MCCFA Celebrates Grand Reopening of Dayton Convention Center with Community Open House

Jul 11, 2025

Friday, June 27, 2025

Dayton, OH

MCCFA CELEBRATES GRAND REOPENING OF DAYTON CONVENTION CENTER WITH COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

After nearly three years of planning, renovation, and revitalization, the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority (MCCFA) proudly welcomed the community to a grand celebration marking the official reopening of the newly reimagined Dayton Convention Center.

Hosted on Friday, June 27, the ribbon-cutting and open house celebration served as both a moment of civic pride and a showcase of the $45 million in transformative improvements that have reshaped this vital regional asset. The event was free and open to the public, inviting residents, businesses, and local leaders to experience firsthand the future of hospitality and events in downtown Dayton.

Attendees explored the stunning upgrades, including redesigned event spaces, modernized ballrooms, new technology infrastructure, and sleek architectural finishes that reflect the vision of a facility built for the next generation of regional gatherings, conferences, and conventions. The updated amenities not only elevate the guest experience but also position Dayton as a competitive destination for events across the Midwest.

“This day represents more than the completion of a construction project,” said Pam Plageman, Executive Director of the MCCFA. “It marks a new era for downtown Dayton and for the many community partners, clients, and visitors who will benefit from this world-class venue.”

The celebration included live entertainment, family-friendly activities, tours of the newly renovated facility, and remarks from local officials and MCCFA leadership, all of whom expressed gratitude to the Dayton community for its support and collaboration throughout the renovation process.

Originally opened in 1973, the Dayton Convention Center has long played a central role in the city’s economic and cultural landscape. Now, with these bold investments and a renewed commitment to excellence, the facility is poised to drive growth and tourism for years to come.

What’s Next: Elevate Café and Bar

Following the June 27 grand reopening and community open house, the Dayton Convention Center is set to welcome a new first-floor restaurant concept: Elevate Café and Bar, slated to open in early 2026. As described by the Dayton Business Journal, this venue will serve as a café by day and a bar by night, positioned street‑front on East Fifth Street, adjacent to the Levitt Pavilion Dayton.

Key features include:

A flexible format that transitions from a daytime café into an evening bar, with an outdoor, seasonal patio and a unique, walk-up ordering window.
Strategic location to serve residents, local businesses, and convention visitors.
Planned launch in early 2026, Elevate will create a welcoming , modern experience “by day and by night”.

This new amenity aligns with MCCFA’s vision of expanding the center’s footprint into the community, fostering year-round connections and energy beyond event days.

For additional coverage of the renovation: