New & Notable Developments in Austin

Hosting meetings and conventions in Austin is changing in a big way as the Austin Convention Center redevelopment remains on track for reopening in early 2029, officially moving into the Construction phase in December 2025. The $1.6 billion project will transform the facility into a world-class venue, nearly doubling its rentable space to 620,000 sq. ft. while creating vibrant new green spaces and public plazas. By relocating exhibit halls below grade, the design reestablishes the city grid and improves walkability and urban flow through downtown, connecting the urban core to Waller Creek. Furthermore, the project positions the Center to become a global climate and design leader as the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center. While the facility is closed, Austin’s hospitality community continues to offer alternative "campus-style" meetings to accommodate events of all sizes. 

Preservation is also part of the plan. The Historic Trask House and Kitchen, a rare 1855 Austin residence, will be relocated from Red River Street back to its original block and lot on Neches Street and incorporated as programmable space on the new Convention Center grounds. Positioned between the new ballroom and Waterloo Greenway, the restored landmark will become a flexible civic and cultural destination where attendees and the community can connect with Austin’s layered history.

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Austin’s growth extends beyond hospitality, with major investments in healthcare, green space and live entertainment creating even more opportunities for meeting attendees to experience the city.

Ascension Seton Women’s Hospital opened June 29, 2026, on the Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin campus. The $362 million, 326,000-square-foot facility includes 178 beds, Level IV maternal care, an expanded NICU staffed by Dell Children’s neonatologists, robotic-capable operating rooms and dedicated labor, delivery and postpartum spaces. The opening strengthens Austin’s growing healthcare landscape and adds another compelling point of connection for medical and life-sciences groups meeting in the city.

Waterloo Greenway recently celebrated the June 6, 2026, opening of The Confluence, a 13-acre stretch of restored urban parkland and trail along Waller Creek from Fourth Street to Lady Bird Lake. New bridges, gathering spaces, native landscaping and a continuous off-street bike and pedestrian trail give attendees another way to explore downtown. Future phases will reimagine Palm Park and complete Phase III between Fourth and 12th Sstreets, ultimately linking Lady Bird Lake to Waterloo Park through 35 acres of connected green space.

On East Riverside, River Park is set to welcome a new 4,000-capacity, state-of-the-art music venue in 2027. Developed in partnership with AEG Presents, Westfield, Partners Group and Presidium, the venue will anchor the first phase of the 109-acre mixed-use River Park development, which is planned to include housing, office space, retail, restaurants, parks and trails. The project will add a major new option for concerts, private events and attendee entertainment outside downtown.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) continues to grow and set records. The airport’s busiest month on record was June 2026, with over 2.1 million passengers, thanks to increased flight service and ever-growing interest in Austin. And now, even more people will pass through the airport as domestic and international flight services are added by a number of airlines.

Courtesy of Austin Bergstrom Airport.

Delta Air Lines: The introduction of new flights has made Delta the second-largest airline by market share at Austin-Bergstrom. Nonstop service to Denver (DEN) began in November 2025, followed by new service to Columbus (CMH) and Kansas City (MCI) on June 7, 2026. Delta also opened a new flight attendant base in Austin, strengthening the airline’s operational presence in Central Texas.

British Airways: The airline has expanded to twice-daily nonstop flights to London (LHR).

Southwest Airlines: Southwest opened a new crew base for pilots and flight attendants at Austin-Bergstrom in March 2026. Seasonal nonstop service launched to Hayden/Steamboat Springs (HDN) and Palm Springs (PSP), with additional spring and summer service to Fort Myers (RSW), Pensacola (PNS), Cincinnati (CVG) and Seattle (SEA). Year-round nonstop service to Milwaukee (MKE) began in spring 2025.

Airport improvements: 

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has finalized historic 10-year lease agreements with major airlines, securing the financial foundation for a multi-billion-dollar expansion that will increase capacity to 32 new gates. This transformative project includes a new Arrivals and Departures Hall and the construction of two new concourses, significantly enhancing infrastructure and connectivity for the millions of business travelers and meeting attendees visiting Central Texas.

A major near-term project is already complete. The $241 million West Infill expansion opened in February 2026, adding more than 75,000 square feet across four levels of the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Improvements include a new TSA checkpoint designed to accommodate up to eight lanes, additional ticketing positions, airline and airport support space, upgraded infrastructure and new art installations. Construction continues on the separate West Gate Expansion, which will add 84,500 square feet over three levels, five new hold-room seating areas, three new gates, dining areas, family amenities and a mezzanine with an outdoor balcony. The project is now expected to be completed in late 2026. Find more details here.

