Why Austin Should Be Your Next Meeting Destination

Recent and Upcoming Developments and Awards

Austin’s blend of culture, innovation and genuine hospitality makes it the perfect choice as a host city for meetings and special events. Check out some of Austin’s impressive accolades and exciting plans that will make this star city shine even brighter.

Austin Skyline with Bats at Lady Bird Lake
Downtown Austin and Congress Avenue Bridge. Credit Grace Kim.

Austin Accolades

Austin frequently tops best-of lists, showcasing the city’s dynamic and diverse appeal. Among the recent standouts are:

  • Milken Institute placed Austin in the No. 1 spot in its 2024 ranking of Best-Performing Cities. The annual index considered Austin’s employment and wage growth, plus its robust high-tech sector. This was the sixth consecutive year that Austin appeared among the Top 5 cities.
  • Cvent ranked Austin No. 10 on its 2024 list of Top 50 Meeting Destinations in North America, saying the city “is an unforgettable meetings and events destination that features a unique blend of Texas culture, Southern charm, live music and outdoor adventures.”
  • Southern Living magazine ranked Austin No. 8 on its 2024 list of The South's Best Cities. Among the reasons were the new hotels that are bringing the city’s roster of accommodations to the next level.
  • Food & Wine readers voted Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as No. 9 on its 2023 list of the 10 Best U.S. Airports for Food. One of the reasons cited is that the airport puts a special focus on including favorite local restaurants and shops in its terminals.
  • Austin claimed the No. 1 spot on WalletHub’s 2023 list of Best State Capitals to Live In. A high median household income, good environment for business, great schools and a fun social scene were among the determining factors.
  • The National League of Cities recognized the City of Austin in 2023 for its Cultural Diversity Awards program for cities with a population over 500,000. Judges cited the success of Austin’s Cultural Funding Review Process.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport terminal from helicopter
Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Credit Dan Herron.

Exciting Upcoming Projects

World-class venues in Austin are taking it up a notch with exciting, innovative projects aimed at ensuring the city is the top choice for hosting meetings and events.

The Austin Convention Center, a massive downtown hub for meetings and events, will close temporarily for a major renovation, but will reopen with state-of-the-art improvements and even more space. The $1.6 billion Austin Convention Center redevelopment and expansion plans begin in 2025, with all renovations set to be completed in 2029. The expansion will nearly double the size of the convention center, allowing larger-scale events a home in Austin. 

The Journey with AUS expansion program is under development at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The city's airport already offers numerous direct flights and excellent connectivity for travelers. Improvements in the multiyear project, beginning in 2024 and continuing through 2027, will help the airport meet evolving needs as the region grows. Specifics in the plan include a new baggage handling system and larger TSA checkpoint, gate and ticketing expansion, a new fuel facility and utility plant, a new concourse and tunnel connecting it to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, taxiways and a parking garage.

The Austin Transit Partnership has recommended adding a light rail system to improve the city’s public transportation network and efficiently connect people to where they want to go. As detailed in the Project Connect light rail report, it is recommended that the first phase of the 9.8-mile electric train system travels from 38th Street to Oltorf and Yellow Jacket, stopping at 15 stations and crossing Lady Bird Lake at Trinity Street. The projected number of daily riders is 28,500.

Improvements also are coming to the lively Sixth Street district downtown, returning the artery to its historic glory. Properties have been purchased, designs drawn and height restrictions eased. Still to come is the first round of construction on the exteriors of about 30 buildings owned by Stream Realty Partners. The vision includes creating an inviting, walkable streetscape with pavers on wide sidewalks lined with storefronts and strategically placed greenery. A focus will be on bringing in restaurants to occupy the newly renovated buildings.

Exterior of an event venue with sign on the roof reading Assembly Hall. The building has a modern facade with dark green fencing, a large patio and native Texas landscaping
Assembly Hall. Credit James H Ruiz Photography.

Meetings-Friendly Austin

Distinct districts in Austin offer diverse venues for hosting successful meetings and special events. A wide range of venues cater to various preferences and budgets, and all areas offer an array of things to do after meetings adjourn.

Hosting a meeting in Downtown Austin comes with built-in perks in this walkable nightlife district featuring an array of attractions, restaurants and hot spots. A great option is taking advantage of the partnership between next-door neighbors ACL Live at The Moody Theater and W Austin. The largest room at ACL Live, an entertainment and event venue, can accommodate 2,700 people.  For a smaller space, schedule meetings in ACL Live’s 3TEN for 150 seated or 350 standing. Book attendees’ stays in 251 rooms and 32 suites at the W Austin hotel with a plaza that faces scenic Lady Bird Lake. Seven event rooms and six breakout rooms are available; the largest space accommodates up to 400 people.

Feel the nostalgic vibe in South Austin, flush with vintage shops, restaurants and green oasis Zilker Park. A big bonus is the convenience of a cluster of hotels offering 11,000 rooms within a three-mile radius. With two large exhibit halls totaling 70,000 square feet of space, the two-level Palmer Events Center, just 1.1 miles from downtown, is a prime spot for meetings. Attendees will love the Austin skyline and water views. The maximum capacity is 3,146 attendees, but several spaces — including outdoors and on a balcony — accommodate smaller groups.

Fast-growing, walkable East Austin features a bevy of new shops, restaurants and music venues to keep meeting attendees entertained in their free time. The industrial yet elegant Assembly Hall with 16-foot ceilings and exposed beams offers three areas — the 5,500-square-foot Main Hall, 1,000-square-foot Meeting Room and 2,000-square-foot Courtyard — with a maximum capacity of 750 guests or 250 seated.

The proximity to popular shopping and entertainment areas like The Domain and The Arboretum is an attractive benefit for scheduling a meeting in North Austin. Contact The University of Texas to book its Commons Conference Center on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus. Several rooms, ranging from the auditorium to a classroom, can accommodate from 16 to 345 attendees. Enlist its Common Cafe to cater breakfasts and lunches. Arrange a captivating keynote by an expert for one of your sessions by consulting the UT Speakers Bureau.