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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 or a modern downtown high-rise, Austin offers options throughout the city. Austin offers 50,000+ hotel rooms, including 15,000+ 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 received LEED Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council for efforts like embracing solar power and recycling. And the new Austin Convention Center is on track to be the first net-zero carbon Convention Center, certified by ILFI upon re-opening in early 2029. 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 75 destinations, with 200+ daily flights. Over 21 million people passed through the fast-growing airport in 2024. With increased traffic in mind, the airport is investing in a major expansion project with the first phase to be completed in 2026, adding 84,500 square feet, three additional gates and even more amenities for travelers to enjoy. As early as 2030, a new concourse will open to create at least 20 new airline gates to support more air service to Austin.

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. Planners can arrange outstanding dining experiences with Austin’s MICHELIN Starred restaurants. In 2025, the MICHELIN Guide Texas recognized 52 local restaurants. Think of Kemuri Tatsu-ya as an inventive fusion of Texas barbecue with classic Japanese izakaya and Tatsu-ya preparations. Taste the difference in the tostadas, tacos and quesadillas served at Nixta Taqueria, which makes its masa and tortillas with heirloom corn from Oaxaca, Mexico. la Barbecue puts top-grade meats like brisket, beef or pork ribs, turkey and spicy sausages in a custom smoker fueled by seasoned Texas post oak. And Dai Due serves fresh, locally sourced food by buying from the area’s farmers and ranchers. Austin options range from One Star eateries for your VIP receptions to Bib Gourmands for group experiences and buyouts that are sure to impress attendees and make your Austin event unforgettable.

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 MetroBike 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 Index that’s based in part on relevant legislation, law enforcement and city services. RoughMaps named Austin the Austin #1 Friendliest City in America in 2025. Plus, CVENT named Austin #11 in their list of the Top Meeting Destinations in North America (2025) and the Milken Institute listed Austin as #1 in their annual ranking of the Best Performing Cities (2025). 

Learn more about Austin from friendly staff members who are always excited to greet guests at the Austin Visitor Center, recently awarded the Best First Stop for Out-of-Towners by the Austin Chronicle.