George R. Brown Convention Center

venues

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Conventional Wisdom

Totaling 1.85 million square feet, the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) in Houston opened in 1987 and is named after local philanthropist George Rufus Brown. Positioned along Avenida de las Americas in the bustling Avenida neighborhood in downtown Houston, the venue is located across the street from the 12-acre Discovery Green park. In terms of function space, the GRB boasts a ballroom, theater, conference rooms, 88 meeting rooms, a 90,000-square-foot mezzanine, a 97,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza, and an outdoor space dubbed The Wharf. With two levels of exhibition halls offering more than 773,000 square feet of exhibit and event space, the GRB also celebrates the city through the installation of 10 unique pieces of artwork by local artists.

WHERE TO SLEEP
There are more than 7,700 guest rooms and 24 hotels in the downtown area, providing plenty of options at every price point. Hilton Americas-Houston and the Marriott Marquis Houston are connected to the GRB via skybridge. Other hotels near the venue include Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Homewood Suites.

WHAT TO EAT
In addition to standard concession fare, the GRB and the adjacent Partnership Tower feature five restaurants offering everything from barbecue to Italian cuisine. Grab a casual bite during a show at Mkt Bar down the street. For private events, check out nearby Xochi, which specializes in traditional Oaxacan fare.

HOW TO GET THERE
There are two airports in Houston, both within roughly 20 miles of the convention center: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). An Uber from HOU is around $20, and a ride from IAH will cost more than $33. The city has a $6 flat rate for taxis traveling between downtown destinations.

Food and beverage is provided exclusively by Levy Restaurants.

Exhibitors can't attach decorations, signs, banners, etc. to any ceiling, window, painted surface, or wall within the GRB without approval from both the show manager and the convention services manager.

Exhibitors can't distribute adhesive-backed decals or helium balloons in the facility.

Exhibitors need Fire Prevention Permits for vehicles on display, cooking demos, and multilevel booths.

Exit doors inside the venue must have at least a 10-foot clearance.

Trash services and exhibit cleaning are provided exclusively by the GRB.

The GRB has an exclusive in-house provider of telecommunications, including voice, data, and network services. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public spaces.

In-booth samples of food and beverages must be cleared by the venue 30 days prior to the show.

Battery cables must be disconnected in vehicles on display, the gas tank must be taped shut or have a lockable gas cap, and the tank must be less than one-quarter full.