Top 12 Convention Cities in the World: Best Locations for Global Events

Looking to host a global event but not sure which city is the perfect fit? 

The right location can take your event to the next level, making it memorable for both attendees and the organizers planning it. 

From world-class convention centers to easy transportation and local attractions, some cities just stand out for hosting large-scale gatherings.

In this article, we’ll take a tour of the top 15 convention cities around the globe that have earned their spot as the best of the best for hosting major events. 

Quick Summary

Are you trying to find a destination that will draw attendees and motivate your team to join? 

Here are the top 12 convention cities worldwide, selected for their excellent convention centers, transportation, airlift, and the exciting activities they offer attendees:

1. Paris, France
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Orlando, Florida, U.S.
4. Toronto, Canada 
5. Barcelona, Spain
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
8. Singapore
9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
10. Sydney, Australia
11. Beijing, China
12. Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of culture, convenience, and world-class facilities. 

Ready to explore your next corporate event location? Let’s dive in!

1. Paris, France

In 2022 and 2023, Paris was recognized as Europe's top destination for international conferences based on its competitive characteristics. The city scored nearly a hundred points higher than its closest competitor, Barcelona, solidifying its status as the leading spot for business conventions in Europe.

Paris shines as a venue for corporate events with facilities like the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and Palais des Congrès. These venues offer versatile spaces and modern amenities to suit any type of event. 

Plus, Paris’s central location makes it easy to reach from around the globe, with direct flights from major cities and a convenient public transportation system to get around.

Why Attendees Love Paris

Thinking about hosting your next event in Paris? 

Your attendees are in for a treat. Here’s why they’ll love it:

• Iconic Attractions: Paris is packed with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, offering attendees plenty to explore when they're not at the event.
• Exceptional Dining: The city is famous for its incredible food, from gourmet restaurants to trendy bistros.
• Accommodations: Paris has a variety of hotels, from five-star options to cozy boutiques, so everyone can find a place they’ll enjoy.

Top Event Venues in Paris

Here are some of the best spots to consider hosting your next corporate event in Paris:

• Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: One of the largest convention centers in Europe, this venue has over 2.15 million square feet of exhibition space and hosts a range of international events and trade shows.
• Palais des Congrès de Paris: This venue offers over 377,000 square feet of space, including a large auditorium and numerous meeting rooms, making it ideal for conferences and exhibitions.
• Le Carrousel du Louvre: Located in the Louvre Museum complex, this venue provides a unique setting for conventions and exhibitions, with about 86,000 square feet of flexible space.
• Espace Champerret: This venue offers over 107,000 square feet of exhibition space and is great for trade shows, conferences, and events with a more intimate atmosphere.
• Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: Located in the Parc de la Villette, this science and technology museum features modern conference facilities and large exhibition spaces, perfect for scientific and technological events.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Hosting your convention in Lisbon comes with many advantages, such as great accommodation choices, reliable suppliers, and efficient transportation. Located in Western Europe, Lisbon is relatively easy for attendees from the U.S. to reach, often with direct flights. 

Plus, in Lisbon, your budget can go further, letting your team enjoy the city’s activities and cuisine without stretching your event budget too thin.

Why Attendees Love Lisbon

Your attendees will enjoy going to Lisbon for your convention for several reasons:

• Charming Atmosphere: Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods and picturesque streets create a lovely setting for any event, making it a memorable experience.
• Delicious Cuisine: The city is known for its amazing food, from fresh seafood to tasty pastries like pastéis de nata, offering plenty of dining choices.
• Affordable Experience: Lisbon is budget-friendly, so attendees can enjoy a high-quality experience without spending a lot, making it a great value destination.

Top Event Venues in Lisbon

Lisbon is home to several convention centers that cater to various types of events. Here are our top four picks:

• Lisbon Congress Centre: Right by the city center and waterfront, this venue offers flexible spaces and modern amenities, making it a great choice for large conferences and international gatherings.
• MEO Arena: This major multi-purpose arena and convention center can host everything from concerts to big conventions.
• FIL (Feira Internacional de Lisboa): Part of the Lisbon International Fair complex, FIL features extensive exhibition and conference areas, ideal for trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate events.
• Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade: Known for its elegant conference rooms, this hotel is perfect for smaller, up-scale corporate meetings and seminars.

