New Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista: What Exhibitors Need to Know

When a brand-new convention center opens in a city like Chula Vista, it’s more than just a line item on the trade show calendar: it’s a clean slate. No legacy layouts. No overbooked halls. No “we’ve always done it this way.” For event marketers, it’s a chance to rethink how your brand shows up, without the noise of decades-old competition.

Chula Vista’s new convention center brings serious potential to Southern California. This $1.3 billion project includes 1,600 guest rooms (including 89 suites), and offers more than 477,000 sq ft of meeting and event space—with multiple ballrooms, breakout rooms, and expansive exhibit halls.

Minutes from downtown San Diego and right on the bayfront, it’s expected to become a key destination for expos, B2B conventions, and international gatherings. If you’re planning to exhibit in 2025 or 2026, this is one venue worth getting ahead of.

The exhibit hall offers a column-free span of 172 feet within a 520×300 ft space—ideal for open layouts and impactful booth designs. The development integrates Buckling Restraint Brace (BRB) frames for seismic resistance, ensuring structural integrity and safety.

Why Early Movers Win in New Venues

New spaces tend to reward the brands that show up prepared. Why? Because first-year events come with unknowns—traffic flow, access points, setup logistics—that even show organizers are still learning.

Here’s what early exhibitors often gain:

• Prime floor positions before they’re locked in.
• Expanded media attention as local and national eyes turn to the new venue.
• Stronger attendee interest, driven by the novelty of the location.

But capitalizing on that means more than just reserving a spot. It means having a booth strategy and a partner that’s built for agility.

Avoid the First-Year Glitches: What Exhibitors Need to Plan For

Chula Vista’s center is brand-new. That means beautiful architecture, upgraded amenities, and… evolving logistics.

Here’s what we recommend thinking through:

• Load-in/load-out procedures that may not be finalized until weeks before.
• Permits and local labor rules specific to the venue.
• Show services coordination, often more fluid in the first few editions of any show.

Exhibitors who plan ahead—and work with partners experienced in navigating new ground—end up avoiding stress on the show floor.

We’re Right Down the Road. And We’re Already Building

At Exponents, we’re no strangers to new venues. In fact, we specialize in helping brands make a confident debut in unfamiliar environments. With our 30,000 sq ft. facility just 15 minutes from the Chula Vista convention center, we’re uniquely positioned to support early exhibitors with:

• Turnkey exhibit rentals— custom-modular, designed to fit evolving show specs.
• 100% quality checked booths, reviewed and approved before they ever reach the venue.
• Local coordination, including permits, labor, transportation, and last-minute fixes.

Whether you’re booking a 10×20 or planning something bigger, we make sure everything is ready before your team ever steps on-site.

Thinking About Chula Vista? Let’s Talk

If you’ve got your eye on the new Chula Vista convention center—or even if you’re just curious—now’s the time to get the conversation started. The best booths aren’t built last minute. They’re built with foresight, local knowledge, and partners who’ve done this before. Let’s set up a quick 15-minute call and explore what your Chula Vista presence could look like.