for speakers, exhibitors and attendees who prioritize a connection to the main convention center.
Check: Room rates, parking charges, accessible routes and conference room blocks.
San Jose Marriott
301 South Market Street, San José, CA 95113
Full-service hotel connected to the convention center, suitable for professional conferences and visiting delegates.
Check: Parking, breakfast, hotel fees and exact event-room route.
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
282 Almaden Boulevard, San José, CA 95113
Convenient for convention attendees seeking a traditional downtown hotel outside the directly connected properties.
Check: Room package, breakfast policy, parking and walking access.
The Westin San Jose
302 South Market Street, San José, CA 95113
A downtown accommodation choice for travelers who also plan dining, shopping and cultural activities.
Check: Room and parking charges, cancellation and current facilities.
Connected hotel or nearby hotel?
| Traveler need | Useful decision |
|---|---|
| Early convention sessions | Compare the connected Hilton or Marriott. |
| Conference uses South Hall | Map the actual South Hall entrance instead of assuming connected hotel corridors reach it directly. |
| Lower total stay cost | Compare room rate, taxes, parking and meal inclusions together. |
| Car-free travel | Prioritize VTA access and nearby dining. |
| Accessible accommodation | Confirm hotel room features and the venue route before booking. |
Accessibility, Accessible Parking & Assistance
The downtown venue is served by public transportation, accessible routes and designated parking facilities. Event organizers may need to arrange certain assistance services separately.
Venue Access
Ask Team San Jose to confirm an appropriate accessible entrance and elevator route to the exact hall or meeting room.
VTA Boarding
VTA lists wheelchair boarding access at Convention Center light-rail station. Confirm service alerts and connections on your travel date.
Accessible Parking
Use posted accessible spaces in the appropriate garage or lot. Availability can be limited during large events.
Event Accommodations
Contact the organizer for reserved accessible seating, interpretation, hearing assistance and other event-specific needs.
Before an accessibility-sensitive visit
- Get the actual room or hall assignment. Include level, entrance and session location.
- Contact the event organizer. Ask about accessibility arrangements tied to ticketing and seating.
- Confirm parking or transit accessibility. Check garage spaces or VTA boarding information.
- Allow a navigation buffer. Security, lifts and longer routes can affect arrival time.
Team San Jose general assistance: 800-726-5673.
Event Security, Wi-Fi, Bags & Exhibitor Restrictions
Event organizers control many attendee-specific rules. Large fan conventions, technology conferences, expos and private functions can have different admission and re-entry policies.
| Question | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Are bags allowed? | Follow the current event-specific bag and security rules. |
| Can I re-enter? | Confirm with the event organizer before leaving. |
| Is Wi-Fi free? | Do not assume free high-speed venue Wi-Fi; ask the organizer about any included access and paid services. |
| Are outside meals allowed? | Check event and venue food-service policies; ask about necessary accommodations. |
| Can I photograph the event? | Policies depend on the organizer, exhibitor and session rules. |
| Is bag check available? | It may be arranged for particular events; it is not universally guaranteed. |
| Can exhibitors use attendee entrances for freight? | No. Use approved contractor and loading procedures. |
| Can freight be shipped without notice? | Follow the designated exhibitor-service contractor and receiving instructions. |
Event-day essentials
- Save the current ticket or registration confirmation.
- Confirm Main Convention Center versus South Hall.
- Check public-door time separately from session start time.
- Verify bag, ID, age and re-entry requirements.
- Check the garage or lot rate before parking.
- Use the organizer’s updated floor plan.
- Bring any required accessibility documents or arrangements.
- Allow extra time for registration and crowded exits.
How to Book Convention Center or South Hall Event Space
Team San Jose handles meeting and event inquiries for the downtown convention campus. South Hall and the main convention center may be booked for different configurations and event sizes.
Plan for the Main Convention Center
Suitable when a conference needs multiple exhibit halls, ballrooms and numerous breakout rooms.