3. Orlando, Florida, U.S. 

Orlando, Florida, is a top choice for conventions and conferences because it's close to famous attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The city also offers affordable hotel rates and venues, making it a smarter option for events.

On average, there are 233 sunny days per year in Orlando. With its warm weather and a range of hotel options, Orlando is a favorite for many convention organizers. It's especially convenient if you have attendees traveling from California or Europe, as it's a central meeting spot.

Just keep in mind that the summer months can bring thunderstorms and heat, which some guests might not enjoy. 

Why Attendees Love Orlando

Here are four reasons why event attendees love Orlando:

• Famous Attractions: There’s plenty of fun to be had and places to explore after the convention to spots like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
• Great Weather: The warm climate makes it pleasant for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.
• Affordable Accommodations: With a variety of budget-friendly hotels and venues, Orlando offers good value for attendees and your event budget.
• Central Location: Its central position makes it an easy meeting spot for attendees traveling from both the West Coast and Europe.

Top Event Venues in Orlando

Here are the top four convention venues in Orlando:

• Orange County Convention Center (OCCC): One of the largest in the U.S., this venue offers huge exhibition halls and versatile meeting spaces.
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes: A luxury resort with elegant meeting rooms and a beautiful setting for upscale events.
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort: Located in Disney World, this venue combines great conference facilities with a fun, themed environment.
• Hilton Orlando: Known for its modern meeting spaces and convenient location near major attractions.

4. Toronto, Canada

Toronto is the top city in Canada for hosting conventions. In 2023, it was named one of the best cities globally for international meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

As Canada's financial and business hub, Toronto draws many professionals and business travelers, creating a vibrant setting for conventions and corporate events. Plus, the favorable exchange rates make it a cost-effective choice.

Remember to consider the season and weather, as Toronto can get quite chilly from November to March.

Why Attendees Love Toronto

Here are four reasons why your event attendees will enjoy visiting Toronto:

• Great Food: Toronto has a fun food scene for attendees to enjoy, with everything from fancy dining to tasty street food.
• Cultural Fun: The city is packed with events, theaters, and festivals, offering tons of entertainment.
• Friendly Vibe: Toronto’s diverse community makes everyone feel welcomed to the city.
• Easy to Get Around: With great public transportation and a central location, getting around the city is a breeze.

Top Event Venues in Toronto

Here are four convention and event venues in Toronto:

• Metro Toronto Convention Centre: Great for big conventions and meetings with plenty of space and modern facilities.
• Toronto Congress Centre: Offers large exhibition halls and versatile rooms, perfect for a variety of events.
• Royal York Hotel: A historic hotel with elegant spaces, ideal for high-profile meetings and galas.
• The Carlu: A unique art deco venue in downtown, known for its stylish design and flexible event options.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Thinking of hosting your next convention in a city with over 300 days of sunshine a year? Barcelona should definitely be on your list. Not only is it stunning, but it also has the stats to back up its reputation as a top event destination.

In 2023, Barcelona was ranked among the top five cities worldwide for hosting international meetings, and it consistently draws large global events.

Fira Barcelona, one of Europe’s largest and most modern convention centers, has over 4.3 million square feet of exhibition space—perfect for big conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. 

With over 39,000 hotel rooms available, from luxury to budget-friendly options, attendees will have no trouble finding great accommodations close to the beach or convention center.

Why Attendees Love Barcelona

Here are four reasons why event attendees love traveling to Barcelona for conventions:

• Exploration: Attendees can explore landmarks like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.
• Fantastic Food: From tapas to seafood, Barcelona’s cuisine gives attendees plenty of delicious options to explore after event hours.
• Easy Accessibility: Barcelona is well-connected, with a major international airport offering direct flights to cities around the world, making it convenient for global attendees.
• Vibrant Nightlife: Whether it’s rooftop bars or beachside clubs, Barcelona has a lively nightlife scene, giving attendees plenty of ways to unwind after a busy day at the convention.