Austin’s AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is getting a $30 million refresh of its massive 85,000-plus square feet of meeting space. Additions will include a junior ballroom, cutting-edge A/V technology and brighter meeting spaces. The hotel is positioning itself as a key player in the city’s campus-style event hub strategy while the Austin Convention Center remains closed for renovations until 2029.

JW Marriott. Credit to Shawn O'Connor.

The JW Marriott Austin is leveling up with a recently completed $30 million renovation of guest rooms and meeting spaces, weaving Austin’s natural elements into luxe interiors. Expect refreshed comfort and refined style everywhere from boardrooms to ballrooms. The improvements aim to update this flagship property as it nears 10 years as one of Austin’s largest and most reliable convention hotels. The property also rose four spots to earn the #1 position on Cvent’s 2026 list of Top Meeting Hotels in North America.

A full restoration of The Driskill Hotel is now complete, preserving the historic legacy and Texas grandeur of one of Austin’s most prestigious addresses. The transormation includes refreshed social spaces, reimagined guest rooms, a new ballroom, and updated food and drink venues, creating more flexibility for meetings and events. 

A completed, full renovation at Hyatt Regency Austin has reinvigorated guest rooms, public areas and event spaces. New amenities, contemporary finishes and updated meeting venues help make this lakeside favorite even more compelling for business and social events. The hotel has thrived as a premier Austin destination for more than 43 years.

Already a top choice in North Austin, a two-phase $10 million project at the 341-room The Westin Austin at The Domain continues to refine offerings with refreshed guest and public areas, along with  17,000 square feet of meeting space. The vibrant property is adding more than 100 guest rooms in a tower scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Walkable access to The Domain’s luxury shopping, dining and entertainment makes this hotel attractive to meeting attendees.

Courtesy of Hyatt Regency.

Austin Southpark Hotel is now undergoing a full renovation as it transforms to a Hilton property. Guest rooms, lobby, bar, restaurant and more than 20,000 square feet of event space are being refreshed, giving this South Austin staple a fresh start for meetings and conferences. With the location midway between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Downtown, the improvements give planners a revitalized option outside the Downtown core. A completion timeline has not yet been announced.

Open since April 2025 and minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Austin Airport brings fresh stays and streamlined comfort to the airport scene. With spacious guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and two flexible meeting rooms totaling 1,026 square feet, the hotel is ideal for business meetings, dinners, programs and pre- or post-conference stays.

Now open beside the beloved Mattie’s at Green Pastures restaurant, The Inn at Green Pastures boutique hideaway offers gracious hospitality and sleek luxury. The ballroom and adjacent courtyard accommodate 275 people across 2,800 square feet. Lush grounds, 63 comfy rooms and suites, and a private pool provide a serene setting for retreats and meetings. 

Anchoring Austin’s tallest tower, 1 Hotel Austin brings luxury to the prime Rainey Street area with eco-driven design, 252 premium guest rooms (including 60 suites) and nature-infused meeting spaces. Now open along Lady Bird Lake and Waller Creek, the hotel offers scenic views, four food and beverage venues, a wellness spa and modern sustainability.

Clarksville’s next destination is Sixth & Blanco, a mixed-use project now under construction. This urban hub will pair a boutique hotel — each room has a private terrace — with shops, dining and lush courtyards, plus ample spaces for events, banquets and meetings. The lifestyle experience will appeal to planners seeking accommodations in a walkable neighborhood.

Bohème. Credit to Elysian Real Estate Group.

Look forward to the October 2026 for the arrival of the Bohème Hotel, which is transforming an East Austin apartment building into an eclectic 20-room boutique property. Tranquil and social spaces include the rooftop, lounges and a lobby hangout area best suited for executive retreats, creative off-sites and VIP accommodations.

Hotel Trinity, launching in late 2026, is expected to inject a cosmopolitan flair into the Sixth Street District. The 13-story Autograph Collection property will offer 258 well-appointed rooms (including 20 sites), a guest-only rooftop pool, social club and ground-floor seafood restaurant. The 6,671 square feet of event space is designed to accommodate gatherings of 10 to 300 meeting guests, with group and room blog inquiries available for stays beginning in November 2026.

Not brand new, but newly available for group event bookings, Soho House Austin blends members' club exclusivity with chic social spaces. Stylish lounges, a rooftop pool and curated programming make it a rich backdrop for private functions for up to 125 guests, creative retreats and elevated corporate stays with a cool, cultural edge.

East Austin’s The High Road on Dawson blends retro charm with modern cool just minutes from Downtown. The venue offers skyline views, flexible indoor spaces for presentations and poolside decks for brand activations and receptions. It’s right behind the owner’s Terry Black’s Barbecue for convenient catering options.

