Raleigh Convention Center (Shimmer Wall), Raleigh

The Raleigh Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, is a modern convention and exhibition facility that first opened its doors in September 2008. Designed by Tvsdesign in collaboration with local firms, the three-level, 500,000-square-foot (46,000 square meters) center stands as a testament to contemporary architectural and design excellence.

The building features an expansive exhibit hall, twenty versatile meeting rooms, and a grand ballroom. The ballroom, situated on the highest level, can accommodate up to 2,715 guests for banquets or 3,630 attendees for theater-style events. Meanwhile, the exhibit hall on the lowest level offers space for up to 790 booths or seating arrangements for 6,800 (banquet-style) or 9,600 people (theater-style). Advanced acoustic work ensures that activities within the center remain isolated, with minimal noise disruption to the surrounding community.

The current facility is more than double the size of its predecessor, which was built in 1977, renovated in 1997, and ultimately demolished in February 2006. The replacement of the older structure was not without controversy, but the resulting center has since established itself as a key venue for large-scale events in Raleigh. Construction of the new convention center came for $225 million, and it now includes a direct connection to the adjacent Marriott City Center, built simultaneously to provide lodging for visitors.

A standout feature of the Raleigh Convention Center is its iconic ''Shimmer Wall,'' a public art installation that graces the building’s west-facing exterior. Completed in 2009 by local artist Thomas Sayre, the installation consists of 80,000 aluminum panels backed by LED lights, covering an area 44 feet tall and 210 feet wide. The ''Shimmer Wall'' depicts a giant oak tree—a nod to Raleigh’s nickname, the ‘City of Oaks.’

Since its opening, the Raleigh Convention Center has hosted a variety of events, with the National Agents Alliance holding the first convention, the NAA Leadership Conference, from September 11-14, 2008.