U.S. convention center to host business corporate meetings and events

Madison ShepherdJun 10, 2024 9:51:27 AM16 min read

Top 10 Meeting Destinations Across the U.S.

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Not sure where to host your next corporate meeting?

Selecting the ideal city for your meeting can be a challenge. You'll need to choose one that aligns with your budget and fulfills all your event requirements.

Not to mention, you have to choose a destination that your attendees will actually look forward to visiting and enjoy traveling to!

Knowland and Cvent just released their rankings for the top U.S. meeting and event destinations for 2024, backed by a variety of data and research.

After carefully reviewing their findings and conducting our own analysis, we have created a list of recommended meeting locations along with our reasonings for each choice.

The Top 10 U.S. Meeting Destinations Ranked

Here are some practical destinations we recommend based on factors such as cost, popularity, ease of booking, and upcoming event trends among our clients:

Dallas, TX
Nashville, TN
Orlando, FL
Denver, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Boston, Massachusetts
San Diego, CA
Austin, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Washington, D.C.

city skyline of dallas, texas

1. Dallas, TX

Dallas, Texas, ranked as the top business-friendly city in America, is a great city to host your upcoming corporate meeting. Its central location in the U.S. ensures convenient access for attendees traveling from all corners of the country.

Dallas also has some of the best hotels and conference venues in the U.S., complete with modern facilities and amenities designed to cater to gatherings of any size.

Additionally, Dallas offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to ensure attendees feel welcomed throughout their stay. It's a bonus if your event coincides with a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium or the annual State Fair of Texas.

Another area near Dallas worth considering is Frisco, which offers great properties, a fun atmosphere, and plenty of activities for attendees to enjoy.

What convention centers are in Dallas, TX?

In Dallas, TX, there are two major convention centers:

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas: Situated in downtown Dallas, this event venue offers one million square feet of exhibit space, three ballrooms, and 88 meeting rooms.
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas: Located in the heart of the Las Colinas Urban Center, this venue features 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Dallas, TX?

With 35,559 hotel rooms in the Dallas city limits alone, there are many venue options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite hotels and convention centers in Dallas, TX:

Here are some recommendations if you want to stay in Frisco, Texas, which is located approximately 25 miles north of Dallas:

What's the main airport for flying into Dallas, TX?

Dallas Love Field (DAL) is one of the main airports people fly into when traveling to Dallas. It primarily serves domestic flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines.

The larger international airport in the area is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which handles both domestic and international flights.

city skyline of Nashville, TN

2. Nashville, TN

Nashville is more than just music. It's an excellent city to host your next corporate event.

With its upscale venues, trendy hotels, and entertainment options, Nashville offers a range of options that your attendees will enjoy.

Nashville offers a blend of big-city corporate atmosphere and genuine southern hospitality, making it a fun destination for business meetings.

What convention centers are in Nashville, TN?

Nashville, Tennessee has several convention centers, catering to different event needs and capacities:

Music City Center: This is Nashville's primary convention center, located in the heart of downtown, offering over 2 million square feet of exhibit and meeting space.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: While technically not in downtown Nashville (it's in the nearby suburb of Opryland), this massive resort complex includes a convention center with over 600,000 square feet of event space.
Nashville Convention Center: Though it's not as popular as the Music City Center, this convention center offers around 118,000 square feet of exhibit space.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Nashville, TN?

Nashville, TN, has tons of hotels and venues for hosting meetings and corporate events. Some of our favorites include:

What's the main airport for flying into Nashville, TN?

The main airport for flying into Nashville, TN is the Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Orlando convention center

3. Orlando, FL

Orlando continues to be a great choice for hosting corporate events, offering a broad range of venue options, from charming boutique hotels to expansive convention centers and hotels.

Orlando enjoys great weather for the majority of the year and there are plenty of activities to enjoy outside of the meeting room. Your attendees can enjoy playing a round of golf, trying local cuisine, or visiting world-famous attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

People are familiar with Orlando as a vacation destination. It's a great place to bring your family once the conference, meeting, or kickoff wraps up.

The downside to Orlando can (sometimes) be the weather, with summer months seeing thunderstorms and heat that guests may not enjoy.

What convention centers or event spaces are in Orlando, FL?

Orlando, Florida, is home to many large convention centers and event spaces:

Orange County Convention Center (OCCC): As the second-largest convention center in the United States, the OCCC boasts over 7 million square feet of space, including over 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space.
Orlando World Center Marriott: While primarily a hotel, the Orlando World Center Marriott also offers extensive meeting and event space, including over 400,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues. It's located right next to the Orange County Convention Center and often used for events happening there.
Rosen Shingle Creek: Another large hotel and convention center complex, Rosen Shingle Creek features over 490,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Orlando, FL?

Orlando, Florida, offers a variety of hotels that cater to many corporate meeting event needs. Here are some of our top picks:

What's the main airport for flying into Orlando, FL?

