From a new convention center to expanded air access, it’s clear that Austin is continuing to lead in destination innovation. This strategic growth is coupled with local assets that are easy to incorporate, including campus-style gatherings, tech-powered experiences, and impactful community activities. Discover how to tap into these cutting-edge trends during your next meeting.
Trend #1: Campus-Style Events
Follow the strategy of Austin’s famed SXSW with its tried-and-true formula of hosting attendees in nearby venues and hotels to create a campus-style event. The concept allows attendees to get out into the destination and experience Austin’s walkable core and indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Planners are learning to be strategic about showcasing the city’s assets, offering everything from indoor-outdoor breaks to opportunities for attendees to cross paths during casual networking. The impetus for hotels, venues, restaurants and entertainers to work together to host large-scale events was spurred by the $1.6 billion expansion of the Austin Convention Center that will begin in 2025 and continue until 2029. Learn more about hosting campus-style events in Austin.
Trend #2: Doing More with Less
Doing more with less doesn’t mean that planners must sacrifice any wow factors. Determine early on what your budget and priorities are for an event, and communicate your priorities clearly with your event partners to find synthesis. The Visit Austin team can help you source a variety of vendors within your budget, from hotels and venues, to caterers, musicians, transportation providers and more. Budget-friendly ideas include booking a venue that has built-in entertainment or offers a vibrant environment, exploring locations that offer packages, or minimize waste and lean in to digital event tech from signage to registration tools. Visit Austin specializes in helping planners design seamless events that excite attendees. Learn more about planning budget-friendly meetings and events.
Trend #3: Showcasing the Power of Tech & AI
When you meet in the “Silicon Hills,” it’s easy to tap into AI expertise. Invite some of the University of Texas at Austin’s brightest minds in AI research to speak at your meeting. The university’s experts can provide insights about AI and topics relevant to your group or Austin, a thriving national tech hub and a launching pad for entrepreneurs. In fact, UT is ranked among the Top 10 in the country for its AI interdisciplinary programs and research. The university is making strides in understanding AI technology, raising awareness about societal and ethical issues, and guiding ways to apply AI. Find out more about how the UT Speakers Bureau can enhance educational offerings for meetings and events.
Trend #4: Giving Back to the Community
Team building activities can be even more meaningful when they offer authentic opportunities for attendees to connect to the meeting destination. One great way to accomplish this is through immersive give-back activities. The Visit Austin team has a deep understanding of initiatives that resonate with the community and can help organizations choose an experience that aligns with their mission. A recent example is the Texas Roadhouse group, which conducted a Humanitarian Day with 1,000 of their conference attendees to benefit Keep Austin Beautiful and the Ronald McDonald House. Keep Austin Beautiful and Texas Roadhouse partnered with local LBJ High School for a campus beautification project and renovation of their on-site store, in addition to working on three separate litter abatement projects in areas surrounding the school. For Ronald McDonald House, the Texas Roadhouse group created 2,500 care packages and made 500 blankets for local kids and adults.
Stay on top of the latest planning trends and Austin news by signing up for our eNewsletter. Plus, book your Austin event today and take advantage of our special incentives! Incentives offered for groups who meet over need time dates, that actualize 100-peak room nights and greater. Contact us to learn more.
Start planning today at VisitAustin.org/Meet