Prepare: Attendee count, room divisions, general sessions, exhibit booths and guestroom blocks.
Plan for South Hall
Suitable for flexible exhibition or large assembly formats requiring approximately 80,000 square feet of column-free space.
Prepare: Preferred floor layout, expected audience, staging, utilities and freight requirements.
Event booking micro-guide
- Choose the event format. Specify trade show, expo, conference, banquet or other approved use.
- Review the official capacity specifications. Do not use maximum theater capacity as a universal occupancy.
- Prepare your requested dates and attendance. Include setup and teardown time.
- Submit an RFP through Visit San Jose. Explain the preferred room or hall arrangements.
- Request an itemized proposal. Confirm rent, labor, security, catering, audiovisual, internet and equipment.
- Review contract and operational restrictions. Confirm final approved layout, loading, insurance, deposits and cancellation policies.
Main Convention Center official listing and booking contact ↗
Common San José Convention Visitor Mistakes
| Common mistake | Better action |
|---|---|
| Driving to the main building for a South Hall event | Use 435 S Market Street and event entry instructions. |
| Assuming the South Hall $7 rate always applies | Check event-rate signs; special charges may be $7–$25. |
| Planning to park overnight in the South Hall lot | Use a legal overnight garage or hotel facility. |
| Confusing Santa Clara Convention Center with downtown San José | Verify city and address; the venues are different. |
| Using outdated hourly garage rates | Consult ParkSJ’s live listing and the entry price board. |
| Assuming a connected hotel connects directly into South Hall | Check the exact pedestrian route from the hotel to the South Hall entrance. |
| Using a generic floor plan for booth navigation | Download the current event organizer’s specific exhibit map. |
San José Convention Center & South Hall: 10 FAQs
1. What is the San José McEnery Convention Center address?
The main convention center is located at 150 West San Carlos Street, San José, California 95113.
2. Where is South Hall in San José?
South Hall is located at 435 South Market Street, San José, CA 95113, adjacent to the main convention center.
3. Is South Hall the same building as the main Convention Center?
No. South Hall is a neighboring flexible exhibition facility within the broader San José convention campus. It has a separate public address and parking lot.
4. How much is parking at San José Convention Center?
ParkSJ currently displays $1 per 15 minutes at the Convention Center Garage, with a $25–$30 daily maximum. Special-event rates may apply, and eligible non-event days offer the first 90 minutes free. Follow the posted rate at entry.
5. How much does South Hall parking cost?
The ParkSJ South Hall Lot lists a $7 standard flat rate, with special-event rates ranging from $7 to $25. Overnight parking is not permitted.
6. How large is San José South Hall?
South Hall has 80,000 square feet of column-free event space. The official planning document describes approximately 11,000 theater seats, 4,800 banquet attendees or 376 standard 10-by-10-foot booths, depending on configuration.
7. Which VTA light-rail station serves the convention center?
VTA Convention Center Station, at 168 West San Carlos Street, serves the downtown San José convention district. Check the current service and walking route to the correct building.
8. Which hotels are connected to San José Convention Center?
Hilton San Jose and San Jose Marriott are identified by Visit San José as directly connected to the main convention center. Their connection does not necessarily lead directly to every South Hall entrance.
9. Can I park overnight at the South Hall lot?
No. ParkSJ lists no overnight parking at the South Hall surface lot. Choose a legally permitted overnight garage or hotel parking arrangement instead.
10. How do I book South Hall or the main Convention Center for an event?
Prepare your dates, attendance, event type, layout and service needs, then use the official Visit San José venue listing to contact Team San Jose or submit a request for proposal.
Official Sources & Verification
These venue, parking and transit sources provide the most useful starting points for checking current details. Rates, event assignments, transportation and operating conditions can change.
Information reviewed October 17, 2026. This is an independent visitor guide, not an official Team San Jose or ParkSJ publication. Confirm posted parking prices, tickets and event arrangements before travel.