The main airport for flying into Orlando, FL is the Orlando International Airport (MCO).

downtown, denver colorado with string lights at dusk

4. Denver, CO

Have you ever been to the Mile-High City? The city of Denver is a great place to host your next corporate event.

As the city with the most days of sunshine in the U.S., Denver is a great setting for an event with an outdoor element. Denver and the surrounding areas of Golden and Boulder are great for adventure-seeking conference-goers. Some of our favorite activities include hiking, camping, and mountain biking.

Your attendees can walk from Downtown Denver to a bunch of restaurants, nightlife spots, and hotels. Golden and Boulder also have great downtown areas that are easily walkable for event attendees.

What convention centers or event spaces are in Denver, CO?

Denver is home to several notable convention centers in the city:

Colorado Convention Center: Located in downtown Denver, the Colorado Convention Center offers over 584,000 square feet of exhibit space, including multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms, making it suitable for conventions, trade shows, conferences, and other large-scale events.
National Western Complex: Located just north of downtown Denver, the National Western Complex hosts a variety of trade shows, expos, and conventions throughout the year. It offers over 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, including indoor arenas, exhibit halls, and outdoor facilities, making it suitable for large-scale events.
The Cable Center: Situated on the University of Denver campus, The Cable Center is a unique venue offering over 8,400 sq ft of event space.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Denver, CO?

The city's convention center and hotels are also known for their eco-friendly design and modern technology. Here are some of our favorite properties in Denver:

What's the main airport for flying into Denver, CO?

The main airport for flying into Denver, CO is the Denver International Airport (DEN).

city skyline of phoenix, Arizona with cactus

5. Phoenix, AZ

Looking for a sunny city to host your next corporate meeting?

Phoenix's abundant sunshine, averaging over 300 days annually and with a year-round average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, makes it an enticing destination for hosting corporate meetings.

Phoenix offers incredibly competitive rates for airfare, hotels, and metro travel, making it one of the most cost-effective cities in the U.S. to host your corporate event.

What convention centers or event spaces are in Phoenix, AZ?

There are two main convention centers near Phoenix, AZ:

Phoenix Convention Center: Located in downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Convention Center offers over 900,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including exhibition halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms, making it great for hosting conventions, trade shows, conferences, and other large-scale events.
Mesa Convention Center: Located in the neighboring city of Mesa, just east of Phoenix, the Mesa Convention Center offers over 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Phoenix, AZ?

Phoenix, Arizona, offers many hotels that are well-equipped to host meeting events. Here are some of our top choices:

We'd also recommend Scottsdale as a close suburb with fantastic hotels and activities, making it a great location for your corporate event, conveniently situated just 12 miles from downtown Phoenix.

What's the main airport for flying into Phoenix, AZ?

The main airport for flying into Phoenix, AZ is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

city sykline of boston, MA

6. Boston, MA

Boston is a fantastic location for hosting your upcoming corporate meeting. With the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center attracting attendees from around the world, you can take advantage of the convenient proximity to Boston Logan International Airport, just 3 miles from the BCEC and 5 miles from the Hynes.

While Boston may have only two convention centers, the city offers a variety of hotels capable of accommodating corporate meetings.

Boston is also known as "The Walking City," making it easy for your attendees to explore on foot or use the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority subway system, known as "The T," along with buses, water taxis, and ferries.

What convention centers are in Boston, MA?

Boston has two convention centers:

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC): Located in the Seaport District, the BCEC is one of the largest convention centers in the Northeast. It offers over 2.1 million square feet of event space great for hosting conventions, trade shows, conferences, and other large-scale events.
Hynes Convention Center: Situated in the Back Bay neighborhood, the Hynes Convention Center offers over 193,000 square feet of event space, including exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms. It's conveniently located near hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a popular choice for hosting conventions, conferences, and trade shows.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Boston, MA?

Boston, Massachusetts has many hotel venues that are excellent for hosting corporate meetings and events. Here are some of our top picks:

What's the main airport for flying into Boston, MA?

The main airport for flying into Boston, MA is the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

San Diego city convention center

7. San Diego, CA

We consider San Diego a top destination for hosting corporate events, and not just because it’s our hometown.

The city has a diverse business community, world-class facilities, and excellent convention centers, attracting business travelers from around the globe.

With an average temperature of 72 degrees, San Diego offers a climate that attendees will love to travel to. Additionally, its 70 miles of beach coastline and numerous outdoor activities provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation, making it an appealing choice for any corporate gathering.

San Diego is also easy to navigate, and the city's event venues are also easy to get to by car or public transportation—and all within city limits.

What convention centers or event spaces are in San Diego, CA?

