Ohio Expo Center

What Ohio Expo Center does

The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds is a 360-acre state government-owned event facility in Columbus, Ohio, operated by the Ohio Expositions Commission since 1961 (the grounds themselves date to 1886). It is one of the largest multi-purpose venue complexes in the Midwest, comprising more than 20 buildings with over 1 million square feet of event space under roof, 20,000 seats across arenas, and on-site parking for 12,000+ vehicles. The facility hosts 200+ events annually spanning trade shows, consumer shows, concerts, sporting events, livestock and equine exhibitions, corporate meetings, and the Ohio State Fair.

The core "product" is venue rental across a portfolio of differentiated buildings — exhibition halls (e.g., Bricker Building 155,000 sf, Kasich Hall 75,000 sf), arenas (Celeste Center with 10,200 seats, Taft Coliseum with 7,000 seats), and specialized livestock/equine facilities (Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, Gilligan Complex). Supporting service infrastructure includes on-site catering and concessions operated by Schmidt's Expo Inc. (since January 1, 2024), parking managed by SP+, sound/lighting/staging by OKI Inc., and decorating/drayage by Expo Services. Ticketing and event registration run on the third-party Saffire platform; no proprietary technology or developer-facing API is offered. Pricing is per-day unit pricing with daily rates ranging from approximately $685 (small pavilions) to $9,500 (Ohio Agriculture Center whole-building rental), supplemented by parking ($7/vehicle), RV camping ($50/day), equipment and labor charges, and livestock/equine stall fees.

Revenue is generated through direct enterprise sales via the in-house Sales & Event Services Department (phone, email, and online Event Inquiry form) targeting event organizers and producers. Anchor recurring event holders include the All American Quarter Horse Congress, Equine Affaire, Goodguys Rod & Custom Car Show, Ohio Beef Expo, Arnold Sports Festival, Columbus Crew SC (MLS), the Ohio State Fair, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. The facility is currently mid-execution of the $460 million Expo 2050 Master Plan — a multi-year capital project adding two new buildings (Ohio Agriculture Center, Ohio Showcase Building) plus infrastructure and parking upgrades, targeted for substantial completion in 2026. As a state entity, financial statements are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Ohio Expo Center

Legal name

Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds

Website

https://ohioexpocenter.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1886

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds is a 360-acre state government-owned event complex in Columbus, Ohio, operating more than 20 buildings with over 1 million square feet of event space and hosting 200+ annual events including trade shows, concerts, sporting events, livestock exhibitions, and the Ohio State Fair.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Event Venue and Convention Facilities

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA), Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO), Sports & Arena Event Venues (Stadiums, Arenas) (THAHAAAF), Lifestyle, Home & Garden Shows (MPAGAFAB)

Keywords

• Event venue rental
• Convention facilities
• Trade show hosting
• Livestock exhibitions
• Fairgrounds operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Facility Rental: Daily rental fees for 20+ buildings and spaces including exhibition halls, arenas, livestock facilities, meeting rooms, and outdoor areas. Rates vary by venue size and type, ranging from $685 (Congress Pavilion) to $9,500 (Ohio Agriculture Center entire building).
2. Parking Fees: Parking revenue at $7 per vehicle for standard events, with higher rates for special events. Capacity for 12,000+ vehicles. Operated by SP+.
3. Food and Beverage Concessions: Schmidt's Expo Inc. serves as the official food and beverage provider since January 1, 2024, operating concessions and catering services for all events on the grounds.
4. Equipment and Labor Services: Rental of equipment including chairs, tables, stages, bleachers, and labor for setup/teardown. Labor rates at $33/hour general, $40.75/hour electrician/plumber.
5. RV Park and Camping: RV camping fees at $50/day during most events, with full-service sites (water, sewer, electric) and partial service options. Additional fees for special events.
6. Livestock and Equine Services: Stall fees for horses ($55/show) and cattle ($20/head/show). Package deals including auction blocks, bleachers, tractors, and office space.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Ohio Expo Center rents more than 1 million square feet of flexible event space across 20+ buildings on a 360-acre campus in Columbus, Ohio to event organizers for trade shows, consumer shows, concerts, sporting events, livestock exhibitions, equine shows, conventions, and meetings. Operated by the Ohio Expositions Commission, the venue also hosts the annual Ohio State Fair and supports on-site services including RV camping, parking, and food and beverage concessions.

