A great conference location is key if you want to attract attendees who are looking to maximize their time away from home. From affordable accommodations to easy airport access, the best cities for conferences offer compelling amenities for business travelers arriving from all over the world.
Our travel advisors believe destinations in the American West and South make for great host cities and we highlight the best options with this list. The best cities for conferences offer welcoming conference venues as well as off-site activities that cater to a variety of preferences.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is one of the best U.S. cities for conferences, with plenty of hotel options and event centers downtown, as well as affordable entertainment and restaurants within a short distance. The city, rich in history and culture, offers a plethora of unique, authentic experiences for business travelers.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado’s capital is a great choice for many business meetings and conferences due to its convenient location in the center of the country. The large airport is a hub for many airlines, making travel painless for attendees. The airport also offers an accessible rail service for easy transport to and from downtown Denver, where you’ll find plenty of hotels within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and more.
San Diego, California
The most obvious factor making San Diego one of the best cities to host a conference is its temperate weather. With an average year-round temperature of about 70 degrees, this California city is welcoming for business travelers and events at any time of year. The San Diego International Airport is under four miles from downtown, making travel relatively easy. In addition, you’ll find several meeting centers, special event venues, and hotels to choose from both downtown and directly outside the downtown area.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta holds four major meeting districts where visitors are welcomed by vibrant neighborhoods, restaurants for all palates, meeting venues for any size event, and accommodations at every price point. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located within 20 minutes of all four meeting districts, which are connected by Atlanta’s public rail system.
Charlotte, North Carolina
One of the best cities for team meetings, Charlotte is a major metropolis in North Carolina with big-city amenities and small-town Southern charm. The city is a premier destination for all kinds of gatherings, conventions, conferences, and trade shows with plenty of meeting sites, hotels, and attractions downtown.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the most affordable major convention cities for both hosts and attendees, with inexpensive hotel rates and venues. The Florida city has an enormous concentration of lodging, conference centers, restaurants, and attractions for all types of professionals. Additionally, the Orlando International Airport is located just a few miles from the city’s central business district, making travel convenient.
Kansas City, Missouri
This vibrant “fly-over” state hub attracts conference organizers nationwide. Kansas City is an appealing conference destination for its midwestern culture, family-friendly fun, and lip-smacking good food. Multiple public colleges and a flourishing tech industry have attracted economic growth and a younger demographic. With a range of hotels and multiple convention centers to choose from, including the 800,000 sq. ft. Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City is suitable for conferences big and small.
Miami, Florida
Miami is a world-renowned playground of sun and fun perfect for conferences scheduled any time of year. Book in advance to score one of several marquee venues located within Miami’s booming downtown oceanfront and give attendees easy access to exciting after-hours activities.
Miami’s reputation as a premier vacation destination includes its world class luxury hotels and resorts. This makes Miami perfect for attendees seeking a conference that includes a bit of vacation pampering. Don’t worry, Miami is still a great choice even if your conference doesn’t cater to those paying top dollar for accommodations. You can provide attendees with plenty of affordable and centrally located options that offer comfort in Miami’s signature style.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Find your dream event or meeting space in Indianapolis! Conference venues and convention centers here can meet a range of specifications and offer plenty of amenities. Plus, there’s always something happening in and around Indianapolis at any time of year. Attendees can spend their downtime in downtown Indianapolis re-energizing between conference sessions.
The scenic downtown area features art, food, and sports-themed activities that pair well with the city’s well-maintained and highly-accessible outdoor spaces. There’s also plenty to do during the winter months when professional football and basketball are in season. The IndyGo bus line runs all day and into the evening, offering transportation to and from the Indianapolis International Airport in as little as 30 minutes for just $3.
Las Vegas, Nevada
While Las Vegas is synonymous with fun, it also a place to connect with colleagues, with dozens of major international business events hosted annually. With its 14 million square feet of conference and meetings space, Las Vegas is a premier corporate meeting destination featuring five star hotels and resorts. Its 320 days of sunshine per year make it an attractive escape for those across most of the US, especially during winter months.
Even those who don’t gamble can find fun in Vegas. With a robust public transportation system, visitors can access a variety of activities both on and beyond the Strip between scheduled conference events. Vegas is home to 50 different golf courses, including some of the country’s top public courses. For conference attendees who love the great outdoors, Valley of Fire State Park is just a 45 minute drive away.
