The San José McEnery Convention Center & South Hall is Silicon Valley’s premier destination for conventions, trade shows, technology conferences, and large-scale events of every kind. Located in the heart of downtown San José, California, the facility is operated by Team San Jose and stands as the largest convention complex in Silicon Valley. Originally opened in 1989 and named after former San José mayor Tom McEnery, the center has undergone significant expansions — including a $130 million renovation and expansion completed in October 2013 — and added the South Hall in 2005, cementing its position as one of the most capable and modern event venues on the West Coast. From the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference to Facebook F8 and fan conventions like FanimeCon, the center has hosted some of the most high-profile gatherings in the technology world.
San José Convention Center & South Hall Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | San José McEnery Convention Center & South Hall |
| Address | 150 W San Carlos St, San José, CA 95113 (Main) / 435 S Market St, San José, CA 95113 (South Hall) |
| Location | Downtown San José, California |
| Total Event Space | 520,000 sq ft |
| Main Exhibit Hall | 165,000 sq ft (contiguous) |
| Meeting Rooms | 43 meeting rooms |
| Ballrooms | 35,194 sq ft (Grand) + 22,000 sq ft (Executive) |
| South Hall | 80,000 sq ft |
| Nearest Airport | Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) (~4 miles) |
| Parking | 522+ on-site spaces (shared with Hilton & Marriott) |
| Website | sanjose.org/meet/conventioncenter |
Location and Accessibility
The San José McEnery Convention Center is located at 150 W San Carlos St, San José, CA 95113, in the heart of downtown San José. The South Hall sits adjacent to the main campus at 435 S Market St, San José, CA 95113, just steps away and fully integrated into the convention district. Together, both facilities form a connected campus that gives event planners one of the largest and most flexible footprints in Northern California.
For arriving guests, Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is approximately 4 miles from the convention center — one of the most convenient airport-to-venue distances of any major convention facility in the United States. This short proximity makes same-day arrivals and departures straightforward for both domestic and international attendees.
For those traveling by public transit, the VTA light rail system provides direct service to the Convention Center station, located right on West San Carlos Street between Almaden Boulevard and Market Street — placing attendees steps from the main entrance. VTA bus routes 23 and Rapid 523 also serve the area, making the center one of the most transit-accessible venues in Silicon Valley.
Guests driving to the venue have access to 522+ on-site parking spaces in a garage shared with the adjoining Hilton San Jose and San Jose Marriott hotels, with fees starting at $1 per 15 minutes and a $25–$30 daily maximum. Both connected hotels provide a combined 859 hotel rooms directly linked to the convention center, giving attendees the convenience of sleeping steps from the event floor. The surrounding downtown San José area offers thousands of additional hotel rooms, restaurants, and entertainment options within easy walking distance.
Facilities and Event Spaces
The San José McEnery Convention Center & South Hall offers a comprehensive and highly flexible suite of event spaces across two levels, designed to accommodate everything from intimate corporate meetings to massive international trade shows with thousands of exhibitors.
Exhibit Halls
The upper level of the convention center houses three event halls totaling 143,000 square feet of column-free exhibition space, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 10×10 booths. With flexible air walls throughout, the halls can be opened up to 165,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space — giving show organizers exceptional layout versatility. Ceiling heights reach 32 feet, with a pre-function concourse running alongside for registration and branding opportunities.
Meeting and Breakout Rooms
The convention center offers 43 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 50 to 3,900 in theater-style seating, totaling more than 100,000 square feet of pre-function and meeting space. The lower level features a newly renovated lobby lounge, open seating areas filled with natural California sunlight, and more than 14,500 square feet of versatile concourse space ideal for registration staging and breakout functions. A standout meeting feature is The Hub, a well-lit foyer with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraced redwood benches, as well as four outdoor terraces and a plaza ranging from 3,900 to 6,300 square feet.
Ballrooms
The center features two signature ballroom spaces. The Grand Ballroom spans 35,194 square feet and is ideal for large galas, award ceremonies, and plenary sessions. The Executive Ballroom at 22,000 square feet serves mid-sized banquets, receptions, and general sessions. Both ballrooms are fully renovated and equipped with modern lighting and audiovisual systems, with banquet kitchen facilities capable of serving up to 5,000 guests.
South Hall
Added in 2005, the South Hall is an architecturally distinctive 80,000-square-foot tent-like structure located just steps from the main convention center campus. Extremely flexible and transformable, South Hall accommodates consumer shows, general session speakers, special events, and overflow exhibit space, expanding the total campus capacity significantly for large-scale events that demand more room.
Sustainability and Innovation
True to its Silicon Valley location, the San José McEnery Convention Center is one of the few West Coast convention centers to maintain a serious commitment to sustainability. The culinary team participates in San José’s Climate Smart initiative, sourcing ingredients locally within a 150-mile radius. The center composts food waste, uses certified-compostable plant-based meal packaging, and donates meals to local food banks and shelters. The venue holds a LEED certification, underscoring its environmental commitments. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas, and a state-of-the-art overhead lighting system allows show management to precisely tailor light levels across the exhibit floor.
Technology and Services
The convention center is equipped with comprehensive event support capabilities, including advanced audiovisual production, compressed air, high-power electrical outlets, rigging services, closed-circuit TV, a full-service box office, business center, on-site restaurant, fitness center, valet parking, ATM, coat check, dressing rooms, water and drainage access, and dedicated security services. Elevators and escalators serve both levels, and full ADA-compliant accessibility is maintained throughout the facility and South Hall campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the San José McEnery Convention Center located?
A: The main entrance is at 150 W San Carlos St, San José, CA 95113, in the heart of downtown San José. The South Hall is located at 435 S Market St, San José, CA 95113, steps away on the same campus.
Q. How far is the convention center from the airport?
A: Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is approximately 4 miles away — about a 10-minute drive — making it one of the most conveniently located major convention centers in the United States relative to its nearest airport.
Q. What public transportation serves the convention center?
A: The VTA light rail’s Convention Center station is located directly on West San Carlos Street at the main entrance. The center is also accessible via Caltrain and Amtrak at nearby San José Diridon Station, plus VTA bus routes 23 and Rapid 523, and a free Downtown Area Shuttle.
Q. Is parking available on-site?
A: Yes. The Convention Center Garage at 150 W San Carlos Street is connected to the convention center as well as the Hilton San Jose and San Jose Marriott hotels. Parking is available at $1 per 15 minutes with a $25–$30 daily maximum. Additional nearby garages in downtown San José provide overflow parking options.
Q. Is Wi-Fi available at the convention center?
A: Yes. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas of the facility. Exhibitors requiring enhanced wireless speeds for high-demand applications can arrange upgraded connectivity through the venue’s services team.
Q. Is outside food and beverage allowed?
A: No. The San José McEnery Convention Center does not permit outside food or beverages. The venue offers a full range of on-site food and beverage services, including catering, concession stands, full-service bars, a restaurant, and a café. The culinary team follows San José’s Climate Smart initiative, sourcing ingredients locally within a 150-mile radius.
Q. What hotels are connected to the convention center?
A: The Hilton San Jose and the San Jose Marriott are directly connected to the convention center, offering a combined 859 hotel rooms. An additional five hotels are within easy walking distance of the campus.
Q. How do I book the convention center or South Hall for an event?
A: To reserve space at the San José McEnery Convention Center or South Hall, submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) through Team San Jose at sanjose.org or contact the Team San Jose sales team directly for availability, pricing, and event planning assistance.
