standing proud at the center of it all is latin america's largest exhibition center riocentro - exhibition and convention centre. built in 1977, riocentro is a staggering 571 thousand square meters, comprised of five facilities, as well as gardens, a river and a lake.  riocentro is a major draw for trade fairs, shows, and exhibitions, as its versatile structures allow the hosting of all different types of events, and was even voted the main convention center in south america, by the world travel awards.

attracting the city's most prestigious guests, in 2012, the riocentro hosted the un conference on sustainable development, and then just a year later received the pope, for world youth day. annual and biannual trade shows at the riocentro include, futurecom, rio oil & gas expo, laad defense & security, and the international book fair of rio de janeiro.