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FAQ

GRB Frequently Asked Questions

 

Attendees

Q:
How do I get to the GRB and where can I park?
A:

The GRB is centrally located in the heart of Downtown Houston at 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas 77010.

Transportation is convenient from two nearby airports: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), approximately 10 miles southeast, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), approximately 20 miles north. The Parking, Maps & Directions page provides helpful information for visitors getting to the GRB by car. In addition to printable and interactive maps, visitors can find information about campus parking garages and rates.

To learn more about other transportation options and air travel, please visit the Getting Around Houston page.

Q:
What hotels are close to the GRB?
A:

There are two hotels on the convention campus that connect directly to the GRB via skybridge. On the south side of the convention center, the Hilton Americas-Houston has 1,200 rooms and features an infinity pool, spa, fitness center, and ample space to host special events. The north side of the convention center connects to the Marriott Marquis Houston, a 1,000 room hotel with unique guest amenities including a Texas-shaped lazy river.

Check out more options Downtown, or around the city, at visithoustontexas.com.

Q:
Is Wi-Fi available?
A:

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all public spaces and meeting rooms. Speeds are suitable for web browsing and checking email.

Event and exhibitor internet services are available through Smart City Networks. For more information, or to contact their sales team, please call 713.853.8900.

 

Q:
Do you have a business center?
A:

There are two FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers conveniently located across the street from the GRB, both accessible via skybridge. One is located in the Hilton Americas-Houston and the other in the Marriott Marquis Houston.

Both centers offer a variety of goods and services to suit your needs- from packing and shipping to signage, copying, and last-minute office supplies.

Q:
Am I allowed to bring outside food & beverages into the GRB?
A:

No outside food or drink is allowed at the GRB.

Levy, the GRB's exclusive food and beverage partner, offers a wide array of excellent concessions, catering, and exhibitor catering options. For more information about concessions or meal options available during specific events, please visit the event's website. Links to event websites can be found in the GRB Calendar of Events.

There are several great dining options around campus, including several restaurants located inside the GRB.

 

Q:
What dining options are there around the convention center?
A:

There are several fantastic restaurants offering unique regional and global flavors around the convention campus. Inside the GRB, visitors can find 3 full-service options: Grotto Downtown, Saltgrass Steakhouse, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Just one block north and south of the convention center are Kulture and The Rustic, respectively. Other nearby favorites include Pappasito's Cantina and Xochi. Check out other dining options around the convention center at avenidahouston.com or, for those looking to venture out and explore the city, check out Taste Houston for recommendations that will have you eating like a local!

Event Planners

Q:
What types of event spaces are there at the GRB?
A:

The convention center offers 1.8 million square feet of event space, including:

- 7 exhibit halls, including 5 halls on Level 1 that offer 550,000 square feet of combined exhibition space

- A 95,000-square foot concourse

- 88 versatile meeting rooms on Level 3

- A 31,000 square foot ballroom with ample adjoining pre-function space

- A 3,600-person capacity General Assembly that can be divided into three 1,200-person capacity theaters

- Abundant flex space on Level 2 including: a 90,000-square feet mezzanine area; private, smaller-scale spaces on any of the 6 balconies overlooking downtown Houston and Discovery Green park; 2 show office suites; and 4 conference rooms that measure 600 square feet each

- 99,000 square feet of walkable outdoor event and leisure space just outside of the convention center that connects visitors to downtown's best dining, entertainment, and sporting venues

Click here to see facility floor plans, or check out the brochure for more information.

Q:
How do I book space?
A:

We’re flattered you’re interested in hosting your event at the GRB! Click here to meet our Sales Team, take a virtual tour, submit a RFP, and request a Convention Kit, Meeting Planners or Visitor’s Guide.

Q:
Do you have a shipping and receiving department?
A:

We do not have a shipping and receiving department at the GRB. If you are an exhibitor, please check with your show management for shipping and receiving options. 

There are two FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers conveniently located across the street from the building, both accessible via skybridge. One is located in the Hilton Americas-Houston and the other in the Marriott Marquis.

General

Q:
How do I contact the convention center?
A:

Have a question or need to get in touch with our team? The GRB offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and can be reached at:

Main Line: 713.853.8000
Toll Free: 800.427.4697
Fax: 713.853.8290
grbinfo@houstonfirst.com

For after hours or weekend inquiries, please contact the GRB Security Office at 713.853.8087.

Q:
What is the history of the GRB?
A:

The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) opened in downtown Houston on September 26, 1987. The building's namesake, prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist George Rufus Brown (1898-1983), donated six of the 11 blocks that comprise the original campus footprint. Two major expansions have since transformed the building and surrounding area.

In July 2001, a connected 1,200-room convention headquarters hotel was added, along with three exhibit halls and more meeting rooms that grew the GRB to 1.8 million square feet. In December 2016, a second connected 1,000-room hotel was constructed, as was Avenida Plaza, a walkable outdoor event and leisure space that puts visitors at the center of downtown's best dining, entertainment, and sporting venues.

The convention campus continues to transform to expanding its connectivity and community, while offering new innovative and state-of-the-art facilities. Learn more about the transformation plans at houstonfirst.com.

Q:
Where can I find out more about visiting and exploring Houston?
A:

VisitHouston.com is the best place to start! Visitors can find information on hotels, events, and dining in the city and the surrounding area.

There are also great tools to help plan your visit, like the Houston Experience Marketplace, which brings together the city's best tours, attractions, tickets, and experiences to explore and purchase at your convenience. Browse the calendar of events to see what exciting activities are taking place, or browse suggested itineraries to get expert recommendations to create your perfect getaway in Houston.

Q:
Are there any jobs currently available?
A:

Please visit HoustonFirst.com to find out more about employment opportunities with our company.