TOP 10 REASONS TO MEET IN AUSTIN

Awesome live music. An award-winning foodie scene. Unique entertainment venues. These amazing elements and many more add to Austin’s allure as an exciting meeting and event location. We’ve counted down 10 reasons planners should make Austin their next destination.

Two women and a man cheering drinks over plates of tacos. Nixta Taqueria. Credit Arts+Labor.

1. Authentic Experiences

Personalize your meeting, making it a unique and genuine experience for your attendees in Austin. Book talented local musicians, from solo artists to bands. Hire one or more of Austin’s acclaimed food trucks to cater meals, or opt for tasty barbecue or Tex-Mex spreads from locally famous restaurants. Impress attendees by hosting special events at an array of only-in-Austin venues that include a rustic beer garden, the lawn of a winery with amazing Texas Hill Country views and a stadium that can seat over 20,000 people.

Learn more about creative ways to Infuse Austin Into Your Event.

2. Accommodations for Every Group

Whether you want your meeting base to be a cozy boutique hotel, a modern downtown high-rise or a luxe Texas Hill Country resort, Austin offers options in several areas. In 2024, Austin will have over 50,400 hotel rooms, including 14,840 downtown, making it easy to find a match for a variety of budgets. For meetings ranging from a dozen to several thousand, Austin’s hotels and venues don’t disappoint.

Learn more about locations that match your needs at our Meetings Accommodations page.

Daytime view of Q2 field and stadium interior from the northeast corner without spectators in the green seats Q2 Stadium & Field. Credit Gensler.

3. Sustainable Practices

Austin puts a serious emphasis on eco-conscious practices. In fact, the city is working toward the goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Some of Austin’s biggest venues support sustainability. Q2 Stadium and the Austin Convention Center both received LEED Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council for efforts like embracing solar power and recycling. The Airport Carbon Accreditation Program awarded Austin-Bergstrom International Airport a level 3+ accreditation for its work to offset carbon emissions. Hybrid buses, pedicabs and a light rail system carry passengers throughout the city, and Austin’s parks preserve hundreds of acres of nature trails and green spaces.

Learn more about embracing sustainability with our Green Meetings toolkit.

4. Accessibility to the City

The centrally located Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, offers access to over 95 destinations, with 260+ daily flights. Over 22 million people passed through the fast-growing airport in 2023 for the second consecutive record-setting year. With increased traffic in mind, the airport is enhancing the passenger experience by upgrading its baggage handling and adding 84,500 square feet over three levels to the West Gate.

Learn more about traveling to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Outdoor patio at Central Machine Works Brewery in Austin Texas Central Machine Works Beer Hall. Credit Jenna Krackenberger.

5. Memorable Venues

Add an element of surprise by booking one of the many entertaining venues found throughout Austin. Great choices for meetings large and small include Circuit of The Americas for racing-oriented activities and Q2 Stadium, a multipurpose complex that’s the home of professional soccer in Austin — tours are offered at both places. Enjoy Austin’s impressive skyline and lake views from bar and restaurant rooftops, including P6 and Speakeasy. Sip locally made beer, wine and spirits at Central Machine Works Brewery, The Austin Winery and Still Austin Whiskey Co. Spice up an event with a bit of local history at unique locations like The Cathedral ATX and the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.

Learn more about the array of Special Event Venues that are available in Austin.

6. Award-Winning Food Scene

Creativity is the name of the game on Austin’s award-winning food scene, whether it’s innovative food truck fare, top-notch Texas barbecue or fine dining with a Latin influence. Even catering services are elevated in Austin. Accolades for restaurants and chefs reflect Austin’s diverse talent, with many of them James Beard Award winners and nominees. Recent standouts include El Naranjo’s Iliana de la Vega, who won the James Beard Best Chef in Texas award in 2022, and Olamaie’s Amanda Turner, named CultureMap’s 2023 Chef of the Year. Foodie and brewery tours are a fun way for attendees to explore Austin’s culinary landscape.

Learn about Austin’s New & Notable places to dine and drink.

Women booking their BCycle bikes to travel around Austin. Courtesy of Capital Metro.

7. Easy to Get Around

Attendees can easily navigate the Austin area, whether opting for efficient public bus transportation, the MetroRail, taxis, pedicabs or rideshare services. Scooter rentals and the Austin BCycle bike share program are also options. Don’t worry about getting from place to place in Downtown Austin — it’s an easily walkable area.

Learn more about travel options by checking out our Transportation page.

8. Awesome Live Music

In Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World®, meeting attendees can explore hundreds of venues showcasing every genre of music and shows every night of the week. Boost any meeting or event by hiring local talent — about 2,000 local bands are available to perform. Austin’s music venues can help you host a variety of events, whether it’s a rousing concert or a laid-back reception featuring a solo artist or duo.

Find out what’s happening on Austin’s Music Scene.

Mikaila Ulmer of Me and The Bees Lemonade speaking at Visit Austin event Mikaila Ulmer, Me & The Bees Lemonade. Courtesy of Visit Austin.

9. Entrepreneurial Energy

Celebrate the innovation and creative thinking that nurtures Austin’s passion for entrepreneurship. The city continues to be an energetic hub for techies, start-ups, performing arts, healthcare and more. Schedule speakers who can share their successes, inspiration and expertise during your meeting or event. Experience the youthful influence at The University of Texas at Austin and its Dell Medical School. Or tap into other local leaders creating a buzz, including the Capitol Factory, YETI, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Me & the Bees Lemonade.

Learn more about Austin Industries.

10. A Welcoming City

Austin aces its scores when ranked as a creative, friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking city. In fact, Austin scored 100/100 in the HRC Municipal Equality Index that’s based in part on LGBTQ+ equality, law enforcement and city services. Preply named Austin the Most Polite City in America in 2022. And the National League of Cities recognized the City of Austin for its Innovative Diversity Program.

Learn more about Austin from friendly staff members who are always excited to greet guests at the Austin Visitor Center.