Top Event Venues in Barcelona

Here are the top three convention and event venues in Barcelona:

• Fira Barcelona: One of Europe’s biggest convention centers, with lots of space for large international events and trade shows.
• Palau de Congressos de Catalunya: A flexible venue in the city’s business area, great for conferences and meetings.
• Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB): A modern venue by the sea with plenty of space for big conventions and exhibitions.

6. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is consistently ranked as one of the top cities for international conventions, hosting over 400 international conferences on science, technology, and more each year.

The city offers more than 500 convention and exhibition venues, including the impressive Tokyo International Forum, which has over 53,000 square feet of exhibition space. 

As Asia's largest metropolitan economy, Tokyo plays a key role in global business, making it a great location for conferences and networking events. 

With its infrastructure and diverse offerings, Tokyo is an advantageous destination for your next big event.

Why Attendees Love Tokyo

Here are four reasons why attendees love traveling to Tokyo for conventions:

• World-Class Dining: Tokyo is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, offering incredible dining options.
• Efficient Transportation: Tokyo’s public transport system is fast, reliable, and easy to navigate, making it simple for attendees to get around the city.
• Unique Shopping: From high-end fashion districts to quirky local markets, Tokyo provides a shopping experience unlike any other.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Tokyo is known for being one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world, providing peace of mind for international travelers.

Top Event Venues in Tokyo

Here are our top three convention venue picks in Tokyo:

• Tokyo International Forum – A major venue with over 53,000 square feet of exhibition space, known for its stunning architecture and flexible event spaces.
• Tokyo Big Sight – Japan's largest convention center, offering huge exhibit halls and conference rooms great for large-scale events and trade shows.
• Hilton Tokyo Odaiba – Offering beautiful views of Tokyo Bay, this venue provides modern meeting rooms and event spaces for various gatherings.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a top choice for hosting conventions, consistently ranking as the number-one city in Latin America for international conferences. 

With more than 53,000 hotel rooms available, from luxury to budget-friendly options, Buenos Aires ensures flexibility for both event planners and attendees.

Plus, the city is well-connected to major destinations across the Americas and Europe, thanks to its two international airports, making it a convenient and accessible location for global travelers.

Why Attendees Love Buenos Aires

Here are four reasons why event attendees love traveling to Buenos Aires for conventions:

• Culture: Buenos Aires is known for its lively culture, with tango music, street art, and historic neighborhoods that offer a unique experience.
• Food: The city is famous for its delicious cuisine, especially its steaks and traditional Argentine dishes, giving attendees plenty of great dining options.
• Beautiful Scenery: From the charming streets of San Telmo to the stunning architecture of Recoleta, Buenos Aires has beautiful sights that make exploring the city enjoyable.
• Affordable Travel: Compared to other major cities, Buenos Aires offers good value for money, making it easier for attendees to enjoy high-quality experiences without overspending.

Top Event Venues in Buenos Aires

Here are the top 3 convention venues in Buenos Aires:

• Centro Costa Salguero – A major convention center with large and flexible spaces, perfect for big conferences and exhibitions.
• La Rural – One of the city’s most important convention centers, offering extensive exhibition halls and meeting rooms, great for trade shows and international events.
• Buenos Aires Convention Center (CABA) – Centrally located with modern facilities and adaptable spaces for various events.

8. Singapore

Singapore is a fantastic city for hosting conventions. 

As of May 2024, it’s ranked as the top meeting destination in Asia-Pacific, thanks to its strong business environment, safety, and focus on innovation and sustainability. The city attracts over 13 million visitors each year, with many coming for business events and conventions. 

Its public transport system is one of the best globally, and Changi Airport is frequently rated the world’s best, ensuring smooth travel for international attendees. 

Additionally, with more than 70,000 hotel rooms available, from luxury to budget-friendly, there are plenty of accommodation options for everyone.

