Raleigh Convention Center Coverage

Tourism in Wake County hits new record, Visit Raleigh says

A year-end 2023 Wake County Tourism report from Visit Raleigh shows both the hotel lodging and prepared food and beverage tax collections were the highest on record. County commissioner Vickie Adamson says the numbers are 'exciting' as the county exceeds national and state averages.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

GalaxyCon creators animate a big draw to downtown Raleigh

Animate! Raleigh made it's first trip to Raleigh over the weekend. Organizers created the event on the heels of the success of the famous summer convention.

Animate! Raleigh draws to a close

Animate! Raleigh closed up shop at 8 p.m. on Sunday. The convention was created by GalaxyCon organizers, and was a draw for fans across the east coast.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter, and Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer

'Animate!' started after GalaxyCon success, makes Raleigh debut

The con was started after the success of GalaxyCon in multiple cities across the country, according to GalaxyCon President and Founder, Mike Broder. Broder said Raleigh has become a second home for GalaxyCon faithful.

Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer

World Anti-Bullying Forum shines a light on children's advocates in Raleigh

Addressing bullying is a full-time job, and for three days those attending the World Anti-Bullying Forum will have resources to help them bring awareness to bullying.

World Anti-Bullying Forum in Raleigh in first time outside of Europe

The World Anti-Bullying Forum was held at the Raleigh Convention Center on Wednesday. The event was hosted by UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Education for the event's first time outside of Europe.

All Things Open is a wrap for 2023 - from using open source to boost AI to startup demos, much more

This year's event had 4,400 registrants according to Todd Lewis, the All Things Open Creator and Chair, a fact that represents a move back to pre-pandemic levels.

Raleigh selects Omni Hotels and Resorts to build convention hotel

Omni Hotels and Resorts plans to build a 27-story, 550-room hotel in downtown Raleigh, between the convention center and the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Raleigh, Omni working toward luxury downtown hotel

Omni Hotels and Resorts plans to build a 27-story, 550-room hotel in downtown Raleigh, on an acre between the convention center and the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Omni hotel would soar over Raleigh skyline

Omni Hotels and Resorts plans to build a 27-story, 550-room hotel in downtown Raleigh, between the convention center and the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

$387M in funding approved to expand Raleigh Convention Center, move Red Hat Amphitheater

More than $387 million will help pay to expand the Raleigh Convention Center and relocate Red Hat Amphitheater a block south of its current location.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Tourism dollars to fund expanded convention center, new amphitheater

Wake County commissioners have approved funding for several projects using tax money from hotel stays and restaurant meals.

'The stars aligned': Sarah Natochenny reflects on her time as Ash Ketchum of Pokémon

Natochenny has been the voice of Ash Ketchum of nearly half of her life. Now, as the current iteration of the anime comes to a close, Natochenny spoke with WRAL about her time spent playing the 10-year-old boy from Pallet Town, and how it almost didn't happen.

Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer

Cosplay and celebs: GalaxyCon 2023 in Raleigh

GalaxyCon made its return Thursday, July 27 and will run until July 30. Various celebrities like Ash Ketchum voice actor Sarah Natochenny and Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito made appearances on the first day.

The stars assemble for GalaxyCon in Raleigh

GalaxyCon Raleigh is more than a comic-con! It's a four-day festival of fandom with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists and people like you. Enjoy this event at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer

Raleigh MineVention canceled, organizers say

The convention was scheduled to take place Saturday, May 6, through Sunday, May 5, at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Raleigh MineVention, all future MineVention events canceled, organizers say

Event organizers said the cancellation was due to a disagreement with the game's development studio, Mojang, on how to host events to celebrate the beloved game.

Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer

Concerns grow over extremist group event at Raleigh Convention Center

The Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge plans to have about 500 people for its annual Passover celebration on Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Hate group books Raleigh Convention Center for Passover celebration

The Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge plans to have about 500 people for its annual Passover celebration on Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Joe Fisher, WRAL reporter

Red Hat Amphitheater and Raleigh Convention Center could get a makeover

Kerry Painter, general manager and director of the complex, presented plans for an expanded and renovated Raleigh Convention Center and a move for Red Hat Amphitheater, to create a two-square-block destination for meetings, events and entertainment in downtown Raleigh.

Big changes: Red Hat Amphitheater could be relocated as part of Raleigh Convention Center's proposed expansion

Kerry Painter, general manager and director of the complex, presented plans for an expanded and renovated Raleigh Convention Center and a move for Red Hat Amphitheater, to create a two-square-block destination for meetings, events and entertainment in downtown Raleigh.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

'Star Trek' legend William Shatner spills tea with WRAL Out & About ahead of appearance at GalaxyCon in Raleigh

William Shatner is due to appear Sunday at GalaxyCon Raleigh. The event runs from Thursday through Sunday at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

'Star Trek' legend William Shatner discusses trip to space, 'Star Trek' and 'The Twilight Zone' ahead of GalaxyCon

William Shatner is due to appear Sunday at GalaxyCon Raleigh. The event runs from Thursday through Sunday at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Lego walls all in a life's work for Raleigh man

Dan McAvinchey talks about developing his passion for building Lego walls. His work will be on display at the BrickUniverse show at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Brick-by-brick: Raleigh man's Lego devotion reignited in retirement

Walking around Dan McAvinchey's north Raleigh home, you can't swing a guitar without hitting one of the Lego-based works of art he's crafted in the last nine months.

Ryan Bisesi, WRAL multiplatform producer