The new head of the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) says he's ready to capitalize on decisions that have positioned Columbus for a "really bright future" in the national events landscape.

Why it matters: Columbus has spent years and millions of dollars to become a major convention destination, angling for the reputational and economic impact that comes with that status.

Driving the news: The convention center announced earlier this month that Dean Dennis would be its new general manager.

• Dennis previously ran Memphis' convention center.
• He succeeds John Page, who had helmed the GCCC for more than a decade.

The big picture: Conventions in the U.S. are a $100+ billion industry and have boosted the global profile of cities like Las Vegas, Orlando and Atlanta.

Zoom in: Columbus leaders know it, with Mayor Andrew Ginther making the economic impact of major events a focal point of his 2023 State of the City address.

• That emphasis has helped Columbus attract the 2027 NCAA Women's Final Four and national conferences for the Future Business Leaders of America, National Recreation and Park Association and American Society of Association Executives.

What they're saying: Dennis says he feels that momentum, and is excited to be in "a really cool city" with amenities he didn't have in Memphis.

• "I want to be somewhere where you can really sell something and have pride in your product, and Columbus has that," he tells Axios.
• He says Columbus leaders have been making the right decisions for decades, putting the city on its current trajectory.

Case in point: Our Indiana neighbors provide some inspiration for that trajectory.

• "Indianapolis is kind of a nondescript city that, all of a sudden, now is this big convention destination," Dennis says.

What we're watching: How will Dennis leave his mark on the GCCC? He's not sure just yet, but he's learning the city and his new building.

• "I got lost this weekend," he says with a laugh. "I'm sure the people in the security command center were like, 'Who is this guy? He's wandering around pulling on doors.'"

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Population growth is slowing nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, new census data shows — but not in Columbus.

By the numbers: Our metro area grew by over 21,000 people from 2024 to 2025, or nearly 1%, doubling the national growth average.

• The area's total population was 2,242,028 people last year, ranking No. 32 nationwide.

Zoom in: The ring around Franklin County grew most rapidly, especially Union (2%), Delaware (2.2%) and Madison counties (2.6%).

The big picture: Central Ohio continues to significantly outpace the rest of the state, representing 53% of Ohio's total growth during that time frame, per a Columbus Partnership statement.

• Just over half of the growth is attributable to immigration.
• About a third is natural growth, due to births outpacing deaths.

The intrigue: Columbus ranks No. 16 among large metro areas for births per 1,000 residents, "one of the strongest indicators of sustained demographic momentum," the Partnership says.

What's happening nationwide

Columbus loves a good sandwich, and a relatively new contender is coming for the crown.

Dig in: Fat Arnie's opened late last year in a humble window inside Rafter's pub in Clintonville, but the kitchen has some pedigree.

• One of its founders, Christopher Beardman, was a chef at the dearly departed Chapman's Eat Market.

The menu: It's a simple one, with just a few options each day, all offered "until sold out."

• Usually that means The Apollonia spicy sicilian, the Arnie Burger and a few rotating specials, including a vegetarian option.
• Plus a few daily empanadas.

What I tried: I ordered the adobo-marinated chicken sandwich ($13), a pair of delicious chicken thighs dressed with radicchio, arugula, cilantro, pickles and a house crema.

• As a side, I added a ropa vieja empanada ($5), which was tasty but not as memorable as the sandwich.

The vibe: There's something perfect about eating a big, sloppy sandwich in a bar, and pairing my lunch with a cold draft beer and March Madness basketball on the TVs simply felt right.

• Arnie's is getting popular and will surely have the opportunity for its own space — but for now, this really works.

Best bite: One of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had.

• Sandwich shops have a tendency to get gimmicky and outrageous — instead, this was relatively simple and extremely flavorful.
• I didn't think I could finish it. I did.

📍 Stop by: Various hours Wednesday-Sunday, 4404 Indianola Ave.

Our time-traveling satellite photo quiz is back — do you recognize this Central Ohio spot?

⏮️ Flashback: This aerial view comes from March 23, 1994.

• There wasn't much to look at from the sky 30 years ago. But today, this area jumps out from a satellite view for entirely man-made reasons.

🌎 How it works: Google Earth's historical imagery views give us a glimpse into the past.

• It's a fun look at how much Central Ohio has changed.

📥 Reply to this email with your guess. We'll share the answer tomorrow.

• One winner gets Axios swag and a shoutout.