Why Attendees Love Singapore

Here are four reasons why attendees love going to Singapore for conventions:

• Easy Travel: Changi Airport is often rated the best in the world, and the city’s public transport makes getting around simple and convenient.
• Exciting City: There’s so much to see and do, from famous landmarks like Gardens by the Bay to great food and shopping.
• Safe and Clean: Singapore is known for being safe and clean, so attendees can feel secure and comfortable.
• Innovative and Green: The city is focused on innovation and sustainability, offering a fresh and forward-thinking environment for events.

Top Event Venues in Singapore

Here are the top 5 convention centers in Singapore:

• Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – One of Asia's largest, offering over 1.29 million square feet of flexible event space and cutting-edge facilities.
• Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre – A major venue in the heart of the city with a wide range of meeting rooms and a large exhibition hall.
• Singapore Expo – Features more than 1 million square feet of space, making it perfect for large-scale events and trade shows.
• Raffles City Convention Centre – Located in the central business district, this venue offers a variety of meeting and conference spaces in a convenient location.
• Sentosa Island Convention Centre – A unique venue offering a beautiful waterfront setting and versatile event spaces, ideal for both corporate and social events.

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai consistently ranks among the top cities in the world for hosting international conferences and conventions and in 2023, it was ranked 5th in the world.

The city has poured over $30 billion into developing its tourism and hospitality infrastructure over the past decade. This investment has resulted in world-class facilities and services, making it a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees.

With the city’s significant infrastructure investments, excellent connectivity, modern venues, and increasing visitor numbers, Dubai stands out as an exceptional choice for hosting conventions.

Why Attendees Dubai

Event attendees love visiting Dubai for conventions for several reasons:

• World-Class Venues: Dubai offers a range of state-of-the-art convention centers and venues, such as the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with great facilities and services.
• Hospitality: The city is known for offering high-end hotels and dining, so attendees enjoy a comfortable and upscale stay.
• Entertainment: There’s always something to do, from visiting the Burj Khalifa to exploring vibrant nightlife and shopping.
• Cultural Richness: Dubai mixes modern attractions with cultural experiences, like traditional markets and historic sites.
• Connectivity: With Dubai International Airport being one of the busiest in the world, getting to and from the city is convenient. Additionally, Dubai’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate and explore the city.

Top Event Venues in Dubai

 Dubai is home to several modern, high-tech convention centers. Some examples include:

• Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): One of Dubai's largest and most flexible venues, perfect for big conventions, exhibitions, and conferences.
• Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC): Located within the DWTC complex, DICEC provides expansive space and state-of-the-art amenities for major events and trade shows.
• Grand Hyatt Dubai Congress and Exhibition Hotel: A popular spot for conferences and exhibitions, known for being the largest convention center in the Middle East. 

10. Sydney, Australia

Ranked among the top 5 destinations in the world to visit, Sydney stands out as a top destination for hosting major events. 

The city offers exceptional infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney), which provides large and flexible event spaces. 

Sydney’s strategic location is also advantageous, especially for companies with business ties in Asia; it offers a convenient meeting point that saves partners from Asia the long 16-hour flight to the U.S. 

Beyond its practical benefits, Sydney has a welcoming and lively atmosphere, with plenty of exciting attractions and activities for attendees to enjoy after the event. 

Why Event Attendees Love Sydney

Event attendees love Sydney for several reasons:

• Lively Culture: The city is full of festivals, arts events, and entertainment, making it fun to explore beyond the convention.
• Great Weather: With its mild winters and warm summers, Sydney's weather is perfect for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities.
• Amazing Food: Sydney is famous for its iconic brunch scene and diverse food offerings. From upscale restaurants to casual eateries, the city caters to every taste and preference. 
• Easy Transport: Getting around Sydney is simple with its efficient public transport system, including buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to explore the city.

Top Event Venues in Sydney

Here are our top four picks for the best convention centers and event venues in Sydney:

• ICC Sydney: Sydney’s top convention center with flexible spaces, modern technology, and a waterfront location, perfect for large events and conferences.
• Sydney Masonic Centre: A centrally located venue known for its open spaces and professional facilities, ideal for corporate events and meetings.
• Wesley Conference Centre: Offers a range of modern meeting rooms and auditoriums in the heart of Sydney, suited for conventions and seminars.
• Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park: A luxurious hotel with a grand ballroom and multiple meeting rooms, perfect for high-profile conferences and events.

