America’s Center Welcomes the International Code Council’s 2023 Annual Conference

Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Guns ‘N Roses, Beyoncé, and Metallica all have one thing in common: they have performed or will soon appear at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO.

Home to the St. Louis Battlehawks XFL team, as well as the St. Louis Rams for 21 seasons (1995 to 2015), The Dome is famous for hosting the 2005 NCAA Men’s Final Four. It also hosted the record-setting largest indoor gathering ever held in America; a Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II.

And now, in October of 2023, it will host the International Code Council’s Annual Conference.

International Code Council’s 2023 Annual Conference

Taking advantage of the 502,000 square feet of exhibit space and 95 meeting rooms, the Code Council is excited to bring the 2023 Annual Conference and Expo (October 8-11) to America’s Center. This event will provide an opportunity to learn, grow and network with both industry experts and newcomers in building safety.

Registration is now open for the four-day event, which includes an expo, insights sessions, dozens of educational tracks and a volunteer outing. Attendees can also participate in building tours that highlight St. Louis’ historical landmarks, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Facility & Training Center and a tiny home community that’s being built for homeless veterans.

New and up-and-coming building safety professionals can register for the Building Safety Leadership Experience, which offers a unique opportunity to meet and engage with Code Council members, leaders and stakeholders.

“The experience was incredible, I highly recommend it to anyone in the industry,” said Alex Cook, Plan Reviewer for the City of Conway, S.C., who participated in the program in 2022. “I was able to spend a week with industry professionals. In doing so, I was able to learn how the code development process works and all that goes into it. I learned that I wanted to turn this job into a career.”

Expanding Opportunities for America’s Center

America’s Center originally opened in 1977 and was first expanded in 1993. Its latest expansion, known as AC Next Gen, is currently underway. Scheduled for completion in 2024, the $240 million project includes a new 72,000-square-foot exhibit hall, new and enhanced entrances and twice the number of loading docks, which will now be enclosed.

AC Next Gen will also transform an adjacent parking lot into a green space for outdoor events and a food garden with approximately 40 raised beds. The food garden will be used to supply the venue’s kitchen while providing an opportunity to share excess produce with nearby food pantries.

“St. Louis is an ideal location for citywide conventions, meetings and events,” said Brian Hall, Chief Marketing Officer for Explore St. Louis (the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission). “The area is brimming with free, world-class attractions. Everywhere you look, there’s something new and exciting in development. Developers have recently spent more than $8.5 billion on projects, which range from sports and entertainment facilities to casinos, condos and hotels.”

St. Louis, the Next Great Food City

There are also a number of attractions near America’s Center, including the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, which features 1,300 acres of beauty to explore. Other notable attractions include the National Blues Museum, CITYPARK, City Museum, Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village and Union Station.

SEE RELATED: St. Louis Cardinals’ Rich History on Display at Busch Stadium

Voted the “Next Great Food City” by Food & Wine readers in 2022, St. Louis features restaurants from several James Beard Foundation Award winners and nominees. From Gioia’s Deli (America’s Classics Award winner for its hot salami sandwich) to Sidney Street Cafe and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab (from Best Chef: Midwest winner Kevin Nashan), St. Louis is filled with culinary delights.

“There are about 100 restaurants downtown,” said Hall. “Some top picks include barbecue at Sugarfire Smokehouse and Salt + Smoke, burgers at Hi-Pointe and [Baileys’] Range, Thai cuisine at Sen and Aubergine Café, salads and crepes at Rooster and great pub fare at The Pitch.”

Learn more about the International Code Council’s 2023 Annual Conference and take advantage of early bird pricing, here.