Construction Advances for Bradenton Area Convention Center Expansion and Renovation

PALMETTO – The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) is underway with a $48 million renovation and expansion of the Bradenton Area Convention Center.  

Built in 1985, The Bradenton Area Convention Center is undergoing a full renovation that includes the addition of a 14,000 sq. ft. ballroom with pre-function space. The additional square footage enables the convention center to attract corporate and association conventions from Florida, the Southeast and beyond. The expansion and renovation is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

Managed by the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the convention center sits just off the Manatee River with easy convenience to downtown Bradenton and the stunning sugar-sand white beaches of Anna Maria Island. 

“This project is vital to our ongoing urban core redevelopment efforts which will provide an estimated economic impact of $25 to $30 million annually to the community,” said Elliott Falcione, Executive Director of BACVB.  “We are also committed to keeping the convention center’s main area open for public events during construction.”

As the only full-service convention center of its size in a 150-mile radius from St. Petersburg to Naples, the reimagined 14,000 sq. ft. ballroom will seat 900 conference goers with the capability of being split into two equal sections with operable walls. Two additional outdoor event spaces allow for alternative event space, while the existing exhibit hall is set for new paint and an epoxy for the existing flooring. The interior design was inspired by the real, authentic touches of Florida’s West Coast. Driftwood, the turquoise waters, the sugar-sand beaches of the gulf, and boating are reflected in the textures and colors often seen around the Bradenton Area.

Connecting to the convention center will be a new 252-room premium upscale, full-service Marriott hotel. A climate-controlled corridor will provide a comfortable walkway for conference goers to get from the new Marriott Palmetto Resort and Spa to their events in the convention center. The new hotel will offer visitors and conference goers the best in high-end amenities, including a ground floor restaurant and lounge, VIP rooftop bar and lounge, outdoor resort-style pool, outdoor event space and concierge services, as well as a beach club located off Haben Boulevard. More than 10,000 square feet of meeting space will be available within the hotel that will complement the convention center.   

“The Bradenton Area downtown core has untapped potential with its beautiful waterfront combined with its quaint historic charm,” said Tony DeRusso, Managing Director of Indevelopment Partners, LLC. “With the hotel being in such close proximity to downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, Palmetto is truly the ideal location for this world-class resort, further creating a vibrant and exciting conference and convention destination.” 

The Marriott Palmetto Resort & Spa is anticipated to open spring of 2024. 

Video renderings of the Marriott Palmetto Resort & Spa