The East Montgomery County Improvement District’s Convention Center is a 210,070-square-foot venue in Valley Ranch Town Center in New Caney, situated at the intersection of I-69 and the Grand Parkway (SH 99), the third loop around Houston.
The facility, designed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects, Inc. (HHCP), will feature a nearly 55,000-square-foot ballroom/exhibition hall, nearly 20,000-square-feet of meeting space, and more than 40,000-square-feet of pre-function, lobby, and outdoor courtyards.
Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a recommendation to enter into exclusive negotiations with Oak View Group (OVG) for third-party management. Following a competitive and transparent bidding process, OVG was selected based on its experience in the marketplace, proficiency in managing venues, marketing, sales, and customer service, financial performance, and its ability to establish markets as top destinations for business, tourism, large-scale events and conferences.
“EMCID’s partnership with OVG represents an extraordinary opportunity for East Montgomery County to elevate our convention center from Day 1, attract world-class events, and provide a gathering place our residents deserve,” said Frank McCrady, President/CEO of EMCID.
“I’ve worked closely with OVG leadership on an interim basis for the past six months while framing policies and procedures and finalizing our venue needs prior to opening later this year, so I’m confident the management team they build here will be phenomenal,” said Kelley Mattlage, Chief Operating Officer of EMCID. “OVG’s proven track record in venue management gives us confidence that this partnership will deliver enhanced programming and significant economic benefits for our community.”
Through newer design technology and equipment, the facility spaces are very flexible and easily transitioned to accommodate a multitude of events — large and small. As designed, the exhibition hall will be able to hold more than 6,000 attendees for special gatherings, like graduations and other large events, or it can also be divided into other configurations of up to seven smaller rooms. Two signature meeting rooms take advantage of spectacular views of Valley Ranch to the west, south, and also include a terrace.
The plans also include space for a future full-service conference hotel to connect to the conference center and an attached multi-level parking garage.
Site prep and construction began in late January 2025. The general contractor is SpawGlass.
The project is expected to generate, over the next 30 years, nearly $1.73 billion in net new spending within the boundaries of the district, $775 million in net new earnings, and more than 500 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs at stabilization. The project should generate about $35.1 million in sales, hotel, and venue taxes to the district. The project will be supported through sales tax revenue bonds.
