Downtown officials are getting creative with how to continue to host big events when the Austin Convention Center goes offline for a few years. They spoke at the Austin Business Journal’s ATX Ahead: 2025 Economic Outlook event Jan. 23 about the future of downtown Austin and how the area will handle several long-term improvement projects like the expansion of I-35, the buildout of Project Connect’s light rail and the redevelopment of the convention center. At the end of this report, check out ABJ’s list of the largest festivals and events.