Convention Center Expansion Updates

[drummer]

So I was in Bangkok again recently. I am always amazed at the success of convention centers in these SE Asian cities (another one that comes to mind is Kuala Lumpur) that have major convention centers in urban malls, usually on the top floors. These are areas that are frequented by tens of thousands of people, well connected to several modes of transportation and street-level pedestrian activity. The conventions have a limitless supply of hotels, restaurants, etc., nearby, as well as plazas with water features, trees, etc., for breaks...

I realize that Austin's culture, density, and economic situation may differ from these two cities in particular, but I think they would do well to learn from them. These places that are packed to the brim with people and everything needed to serve them and have learned how to be creative in getting the most efficient and profitable uses out of their land. I think of this especially as Austin hopes to expand the Downtown Station and, eventually, have it serve as a multi-modal station if streetcars ever come into fruition.