Traveling to a variety of cities is a huge perk for many trade show professionals. They often get to tour the entire country—and some even get to see the entire world! Although the job entails a lot of long hours on the show floor, it’s always fun to check out the town when you have a little downtime. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss when you have a few hours off from your trade show in or around .
Things to Do Near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
You don’t have to stray far from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCC) to maximize your downtime and experience a local gem. Located on the venue’s campus is The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) and its Bruton Theater. Check their calendar to see what shows and programs are running while you’re in town so you can treat yourself to one of their many events. You might be lucky enough to attend a jazz concert, a poetry reading, or a comedy performance.
In addition to TBAAL, there’s so much to do around the KBHCC! Here are a few ideas to kill some time when you want to stay within a mile of the convention center:
- Dallas Museum of Art and its impressive permanent collection and temporary exhibits
- Reunion Tower, which offers stunning views of Dallas
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where you can learn about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy
And then, of course, are all of the dining options. The blocks surrounding the KBHCC are chock full of upscale restaurants, pizza joints, and taverns where you can grab a drink and a great meal.
Amenities Close to the Dallas Market Center
Dallas has a few different venues that host a variety of conventions. Instead of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, you might be exhibiting at or attending a show at the Dallas Market Center, which lies less than four miles from the KBCC. Although this venue might attract smaller events than Dallas’s main convention center, the surrounding area is big on fun attractions, interesting things to do, and awesome food to eat.
If you only have a quick meal break before getting back to the show floor, you have your pick of gourmet burgers, an upscale chophouse, and delicious pizza within just a few minutes of the Dallas Market Center. And if you have a full day’s worth of downtime, there are even more options available to you! Take a relaxing stroll through Trammell Crow Park, check out the latest exhibits at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or sip on local lagers, IPAs, and ciders at one of the area’s many breweries. Whatever you’re craving, you can find it near the Market Center.
Dining and Entertainment Near the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall
Not all Dallas trade shows take place in the city proper. Maybe you’re heading to the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall, which is about 20 minutes east of downtown Dallas in the town of (you guessed it!) Mesquite, TX.
First, check out the Mesquite Arts Center a few miles away from the convention center to see if they have any awesome events or concerts you can attend while you’re in town. If you prefer to stay within walking distance, check out a rodeo at Mesquite Arena. And since you probably can’t visit a place called Mesquite without tasting some local BBQ, treat yourself to any of the nearby restaurants for some fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoked brisket.
Of course, on a longer break or a full day off from the show, you can always take the short drive to Dallas to explore even more of what Northeast Texas has to offer.
You Maximize Your Downtime, and We’ll Maximize Your Dallas Trade Show Exhibit
Getting to travel to places like Dallas, TX is one of the best parts of a trade show career. So maximize your time while you’re there! Even if you’ve visited the area before, there’s still plenty to see and do. While you plan all the awesome sites and restaurants you’ll visit during your stay, let us handle your exhibitor services. We’re your one-stop shop for everything from your trade show booth design all the way through the exhibit dismantle and shipping after the show.
Contact us today to find out how we can create a custom rental exhibit for your next trade show in Dallas, TX!
