The NRA's convention, set for September, is expected to draw more than 70,000 attendees. Author: Jason Miles Updated: 6:11 PM CDT May 14, 2021 HOUSTON — Things are looking up for big in-person events in Houston. A single convention has already booked thousands of hotel rooms. It’s a huge turnaround after a year of shutdowns and virtual-only events. "It’s been a hard impact for a lot of the hotels in the downtown area,” said Aerial Washington with Hyatt Place downtown. It recently opened in the converted Southwestern Bell building where they hope to connect with a lot of new guests via a host of upcoming conventions.