Convention Center expansion adds 19,000 square feet to Wenatchee’s downtown hub

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Convention Center has completed a major expansion, unveiling a 19,000-square-foot, two-story addition that lifts the facility’s total size past 60,000 square feet and redefines its role as a central gathering space in the heart of downtown Wenatchee.

The project creates new capacity for meetings and celebrations ranging from small work sessions to events of up to 1,200 attendees. The upper level, entered directly from Wenatchee Avenue, features a new main entrance, outdoor plaza, and a pre-function lobby leading into Fountain Hall, a flexible, light-filled venue that can seat 300 guests or divide into three breakout rooms. Finishes emphasize warm wood slats, acoustical ceilings, and neutral tones suited for both business and social functions.

On the lower level, the renovation adds an elevator, expanded restrooms, and updated pre-function areas, while the Gala and Fuji Rooms have been reconfigured for greater comfort and accessibility.

The center also received a full technology upgrade: LCD projectors and flexible audio controls in every room, facility-wide paging, digital lobby displays, Owl cameras for hybrid meetings, assisted-listening systems, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

West Coast Hospitality President and CEO Doug Rigoni said the expansion represents a major milestone for the community and a continuation of the company’s long partnership with the city. “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the City of Wenatchee,” Rigoni said, “and this addition further enhances the city’s ability to host conferences, performances, and special events — bringing new energy, opportunity, and excitement to downtown.”

Convention Center General Manager Linda Herald said the expansion improves connectivity between the facility and the Numerica Performing Arts Center, creating a seamless complex of spaces for conventions, concerts, and civic events.

Located steps from the Columbia River and surrounded by local dining, wineries, and outdoor recreation —from the Apple Capital Loop Trail to Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort — the convention center is positioned as a year-round anchor for the regional visitor economy.

Owned by the City of Wenatchee and operated by West Coast Hospitality, the center provides on-site catering, marketing, and event management through a professional staff experienced in large-scale coordination. Event planners and organizations can request tours or booking information by emailing linda@wenatcheecc.com or calling (509) 662-4411.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media