San Diego, California, is home to many large-scale event venues and convention centers:

San Diego Convention Center: Located in downtown San Diego along the waterfront, this is the city's main convention center. It offers over 2.6 million square feet of total space, including 615,700 square feet of exhibit space, multiple ballrooms, and plenty of meeting rooms.
Town and Country Resort & Convention Center: Situated in the Mission Valley area, this resort offers over 295,000 square feet of corporate meeting and event space.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: While a luxury hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt offers extensive meeting and event facilities, including over 135,000 square feet of flexible space. Its downtown waterfront location and meeting rooms make it a popular choice for corporate meetings and conferences.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in San Diego, CA?

San Diego, California, offers several hotel options that are great for hosting corporate meetings and events. Here are some of our favorites:

What's the main airport for flying into San Diego, CA?

The main airport for flying into San Diego, CA is the San Diego International Airport (SAN).

city skyline of Austin, Texas

8. Austin, TX

Austin, TX, is an ideal destination for your next corporate meeting or event, offering reasonable prices compared to typical corporate travel hubs.

Its downtown area is highly walkable, particularly around the convention center, making it convenient for event attendees.

The Austin Convention Center is surrounded by unique offsite venues perfect for creative breakouts or receptions. Nearby options include The Sunset Room, a gallery-style event space, and The Reverbery, a trendy indoor/outdoor venue with a performance stage.

Additionally, easily accessible hotels like Austin Marriott Downtown and Hilton Austin are within walking distance, providing convenience for your event attendees.

What convention centers or event spaces are in Austin, TX?

Austin, Texas has one main convention center and plenty of hotels able to host large events and corporate meetings:

Austin Convention Center: Located in the heart of downtown Austin, this is the city's main convention center. It offers over 881,400 square feet of event space with the ability to host large-scale conventions, trade shows, and conferences.
Palmer Events Center: Situated near Lady Bird Lake, this convention center provides approximately 131,000 square feet of event space. It features a large exhibit hall, ballrooms, and several meeting rooms, perfect for mid-sized conventions, expos, and corporate events.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Austin, TX?

Austin, Texas, has a variety of hotels that are great for hosting meetings and corporate events. Here are some of our top picks:

What's the main airport for flying into Austin, TX?

The main airport for flying into Austin, TX is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

city skyline of Las Vegas, Nevada

9. Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is often hailed as the world’s top meeting destination, and for good reason. With 320 days of sunshine and three of the top ten convention centers in the U.S. (Wall Street Journal), it’s a hard destination to overlook.

The Harry Reid International Airport offers over 1,100 inbound and outbound flights daily, and its proximity—just a 15-minute drive to most hotels—ensures easy travel for attendees.

Choosing Las Vegas for your next corporate meeting guarantees an unforgettable experience, with an endless number of entertainment options and restaurants to explore.

What convention centers are in Las Vegas, NV?

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

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.
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.
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.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Las Vegas, NV?

Las Vegas offers a variety of hotels and convention centers for event planners to choose from.

The biggest challenge lies in selecting the perfect venue that aligns with your conference requirements and attendee preferences.

Here are our top picks for hotels and venues in Las Vegas:

For the full list, check out our article on top conference venues in Las Vegas.

What's the main airport for flying into Las Vegas, NV?

The main airport for flying into Las Vegas, NV is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

10. Washington, D.C.

While hosting a corporate event in Washington, D.C. may incur higher costs, the city presents numerous advantages as an event destination.

Its rich history, iconic landmarks, and collection of over 70 museums offer opportunities for engaging activities and memorable experiences for attendees.

Washington, D.C. is easily accessible from every corner of the U.S., with hundreds of daily flights arriving at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport, as well as convenient Amtrak connections from nearby East Coast cities like New York City and Philadelphia.

Additionally, Washington, D.C. has a reputation for attracting influential companies and organizations. Being present in the city can even benefit your networking and event marketing efforts.

What convention centers are in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. has two main convention centers:

Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Located in downtown D.C., this is the city's largest convention center. It offers over 2.3 million square feet of event space and hosts a wide range of events, including conventions, trade shows, conferences, and expos.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: Situated near the White House, this event space serves as both a government office building and a convention center. It offers over 500,000 square feet of event space, including exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms.

What are the best hotels for meeting events in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C., offers several hotels that are well-equipped for hosting meeting events of all sizes. Here are our top picks:

What's the main airport for flying into Washington, D.C.?

The main airport for flying into Washington, D.C., is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Ready to Plan Your Next Meeting or Corporate Event?

GoGather has years of experience in corporate meeting management services, crafting memorable events and experiences for high-profile brands. Our professional event planners and strategists work closely with you to create experiences that everyone enjoys. Let’s brainstorm your next event together.

Madison Shepherd

Madison Shepherd is a Marketing Specialist at GoGather. When she's not writing blogs or sending out social media posts, she enjoys hiking, traveling, or reading at one of the many beautiful beaches in San Diego.