Product overview

The Ohio Expo Center operates as a single unified venue facility with multiple distinct buildings and service offerings rather than a modular product platform. The core offering is event venue rental across 20 buildings totaling over 1 million square feet of flexible event space, supplemented by the annual Ohio State Fair and on-site camping services. Major buildings include the Celeste Center (10,200-seat arena), Taft Coliseum (7,000-seat), Kasich Hall (75,000 sf convention space), Bricker Multi-Purpose Building (155,000 sf), and various livestock/agricultural facilities. As part of the $460 million Expo 2050 Master Plan, two new buildings—the Ohio Agriculture Center (177,491 sf with 100,760 sf exhibition hall) and Ohio Showcase Building (55,000 sf with food hall and event spaces)—are under development for completion in 2026. Additional services include RV camping at Korbel Campgrounds, parking for 12,000+ vehicles, event catering through Schmidt's, and an online itinerary planner.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ohio Expo Center Venue Rental Year-round event venue offering more than 1 million square feet of flexible event space across 20 buildings on a 360-acre campus, hosting trade shows, consumer shows, sporting events, concerts, livestock exhibitions, meetings, and conferences. Targeted at event organizers and corporate clients seeking large-scale venue capacity.
• Ohio State Fair Annual state fair hosted at the Ohio Expo Center since 1886, featuring agricultural exhibitions, livestock competitions, entertainment, concerts, and family attractions. Targeted at the general public, families, and exhibitors.
• Korbel RV Park Camping On-site RV camping service with 360 sites across three campgrounds offering full-service and partial-service hookups for event attendees, exhibitors, and visitors. Targeted at travelers and event participants visiting the Ohio Expo Center.
• Ohio Agriculture Center New 177,491 square foot multipurpose building featuring 100,760 sf of clear-span exhibition hall, 10 meeting rooms, built-in kitchens, and dining space. Temperature-controlled space for year-round event rentals including sports, trade shows, graduations, and agricultural events. Available for booking January 2027.
• Ohio Showcase Building New 55,000 square foot building featuring food hall, three private event spaces, and a permanent Ohio History Connection exhibition. Includes exterior balcony overlooking Town Square. Available for booking November 2026.
• Bricker Multi-Purpose Building 155,000 sf exhibit space with 20-foot ceiling height, unlimited floor load capability, drive-in overhead doors, and special display lighting. Suitable for large trade and consumer shows, exhibitions, and festivals.
• Celeste Center 60,000 sf unobstructed floor space with 10,200-seat capacity, permanent 75-foot wide x 32-foot deep stage, air conditioning, and excellent sound system. Transforms for concerts, trade shows, banquets, equine and livestock events.
• Kasich Hall 75,000 sf customizable convention space with six meeting rooms accommodating 200 people, modern furnishings, loading docks, on-site café and patio. Opened July 2016 as Cardinal Hall, dedicated to Governor John R. Kasich January 4, 2019.
• Taft Coliseum Arena with seating for up to 7,000, 225-foot by 112-foot arena floor with 65-foot peak height. Hosts sporting events, concerts, consumer shows, horse shows. Transforms annually November through February into an ice rink.
• Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center 70,000 sf event space with 61,000 sf unobstructed floor area, 1,400 permanent/telescoping seating, nine drive-in doors, two-way exponential sound system, TV lighting, and air-conditioned offices. Handles 804 cattle and 282 horses.
• Parking Services On-site parking service for more than 12,000 vehicles with standard rate of $7 per vehicle. Operated by SP+ parking management. Targeted at event attendees and visitors.
• Event Equipment Rental and Labor Services Rental of event equipment including chairs, tables, stages, bleachers, backhoes, bobcats, dump trucks, front loaders, and Genie lifts, plus labor for event setup and teardown at hourly rates. Targeted at event organizers needing on-site setup support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ year-round events hosted annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Schmidt's Expo Inc.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024Schmidt's Expo Inc. is the official food and beverage provider for the Ohio Expo Center effective January 1, 2024. As a local Ohio company established in 1886, Schmidt's provides all concession, catering, and food service operations during events and the Ohio State Fair. They hold the facility liquor license and work with event holders on custom food and beverage menus. Contact: Carla Epler, Chief Operations Officer, [email protected], 614-600-7545.
• SP+ (Metropolis)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSP+ (formerly Metropolis) manages all parking operations at the Ohio Expo Center. Handles parking fee collection and lot management. Contact: Tim Anderson, [email protected], 614-294-9336 or 614-294-9338.
• OKI, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationOKI, Inc. provides professional sound, lighting, and staging services for events at the Ohio Expo Center. Also provides telephone, internet, and data services for event organizers. Contact: Jason Brentlinger, [email protected], 614-294-2555.
• Expo ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExpo Services is the official commercial electric and full-service decorator for the Ohio Expo Center. Provides drayage (shipping/receiving), decorating, electric, and forklift services. Contact: Scott Perone, [email protected], 740-454-1201.
