Oakland Convention Center: Recent Developments and Current Status

Based on the Google Trends data you referenced, there has been increased search interest in “Oakland Convention Center” over the past few hours. While the specific trending data shows insufficient volume for detailed analysis, recent developments explain why Oakland’s convention facilities are attracting attention.^[1]

Current Convention Center Landscape

Oakland currently operates multiple convention and meeting facilities, with the main Oakland Convention Center located at 550 10th Street offering 64,000 square feet of event space. This facility remains operational and is connected to the Oakland Marriott City Center hotel, providing over 100,000 square feet of combined meeting space.^[2]^[3]

Major Recent Developments

Oakland Marriott City Center Financial Crisis

The most significant recent news involves Oakland’s largest hotel, the Oakland Marriott City Center, which was sold at foreclosure in July 2025 for $70.2 million. This represents a dramatic 51% decline from the $143 million Gaw Capital paid for the property in 2017. The hotel’s Hong Kong-based owner defaulted on a $100 million loan earlier this year.^[4]^[5]^[6]

The foreclosure has major implications for Oakland’s convention industry, as the Marriott provides crucial accommodation and meeting space connected to the main convention center. Despite the ownership change, the hotel remains operational, and the Golden State Valkyries WNBA team continues using the facility for training and offices.^[7]^[4]

Henry J. Kaiser Center Reopening Success Story

In contrast to the Marriott’s troubles, Oakland achieved a major victory with the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts reopening in spring 2024 after nearly two decades of closure. Originally the Oakland Civic Auditorium built in 1914, this historic Beaux-Arts landmark had been closed since 2005 when operating costs became unsustainable.^[8]^[9]^[10]

Oakland Convention Center — Interiors and ornate exterior details of Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts undergoing renovation in 2024.

The $52 million restoration by Orton Development has transformed the 215,000-square-foot facility into a world-class arts venue featuring:^[11]^[10]

5,492-seat arena for large events
1,500-seat Calvin Simmons Theatre with modern technical capabilities
Two hotel-style ballrooms for meetings and receptions
Speakeasy-style lounge for intimate gatherings
25,000-square-foot arena suitable for concerts and conventions

The restored center includes modern amenities like state-of-the-art sound systems, updated electrical and plumbing, and a new Lakeview Terrace offering 400 feet of outdoor space facing Lake Merritt.^[10]

Impact on Oakland’s Convention Industry

Economic Challenges

Oakland’s convention sector reflects broader economic difficulties facing the city. Industry experts cite several factors contributing to reduced convention bookings:^[5]^[6]

Crime and safety concerns deterring business travelers
Homeless situation affecting the downtown area’s appeal
Loss of professional sports teams (Raiders and Athletics) reducing visitor draw
Post-pandemic travel pattern changes affecting hotel occupancy

Phil Tagami, a commercial real estate expert, emphasized the fundamental issue: “If people don’t feel safe here they won’t stay here”.^[6]

Facility Diversification

Oakland has adapted by diversifying its convention offerings beyond the traditional model:

Oakland City Center Conference Center (500 12th Street) provides smaller-scale meeting facilities available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. This facility offers ADA-compliant spaces with modern technology including 75-inch Zoom Room monitors for hybrid conferences.^[12]^[13]

The Henry J. Kaiser Center’s reopening provides Oakland with a mid-sized venue previously unavailable, filling a gap that forced local organizations to seek facilities outside the city.^[10]

Current Event Activity

Recent programming demonstrates Oakland’s convention facilities remain active despite challenges. The Oakland Convention Center hosts diverse events including:

2025 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference (September 4, 2025)^[14]
Fatherhood Summit 2025 (September 27, 2025)^[15]
EuroWest Show (ongoing business trade show)^[16]

The Henry J. Kaiser Center has successfully launched with events like the Copacabana Supper Club featuring Afro-Brazilian entertainment and food from local chefs including Michele McQueen of Town Fare.^[9]

Exterior view of the Oakland Convention Center and adjacent Marriott hotel in downtown Oakland, California.

Looking Forward

The increased Google search activity around Oakland Convention Center likely reflects interest in these major developments – both the challenges facing the Marriott property and the successful reopening of the Kaiser Center. While Oakland faces significant economic headwinds affecting its hospitality sector, the city has demonstrated resilience by successfully restoring a major historic venue while maintaining its primary convention facilities.

The diverse facility offerings – from the large-scale Oakland Convention Center to the intimate Oakland City Center Conference Center to the newly reopened Kaiser arts venue – position Oakland to serve various market segments despite the uncertainty surrounding the Marriott property’s future ownership and operations.^[11]^[2]^[13]

Industry observers note that while the Marriott’s foreclosure represents a setback, it may also present opportunities for new investors to acquire Oakland’s largest hotel at a significant discount, potentially bringing fresh capital and management to support the city’s convention industry recovery.^[6]