It’s been home to everyone from Elvis to the LA Clippers, and hosted events ranging from large-scale conventions to yoga sessions on the plaza. You may know the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) as the largest convention center on West Coast, or home to renowned events as The NAMM Show, Natural Products Expo West and WonderCon... but look again! Here are some facts that even Orange County natives may not know.

You’ve Got a Backstage Pass at the ACC

Rock and roll all night in Anaheim. The Anaheim Convention Center is proud to be your go-to space for live music with legends who have graced our stages. Since opening in 1967, we’ve seen acts including The Doors, Elvis Presley, Jefferson Airplane, and Jimi Hendrix perform in the space.

Elvis Presley at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena

Natural Products Expo West 2018 at ACC North

The Center Captures the California Vibe

The inspiration for the ACC’s design comes from California itself. The all glass front welcomes the SoCal sunshine, providing an abundance of light. The center’s design lines mimic the California coastline and finds itself flanked with palm trees just like you’d find at the beach. The ACC North similarly captures the California vibe in its geometry and overall design.

Putting the ACC’s Name Up in Lights

Lights, camera, ACC! The Anaheim Convention Center has served as the set for numerous movies, TV series, and commercials. The unique architecture has made the center the perfect backdrop. We know the ACC will “live long and prosper” as it was the set for Star Trek: Picard, plus other hits like Matchstick Men, Ocean’s Thirteen, and Semi Pro.

 

Star Trek: Picard at the Anaheim Convention Center
(Star Trek: Picard)

The ACC is Brewing Something Special

Whether you take your coffee black or with cream & sugar, coffee-loving attendees are in for a treat with on-site local brews. Catering serves Bodhi Leaf coffee products, a local roaster in Anaheim that works directly with farmers across the globe to serve sustainably sourced, high-quality coffee. It’s a quick, convenient option for attendees on the go.

The ACC Connects to the Community

As a proud member of the Anaheim community, the symbolism of the water fountains runs deep. Our Mountain Fountain starts to the east in the Grand Plaza which flows along the Santa Ana Riverbed of lights before stopping midway to the Anaheim Colony District arbors. From there, the waters flow to the entrance at the Ocean Fountain located at the entrance of the convention center.

Grand Plaza at the Anaheim Convention Center

The ACC Brings the Outdoors In

A breath of fresh air is all around. The ACC utilizes 100% outside air for publicly- occupied space and has one of the freshest air quality Green Campuses nationally. (Validated by an independent certified third party Indoor Air Quality consultant) Plus, it has Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for all buildings.

 

ACC North Lobby

You Can Expect the Unexpected

Not just a meeting space, the Grand Plaza has hosted a variety of events. You’ve got the backstage pass to fun with concerts, ferris wheels, food trucks, games, and yoga sessions. Watch the good times roll in here.

Morning Yoga at Natural Products Expo West

Morning Yoga at Natural Products Expo West

1992 NBA Playoffs in Anaheim

It’s Where the Pros Meet

In addition to hosting conventions and meetings of all scopes and sizes, did you know the ACC has hosted iconic sporting events? The 1992 NBA Playoffs between the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz, wrestling events during the 1984 Olympics, and the MLB All-Star Fan Fest in 2010 were all held here. Orange County boasts a rich, storied sporting history and with the ACC’s dynamic space, sports fans can root for their favorite teams right here in Anaheim.

We’re Going ACC-to-Table

You can’t eat more locally than this! The 2,000 square-foot space atop the Arena box office is a garden for adaptive plants and herbs that our chefs harvest and use in our culinary program. It’s just one of the ways the ACC has gone green. Want to know more? Check out the ACC Sustainability Tour.

 

Sustainability at Anaheim Convention Center

We Welcomed Conventions Back First

IME West 2021 at the Anaheim Convention CenterWith a long history of focusing on our guests’ wellness and experience, the ACC was able to quickly adjust to safety guidelines and procedures. The Anaheim Convention Center was the first convention center in California to welcome back a large-scale trade show with the IME West 2021 in August 2021. The GBAC Star Accreditation highlights our commitment to cleaning, disinfection, and disease prevention.