11. Beijing, China

Beijing, China, is a great spot for hosting conventions and international events. With over 50 Fortune 500 companies based there, it’s a business hub offering great networking opportunities. 

Getting to Beijing is easy, thanks to Beijing Capital International Airport, which is one of the busiest in the world and handles over 100 million passengers a year. 

The city also has the China National Convention Center (CNCC), offering a massive 3 million square feet of event space, making it one of the largest venues in Asia, perfect for large conferences and conventions.

Why Event Attendees Love Beijing

Here are four reasons why event attendees love Beijing:

• Rich History: Attendees can explore famous landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, adding some unforgettable sightseeing to their trip.
• Top Venues: Beijing has world-class venues, like the China National Convention Center, perfect for hosting large events.
• Easy to Get To: With one of the busiest airports in the world, getting to Beijing is convenient for international travelers.
• Amazing Food: From Peking duck to street food, Beijing offers a variety of delicious dishes that attendees can enjoy.

Top Event Venues in Beijing

Here are the top three venues for hosting conventions in Beijing:

• China National Convention Center (CNCC): One of the biggest venues in Asia with modern facilities, perfect for large conferences and exhibitions.
• Beijing International Convention Center (BICC): A flexible venue with various meeting rooms and exhibition halls, located near key business areas.
• China World Trade Center: A popular spot for corporate events, offering great conference spaces and easy access to hotels and business services.

12. Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Las Vegas is ranked the top convention city in the US for meeting and conference planning. With a range of venues to choose from, Vegas has everything you need to host a successful large convention.

The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) is one of the largest and best-equipped venues in the country, with over 2.5 million square feet of meeting and trade show space. The venue hosts nearly 24,000 meetings, conventions, and incentive programs each year, including some of the world's largest conventions, such as CES and SEMA.

Las Vegas offers no shortage of accommodations, having over 154,000 hotel rooms. To put it into perspective, it would take a single person 288 years to stay just one night in every hotel room across the city!

Why Attendees Love Las Vegas

Your event attendees will be thrilled with traveling to Las Vegas—it’s often described as a "Disneyland for adults," and the city has so much more to offer than you'd expect. 

Here's why attendees can't get enough:

• Endless Entertainment: From world-class shows and concerts to nightlife, there's always something exciting to do after convention hours.
• Top-notch Dining: Attendees can enjoy a variety of restaurants, from celebrity chef spots to international cuisine.
• Ease of Transportation: Las Vegas is well-connected with direct flights from most major cities, and getting around town is easy with ride-shares, taxis, and the monorail.

Top Event Venues in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is home to several award-winning convention centers, including:

• The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC): One of the world's largest convention centers, spanning almost 3 million square feet, known for hosting massive trade shows and conventions.
• Sands Expo and Convention Center: At 2.25 million square ft., the Venetian Convention and Expo Center is the largest exhibition and meeting venue in Las Vegas.
• Mandalay Bay Convention Center: A major facility within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, offering 2.1 million gross square feet of meeting and exhibit space.
• Venetian Las Vegas: Offering 2.25 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space, the Venetian Convention and Expo Center is a top choice for large-scale conventions and exhibitions.
• Wynn/ Encore Las Vegas: Featuring over 560,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, Wynn/Encore offers experiences for high-end events and conferences.
• ARIA Resort & Casino: With 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, ARIA delivers a modern venue for conferences, trade shows, and corporate events.

Looking for more options? Check out our top 10 conference venues in Las Vegas.

Summary

Choosing the right convention destination means thinking about details like ease of travel, amenities, attractions, and what location your attendees will be excited to attend. 

By looking at different cities, considering attendee preferences, balancing the budget with available services, and making the most of local attractions, you can plan a successful event that your attendees will remember for years to come.

Let's talk about how GoGather can help you plan the ultimate convention in your preferred city.