Renowned live music, a nationally-recognized restaurant scene, unique special event venues, and a lively and walkable central business district. These qualities and many more make Austin one of Cvent’s “Top Meeting Destinations in North America” and a city that planners and attendees love. Here are the top 10 reasons planners should make Austin their next stop.
1. A WELCOMING CITY
Austin ranks at the top of the chart as a creative, friendly, welcoming, and forward-thinking city. In fact, the city has consistently scored 100/100 in the HRC Municipal Equality Index that’s based in part on LGBTQ+ equality, law enforcement, and city services. Other noteworthy accomplishments in 2023 include recognition from Wallethub as #1 in their list of Best State Capitals for Safety & More, and an award for the City of Austin from The National League of Cities for its Innovative Diversity Program. Plus, Cvent named Austin #8 as a “Top Meeting Destinations in North America” in 2023.
2. EASY TO GET TO
The centrally located Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin and offers non-stop service to 95+ destinations, with 260+ daily flights. Over 21 million people passed through the fast-growing airport in 2022 for another record-setting year. Keeping increased traffic in mind, the airport is working to enhance the passenger experience by upgrading its baggage handling and adding 84,500 square feet over three levels to the West Gate.
3. PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCES
Personalize your meeting, making it a unique and authentic experience for your attendees in Austin. Book local musicians, from solo artists to bands. Hire one or more of Austin’s acclaimed food trucks to cater your meals, or opt for tasty barbecue or Tex-Mex spreads from nationally recognized restaurants. Impress attendees by hosting special events at an array of only-in-Austin venues that include rustic beer gardens, the scenic wineries with spectacular Texas Hill Country views and a stadium that can host events ranging from large spectator events to intimate indoor/outdoor gatherings.
4. THE PERFECT STAY 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 convenient options throughout the city. In 2024, Austin will offer 50,000+ hotel rooms, including 14,800+ downtown, making it easy to find an accommodations match for a variety of budgets. For meetings ranging from a dozen to several thousand, Austin’s hotels don’t disappoint.
5. BEST-IN-CLASS VENUES
Add an element of surprise by booking one of the many entertaining special event venues found throughout Austin. Great choices for meetings large and small include the Palmer Events Center, with 70,000 square feet for exhibit space and an expansive patio overlooking the downtown skyline or Circuit of The Americas for multipurpose events and sports enthusiasts. Enjoy Austin’s impressive skyline and lake views from bar and restaurant rooftops like Nido at the Loren or Zanzibar at the Austin Marriott Downtown. Sip locally-made beverages at Fierce Whiskers Distillery, Austin Beerworks or The Austin Winery. Or bring in a taste of local history at unique locations like The Paramount Theatre or The Cathedral ATX.
6. NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED DINING SCENE
As the city's popularity grows, so does Austin’s reputation for innovative restaurants. Chefs have been flocking to Austin and are constantly reinventing the culinary scene. Recent accolades for restaurants and chefs reflect Austin’s diverse talent, with many of them James Beard Award winners and nominees Watch for social dining spaces (shared tables), James Beard Award nominated food trucks and eateries, top-notch barbecue and boundary-pushing Mexican cuisine.
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.
8. SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY
As a community, 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 an expanding light rail system carry passengers throughout the city, while Austin’s parks preserve hundreds of acres of nature trails and green spaces accessible to downtown attendees and throughout the city.
9. THE LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
As the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin offers hundreds of venues showcasing every genre of music and shows every night of the week for meeting attendees to experience. Boost your meeting or event by working with the Austin Music Office to hire local talent; around 2,000 local bands are available to choose from. Plus, Austin’s music venues are also perfect settings to host your events, whether it’s a rousing concert or a laid-back reception featuring a solo artist or duo.
10. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
Attendees love Austin for its passion for entrepreneurship. Art, music, movies, locally owned shops, award-winning eateries, live action sports and racing, the University of Texas and its Dell Medical School, and local businesses creating buzz – it's all here. And the energy is contagious, so it’s easy to incorporate that electric excitement into your event.
To learn more about Austin and start planning your next event, go to VisitAustin.org/Meet303