Elevate your next event at Center Stage amphitheater in the heart of EastVillage. Designed for large-scale outdoor events, the amphitheater supports live performances and open-air receptions. It’s a standout option in Austin’s tech corridor for planners looking to host memorable experiences outside traditional four-wall venues.

More than a hub for travelers, this historic Downtown building hosts the Austin Visitor Center, 5th & Brew coffee shop and a bright new event space. Flexible modern set-up options accommodate meetings, workshops, pop-ups, polished presentations and receptions for up to 100 guests. The central location makes it especially convenient for groups staying nearby.

Franklin Backyard. Credit to Paul Shirley. 

Austin barbecue royalty makes meetings memorable at Franklin Backyard, a new event space next to Franklin Barbecue. With the ability to host up to 250 guests, the venue is tailor-made for receptions, corporate celebrations and Texas-style networking. The food alone guarantees attendance to savor Franklin’s smoke-pit fare, including legendary brisket.

Bring fun to every function at Popstroke, a Tiger Woods–backed entertainment destination. Two 18-hole mini-golf courses, pickleball and volleyball courts, a restaurant, ice cream parlor and plenty of social space encourage interaction. Team-building events and receptions turn into activity-packed experiences that feel more like play than work.

For events with a playful edge, Pins Mechanical Co. on South Congress pairs vintage bowling and arcade games with handcrafted cocktails and spacious group-friendly hangouts. It’s a natural crowd-pleaser for team outings or casual receptions, offering retro flair and built-in entertainment that keep attendees engaged.

Austin’s food scene is red-hot, with dozens of restaurants earning stars or mentions in MICHELIN Guide Texas over the past two years. The city is now home to 48 MICHELIN-honored restaurants, giving planners access to nationally recognized chefs, elevated private dining and offsite catering options that instantly upgrade receptions, VIP dinners and client experiences. Learn how you can make Austin’s MICHELIN restaurants part of your event!

Courtesy of papercut.

The East End Ballroom is a day-to-night East Austin venue offering built-in versatility. Start the day with artisan coffee and brunch, then cap off an event with dinner, craft cocktails and live music or DJs at night. Chill inside the 3,000-square-foot venue with games and plush booths or linger at receptions in the 7,000-square-foot courtyard. Full buyouts for up to 1,000 attendees are always an option.

Papercut is the East Side’s slick hideaway with art-gallery energy and dynamic event potential. With rotating installations, sushi and inventive drinks inspired by the artists and their work, Papercut works beautifully for small group receptions, creative off-sites or stylish after-hours gatherings that feel exclusive without being stuffy.

Inside The Driskill Hotel, The Victorian bar delivers a built-in wow factor, reimagining cowboy cool with a Western-inspired pub vibe. Multiple levels, plush seating and a central Downtown location make it ideal for hosting receptions, networking mixers or buyouts, especially for groups already meeting at The Driskill. The historic hotel’s new bar is among its many venues that can accommodate from 15 people in a conference room to 750 for a reception.

Skipjack Oyster brings a polished seafood concept into The Westin Austin Downtown. Raw-bar menus, coastal cocktails and an approachable layout make it an easy win for planner-friendly private dining, sponsor events or client entertaining just steps from the hotel ballroom. Reserve the space for breakfasts, lunches, happy hours or dinners.

With indoor-outdoor flow and elevated casual menus, The Terrace Bar & Grill offers planners a relaxed but polished option for hosting meals and receptions. The second-floor setting at the Renaissance Austin Downtown Hotel hotel works exceptionally well for breakout networking, social hours and informal group dining.

SkipJack Oyster. Credit to Get Noticed. Courtesy of White Lodging.

Victory Lap brings supersized fun and indoor-outdoor space to Rainey Street with a second location of the beloved sports-and-social bar. With plenty of screens, space to spread out and food designed for sharing, Victory Lap is ideal for casual group outings, sponsored happy hours or late-night buyouts that keep attendees engaged. The original Austin location is near The University of Texas at Austin campus.

Tucked away off Rainey Street, the intimate European-inspired cocktail nook Bar Fino is a stylish option for small VIP gatherings, executive groups or leisurely networking. The relaxed setting encourages conversation while patrons enjoy an inventive mixed drink, wine or beer. Reserve seats when a top-rated chef visits to prepare and serve a wine-paired meal.

With patios, indoor rooms and flexible layouts, book off-site gatherings at The Rainey House in one of the city’s noted entertainment districts. The space-themed bar in a former house features ’70s cosmic nostalgia along with appropriately named specialty cocktails — Rocket Fuel, Mercury Seven and Fly Me to the Moon among them. Your attendees will enjoy soaking up the local energy.