The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas is already a behemoth in the industry. But a proposed $3.7 billion expansion raises a thought-provoking question: Is bigger always better?

The project plans to add a staggering 500,000 square feet to the existing footprint, bringing the total size to a colossal 2.5 million square feet. This significant increase prioritizes individual meeting spaces, with a near three-fold expansion to 430,000 square feet.

A consortium named "Inspire Dallas" is leading the charge, comprised of a mix of consultants, developers, and builders. The ambitious project raises questions about the environmental impact, the true economic benefit of such a large-scale expansion, and the potential strain on local infrastructure. While the additional meeting space may attract larger conventions, is there a risk of sacrificing agility and responsiveness in catering to smaller events?

Construction began this month and is slated for completion by 2028 or 2029. Time will tell if this mammoth expansion will solidify Dallas' position as a convention powerhouse, or if the pursuit of "bigger" overshadows considerations of efficiency and environmental responsibility.