Fargo's Future Convention Center
Fargo Convention Center Project Committee
An appointed committee will create and manage a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selecting a Convention Center project in the City of Fargo. Funding for that project and the use of the RFP process to select it were approved by Fargo voters in November 2024.
Committee Members:
Katlyn Balstad | SE Education Cooperative
Shannon Full | The Chamber of FMWF
Clare Hughes | Clubhouse Inn & Suites &
Visit FM Board Vice Chair
Shirley Hughes | Visit Fargo-Moorhead
Charley Johnson | Visit Fargo-Moorhead
Denise Kolpack | City Commissioner
Kent Kolstad | LiveWire
Tim Mahoney | City of Fargo Mayor
Emma McIntyre | formerly Folkways
Dave Piepkorn | City Commissioner
Joe Raso | Greater Fargo-Moorhead EDC
Taylor Snelling | Mezzaluna
John Strand | City Commissioner
Michelle Turnberg | City Commissioner
Fargo Convention Center Timeline
This is a tentative timeline:
March 24-25, 2025: Travel to regional convention centers
June 11, 2025: Request for proposals available
July 11, 2025: Questions of interest are due
August 7, 2025: Phase 1 proposals due
September 2, 2025: Phase 1 recommendations made at City Commission meeting
October 24, 2025: Brewhalla & EAPC Q&A sessions
October 31, 2025: Dome & Enclave Q&A sessions
November 10, 2025: City Commission approves RFP
December 12, 2025: Committee meeting to answer questions
January 2, 2026: Questions due
January 9, 2026: Committee meeting to review 2nd round questions
February 27, 2026: 2nd Round Proposals due
March 6, 2026: Two (2) presentations (2-hour meeting)
March 10, 2026: Two (2) presentations (2-hour meeting)
March 13, 2026: Committee Discussion
March 18, 2026: Round 2 scoring due
April 21, 2026: Committee Discussion
April 22, 2026: Committee Discussion
April 27, 2026: Present final recommendation to City Commission
Meetings
Back to Top of ListAgendas
The Convention Center Project Committee will be meeting weekly on Fridays at 1 p.m. at City Hall. All meetings will be broadcast live on TVFargo.com per the Open Meeting Laws and can be found on YouTube following.
Resources & Documents
Back to Top of ListConvention Center Proposals
The City of Fargo invited private developers to submit written proposals for the development, design, construction, and operation of a convention center and adjacent private development to be located in Fargo. The following proposals were received in response to the RFP:
Convention Center Market Study
Visit Fargo-Moorhead engaged HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting (“HVS CSE”) to assess the development of a convention center in Fargo. View the full summary below:
Convention Center Financial Analysis
Baker Tilly has provided a financial analysis on what to expect for project funding.
In the News
Hear from those involved as they speak to the media about the Convention Center project
A closer look at the 9 possible locations for a Fargo convention center
Convention Center Committee seeking public input as they near final decision
Four developers submit Phase 2 proposals for the Fargo Convention Center
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why does Fargo need a Convention Center?
Fargo-Moorhead is missing out on numerous large-scale events and conventions because it lacks the necessary meeting and exhibit spaces to attract these gatherings. Organizations interested in hosting events in Fargo have had to look elsewhere due to the city's insufficient facilities. As a result, Fargo is losing potential economic benefits to nearby cities like Bismarck, Grand Forks, and others in the region.
By providing the appropriate spaces, Fargo could attract a significant portion of the conventions and events it currently misses, leading to increased visitor spending and a boost to the local economy. Adding a convention center would retain local events that have outgrown existing spaces and draw new ones, bringing more business and activity to the area.
Enhanced Community Profile
A convention center would elevate Fargo's profile as a destination for large-scale events, positioning the city as a hub for conventions, conferences, and exhibitions. This recognition could attract investments and developments, enhancing the city's infrastructure and amenities. The increased business activity and influx of visitors would contribute to higher property values and a stronger local tax base, ultimately benefiting the community.
How does lodging tax work?
The lodging tax is a locally imposed tax paid by guests staying in hotels, short-term rentals, and other accommodations for less than 30 days. Collected by the city from lodging providers, these funds primarily support Visit Fargo-Moorhead in promoting the city to various visitors, including youth sports participants, convention attendees, and traveling families. Additionally, a portion of the tax revenue helps fund capital projects for local non-profits, enhancing sports venues, museums, and other attractions that drive tourism and benefit the community.
Where will the convention center be located, and who will decide?
The location of the convention center has not yet been decided. If the measure passes, the City Commission will form a committee or authority to request developer proposals. From there, developers will submit their plans, including location, amenities, and operational details. After reviewing the proposals, the committee will recommend the best project to the City Commission, making the final decision. Only after the project is approved will the city begin collecting the lodging tax, likely starting at the beginning of a financial quarter.
What will be the economic impact?
A convention center in Fargo would drive job creation by attracting a variety of events and visitors, increasing demand for accommodations, dining, transportation, and entertainment services. This growth would create new employment opportunities across multiple sectors, strengthening the local job market. Additionally, the steady influx of visitors would provide local businesses with networking opportunities and increased revenue, fostering expansion, partnerships, and overall economic growth.
What is the timeline for the Convention Center project?
This is a tentative timeline:
March 24-25, 2025: Travel to regional convention centers
June 11, 2025: Request for proposals available
July 11, 2025: Questions of interest are due
August 7, 2025: Phase 1 proposals due
September 2, 2025: Phase 1 recommendations made at City Commission meeting
October 24, 2025: Brewhalla & EAPC Q&A sessions
October 31, 2025: Dome & Enclave Q&A sessions
November 10, 2025: City Commission approves RFP
December 12, 2025: Committee meeting to answer questions
January 2, 2026: Questions due
January 9, 2026: Committee meeting to review 2nd round questions
February 27, 2026: 2nd Round Proposals due
March 6, 2026: Two (2) presentations (2-hour meeting)
March 10, 2026: Two (2) presentations (2-hour meeting)
March 13, 2026: Committee Discussion
March 18, 2026: Round 2 scoring due
April 21, 2026: Committee Discussion
April 22, 2026: Committee Discussion
April 27, 2026: Present final recommendation to City Commission