The Carlson Center is located on the banks of the Chena River, features the only trade show decorating capabilities in the Interior, plentiful parking, handicap accessibility, on-site catering and a professional staff experienced in meeting and event planning.

The Center has nine meeting rooms totaling 13,000 square feet and an arena with 35,000 square feet of exhibit/meeting space. The Center is located in the heart of Fairbanks near hotels, Pioneer Park and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks campus.

The Center is owned by the Fairbanks North Star Borough and managed by SMG. It is named after John A. Carlson, Borough Mayor from 1968-1982.

The Carlson Center stays involved in the Fairbanks Community via memberships with Explore Fairbanks, the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce as well as the Downtown Association of Fairbanks. The management team and staff actively participate in committees associated with these memberships and in the community through volunteer efforts with many local organizations.