Sharonville Convention Center Boosts Ohio City by $25M

When a city of 14,000 residents welcomes more than double that number to work each day, something special is happening.

Sharonville, Ohio, is experiencing a remarkable economic surge two years after expanding its convention center. The facility has more than delivered on its promise, jumping from $15 million to $25 million in annual economic impact.

Jim Downton, the center's executive director, watched the transformation firsthand. When the Cincinnati Convention Center closed for renovations, Sharonville stepped up to host 14 events and maintained 80% occupancy.

The secret sauce? Features that make event planners excited. Thirty-foot ceilings create dramatic spaces, while a Northern Lights bar and grill serves real restaurant food instead of typical concession fare right in the exhibit hall.

The success speaks for itself. Eleven of those 14 events have already booked their return for 2026 and 2027.

The Ripple Effect

The convention center's success sparked growth across Sharonville. David McCandless, the city's economic development director, reports that 1,000 jobs arrived in 2025 alone.

City leaders aren't stopping there. They're transforming Sharonville into a true live-work-play community where visitors might decide to stay permanently.

A $75 million development is in the works, bringing 225 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. The project includes 20,000 square feet of retail space, adding shopping and dining options to complement the existing hotel and restaurant scene.

The strategy reflects smart economic thinking. Convention centers don't just host events. They create demand for hotels, restaurants, and services that build lasting prosperity.

For a small city competing with bigger neighbors, Sharonville found its winning formula: invest in infrastructure that brings people together, then build the amenities that make them want to return.