Excellent transportation. Rich cultural and historical heritage. Affordability. Safety. Sustainability. Fun things to do. Fantastic hotels and venues.
These are just some of the things that make a meeting destination exceptional. A destination doesn’t have to tick each one of these boxes, but those that encompass elements of each do well.
Our latest Top Meeting Destinations List reveals the cities that come out on top. Keep reading to learn how these destinations wow attendees and bring event planners back year after year.
1. Use technology for efficiency and innovation
You’d struggle to find a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) or Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that doesn’t use technology to attract visitors and events to their region.
But those that use the right technology intelligently stand a better chance of attracting more high-value event business and providing unique experiences.
The NYC Tourism and Conventions team, for example, is always adopting new and innovative technology to reach more event planners and design memorable and personalized experiences.
“Cvent Business Intelligence and AI tools have enhanced our targeted sales efforts and marketing activities, allowing us to engage more effectively with event planners and adapt to rapidly changing market conditions,” said Stella Cruz Ortiz, senior B2B marketing manager.
2. Prioritize the customer experience
The best way to encourage repeat business? Supporting the planning process from start to finish. Event planners want dependability, knowledge and expertise, and flexibility, and with rising planner expectations, the level of service they receive could mean the difference between a one-off or annual event.
To keep Dallas in the top ten meeting destinations for North America, Visit Dallas uses data provided by Cvent Business Intelligence to understand the evolving needs of event planners and groups.
“With customer relationship management systems and data analytics tools, we can better understand the preferences and needs of our clients and prospects. This insight enables us to tailor our communication and offerings, fostering stronger connections and building trust with each interaction,” said Minnie Munoz, vice president of sales.
“Our team has found success through continuous learning and adapting to our evolving market dynamics,” said Munoz.
3. Embrace sustainability
Cvent’s 2023 Planner Sourcing Report revealed that over a third of event professionals make decisions with sustainability information in mind.
Net Zero or Environmental, Social, or Governance (ESG) targets are priorities for many event planners and organizations. That means demonstrating your destination’s commitment to sustainability is vital.
Denver wins points for sustainability and community-mindedness, offering many local experiences that are both rewarding and socially responsible.
“Visit Denver is the first destination organization to achieve the highest ranking from the Events Industry Council for its commitment to sustainability and environmental and social responsibility,” said Lee Ann Benavidez, senior vice president of Visit Denver.
The rugged landscape, craft beer scene, dedication to the arts, and adventurous activities can be incorporated into any event and are built-in enticements to attend an event and extend the stay. Leaning into what is constantly available to event planners and attendees makes Denver a perfect location for all kinds of events, particularly those looking for an authentic location with a unique culture.
4. Promote uniqueness
More and more planners and business travelers are looking for destinations that can provide unique experiences. Cue the rise of bleisure travel (business and leisure travel). Valued at USD 933.1 billion in 2022, the market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% by 2030.
Any destination can appeal to bleisure travel. It’s a case of finding the unique selling points of a city or country, advertising them, and finding events best suited.
As the highest-ranked city in Canada and number 38 on the 2024 Top Meeting Destinations in North America List, more than 2,000 unique groups consider Toronto each year for their meetings or events.
“The city is pulsing with unique experiences, exceptional dining, and memorable stays. Whether you are planning a conference or meeting, Toronto offers an unparalleled environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences converge to create dynamic and enriching events,” said Dan Young, senior marketing manager of business events at Destination Toronto.
5. Know hospitality matters
Atlanta draws 51 million visitors annually, and it’s easy to see why. With four distinct districts designed for meetings and events, the city offers something for every group, from corporate gatherings to social events.
One of Atlanta's greatest assets is its close-knit hospitality community. With extensive connections and insider knowledge, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau takes pride in bridging the gap between event professionals and their ideal partners and member organizations.
“Our destination services team is well-connected within Atlanta’s hospitality community, so we enjoy introducing event professionals to our partners and member organizations if we find an opportunity for them to work together,” said Kristin Delahunt, vice president of destination services.
By fostering collaborations, they create extraordinary opportunities that elevate any occasion. “Meeting planners love the collaborative spirit among our hospitality partners. We work in concert with our hotels, venues, restaurants, attractions, and ambassadors to create a seamless experience for our customers,” said Delahunt.
Another major reason Atlanta is a southern hub for unforgettable meetings and events is its unmatched accessibility. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, makes it convenient for domestic and international travelers to reach the city. This combination of convenience, culture, and hospitality ensures that every meeting in Atlanta is both seamless and memorable.
6. Create magical moments
What does it take to be North America’s top meeting destination year after year? Orlando, Florida knows the answer. Consistently ranked #1, it’s clear this city has mastered the art of hosting unforgettable events.
When you think of Orlando, iconic theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios likely come to mind—adding to the allure of hosting a meeting in this vibrant city. After all the hard work is done, who wouldn’t want to unwind at one of these world-renowned attractions?
Disney Springs, for example, offers free entry and combines Disney-themed experiences with top-tier fine dining, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the magic.
As the ‘theme park capital of the world,’ the city is used to hosting visitors. “One of the great traits of our destination is that we’re continually evolving as a meeting destination as yearly, we embrace new and returning groups with new and exciting offerings,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Of course, the magic doesn’t just happen at theme parks. It’s in the way the city carefully monitors trends and demands to deliver exactly what each group wants. “We’re seeing a greater emphasis on tailoring event experiences to individual attendee preferences, such as providing more customized content and networking opportunities. Attendees don’t want to go to a big meeting—they want a meaningful meeting,” said Matej.
What makes a destination the best of the best?
Cvent evaluated 12,500+ cities worldwide listed on the Cvent Supplier Network (CSN) between January 2023 and December 2023, and three key things became clear:
In addition to the points we mentioned above, the best destinations form open, consultative relationships with event professionals and local partners and increase visibility to the right audience.
Discover the Top Meeting Destinations of 2024 in our latest eBook: The Best of the Best Meeting Destinations in North America.
