Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Grand Wayne Convention Center Celebrates 40 Years
January 21, 2025, Fort Wayne, Indiana — Grand Wayne Convention Center (GWCC) in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, celebrates 40 years of operation in 2025. The event venue opened January 18, 1985, following five years of planning and construction and an investment of $12 million, under the guidance of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Tourism Authority (now the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers or CIB).
The gala grand opening welcomed 1,500 people including then Indiana Lieutenant Governor John Mutz for the ribbon cutting and renown singer Tony Bennett for a concert in the facility’s Anthony Wayne Ballroom. During 1985, the newly opened Grand Wayne Center welcomed an estimated 250,000 guests attending events during its first year of operation. Upon its opening, the Center offered roughly 25,000 square feet of event space in addition to the adjoining 250 guestroom Hilton Hotel, becoming a catalyst for downtown Fort Wayne’s revitalization and economic growth engine.
In the spring of 2003, Grand Wayne Center broke ground for its $26 million expansion, reopening in May 2005 with 225,000 square feet of versatile event space in answer to the demands of its increasing market share. The expansion introduced a 50,000 square foot convention and exposition hall, elevating the number of flexible gathering spaces to 18. Additionally, 30,000 square feet of prefunction space, a 12,000-square-foot kitchen, intuitive floor plans, and an extensive list of in-house services, capabilities, and professional staff helped position Grand Wayne Convention Center as a nationally recognized, award-winning event venue.
Since its expansion, Grand Wayne Convention Center has continued to equip and improve the facility with state-of-the-art technology, including the introduction of high-performance, high-capacity WiFi, LED lighting, and advanced air purification systems. Additional facility enhancements include carpet and furniture updates and a variety of on-site guest experience amenities.
“We are excited to continue Grand Wayne Center’s legacy,” stated Bart Shaw, executive director of Grand Wayne Convention Center. “That vision and commitment for a stronger, more connected community from the early 1980s remains stronger than ever. We’ve grown and learned a lot in 40 years. The accolades we hear and our 80% rebooking rate prove we’re on the right path for helping Fort Wayne and Allen County continue to grow.”
Today, GWCC is recognized among the Midwest’s foremost event destinations, primarily serving corporate, association, and faith-based markets on an international, national, regional, and state-wide basis. The Center hosts about 325 events annually and contributes an estimated $10+ million into the local economy each year. GWCC maintains a fully in-house professional team of sales, technology, catering, engineering, and event management experts. More information is available online at grandwayne.com