• Ohio State Highway PatrolcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPost 96 of the Ohio State Highway Patrol maintains 24-hour security at the Ohio Expo Center, located on the grounds. Provides security at various Expo events and manages Lost and Found. Contact: 614-644-0035.
• WellogymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellogy served as the third-party master planning consultant for the Expo 2050 Master Plan, developing the long-term strategic vision for the facility's future development. Assisted by partners Populous, CSL International, EDGE Landscape Architecture, Korda Engineering, Bennett Engineering, and Concord Addis.
• Ohio Farm Bureau FederationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhio Farm Bureau Federation partners with the Ohio Expo Center on the Ohio Agriculture Center and Land & Living Exhibit during the Ohio State Fair. Agricultural commodity groups collaborate on combined functions of the Taste of Ohio Café and Agriculture & Horticulture Building.
• Ohio History ConnectionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ohio History Connection partners with the Ohio Expo Center on the Ohio Showcase Building, which features a permanent exhibition telling Ohio's story. Also a neighboring property benefiting from Expo improvements including the new armory parking lot.
• Preferred Hotel PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with hotels in Columbus offering special rates for Ohio Expo Center visitors: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott OSU, Hilton Garden Inn Columbus University Area, Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus/University Area, Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites Airport, and Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington.
• Ohio Facilities Construction CommissionmajorOthersState agency that partnered with Wellogy and the Expo 2050 Task Force on the Master Plan for the Ohio Expo Center.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Greater Columbus Convention Center: Operated by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is a 1.7 million sq ft convention complex located in downtown Columbus. It is the most direct local competitor for mid-to-large conventions, trade shows, and corporate meetings targeting the same Columbus-area event holders.
• Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center: Indiana State Fairgrounds is a comparable Midwest state-owned multi-building event complex hosting the Indiana State Fair plus year-round consumer shows, livestock events, and trade exhibitions. Closest operational analog among neighboring state fairgrounds for both event mix and governance structure.
• Kentucky Exposition Center: Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville is a state-owned event complex featuring 1.2 million+ sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space including arenas, livestock facilities, and exhibition halls. Direct peer in scale, state-fair anchor model, and diversified livestock/sports/entertainment mix.
• Minnesota State Fairgrounds: Minnesota State Fairgrounds operates as a year-round event facility with extensive livestock, equine, and exhibition infrastructure anchored by one of the largest state fairs in the US. Comparable Midwest state fair operator with similar ag/equine event specialization and public governance.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts the Iowa State Fair plus year-round events in livestock, motorsports, and consumer shows. Operates a similar model of state-government-governed multi-building campus with agricultural anchor events.
• Wisconsin State Fair Park: Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis is a year-round event venue hosting the Wisconsin State Fair, livestock shows, consumer expos, and sporting events. Comparable state-owned facility with overlapping livestock/equine and consumer show verticals.
• Duke Energy Convention Center: Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati is a regional competitor for conventions and trade shows in the Ohio Valley. Operates a similar convention-center model with overlapping event-holder target customers in the same broader Ohio/Midwest geography.

Emerging players

• Suburban Collection Showplace: Privately-owned exposition venue in Novi, Michigan with more than 250,000 sq ft of flexible event space. Competes for the same regional Midwest consumer shows, trade exhibitions, and corporate events that the Ohio Expo Center targets, but with a more nimble private-operator model.
• National Western Center: National Western Center in Denver is a multi-building event complex hosting livestock shows, equestrian events, trade exhibitions, and consumer shows anchored by the National Western Stock Show. Comparable ag/equine anchor event model with ongoing modernization comparable to Ohio Expo Center's Expo 2050.

Broad incumbents

• NRG Park (Houston / Texas State Fair): NRG Park in Houston is a 350-acre complex anchored by NRG Stadium, NRG Center, and the annual Texas State Fair. Comparable scale and multi-venue year-round event model, though with much larger stadium-anchored entertainment capacity that competes for the largest concerts and sporting events.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ohioexpocenter
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TheOhioStateFair/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/ohioexpocenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ohio-expo-center-&-state-fair
• Instagraminstagram.com/ohioexpocenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ohio Expo Center