Downtown El Paso is now home to over 1,200 new hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center (pictured). Courtesy of Destination El Paso

For decades, Texas has been a favorite meeting, event and convention destination for associations of all sizes. And rightfully so. The “Lone Star State” has long been known for its exceptional hospitality, state-of-the-art venues and memorable cuisine. While the expansive state offers a wealth of options for meeting planners, each of Texas’ cities and regions offer distinctive experiences for attendees to enjoy.

Visit Dallas

For many planners, Dallas has proven to be the ideal place to host a meeting or event. As Andrea Coker, director of communications at Visit Dallas, explains, your dollar goes farther in Dallas, as the cost of doing business in Dallas is 7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Texas is a “right to work” state, which lowers event production costs and allows meeting planners to focus more of their budget on attendee engagement and experience.

Dallas is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with more than 20 entertainment districts offering walkable access to music, shopping, arts and award-winning global cuisine.

“We offer an unparalleled variety of accommodations. With over 35,000 rooms, from the intimacy of boutique hotels to the convenience and luxury of large convention hotels, all the nation’s top brands are represented in Dallas,” Coker says.

Recently, the Dallas City Council approved plans to expand the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, with construction expected to begin next year and be completed by 2029. The center will feature 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 400,000 square feet of breakout space, including a 100,000 square foot ballroom.

“The new convention center will address the needs of modern meeting planners, providing ballroom and breakout space Dallas has been lacking,” Coker says. “The center is expected to nearly double annual attendance and associated revenue for the city.”

AT&T Discover District is Dallas’ newest entertainment district and a great space for groups. Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this indoor/outdoor space boasts a multi-sensory experience including outdoor event space with views of its 6K resolution, 104-foot-tall media wall; the AT&T Theater, fit for advanced screenings or corporate meetings; and multiple dining outlets.

“Additionally, the Dallas area tops the U.S. in hotel projects with 165 projects and 19,730 rooms on the way, according to a new report by analysts at Lodging Econometrics,” Coker says. “Dallas also has the most projects in early planning at the end of first quarter 2022, with 84 projects and 9,495 rooms.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas offers 19,000 sf of meeting space, including a ballroom space that can accommodate large groups up to 1100 people as well as more intimate individual meeting rooms.

The resort is Texas’ first and Dallas’ only five-star property – and they continue to elevate their offerings. To complement the recent renovations to the spa and meeting spaces, they are renovating all 218 guest rooms, including case goods, wall coverings and the bathrooms, along with the corridors and the lobby.

Another great venue option is The Hyatt Regency Dallas, which has four dining outlets, is a short distance away from Dallas’s two major airports, and is connected to public transportation, which can help get you to every neighborhood in Dallas.

“We offer layered meeting space which keeps travel time for attendees short and easy to locate from their guest rooms,” says Michael Koffler, general manager at Hyatt Regency Dallas. “We offer over 130,000 square feet of meeting space that is broken up into two main ballrooms, one exhibit hall, and up to 40 breakout spaces. We also have over 30,000 square feet of outdoor space.”

Visit Arlington

Arlington’s Convention Campus is truly a meeting planner’s dream and unlike anything in the area. With easy walkability between hotels, ample meeting space and endless entertainment options, meetings here are a breeze.

“Arlington offers adaptable meeting facilities and venue options to accommodate groups of all sizes and budgets. Best of all, go from DFW International Airport to your hotel in less than 15 minutes,” says Chad Enloe, vice president of sales at Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Once there, attendees will appreciate the world-class attractions such as AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live! and Six Flags Over Texas for after hours entertainment or breaks between meetings.”

The new Arlington Convention Center will also include a $550 million, 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel. Courtesy Photo

Construction is underway for the new Arlington Convention Center, scheduled to open in 2024, which will truly be a game changer for our meetings portfolio and destination. Arlington’s existing world-class sports and entertainment venues will now be complimented by hotel and meeting facilities that will attract national events of all kinds.

“We are already a leading destination for meetings and events and this new development will further strengthen Arlington’s robust convention opportunities,” Enloe says.

The cornerstone of the massive $810 million expansion of Arlington’s Convention Campus, the new Arlington Convention Center will also include a $550 million, 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel. Situated between Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, the development will be accessible to the 300-room Live! by Loews Arlington hotel via a sky bridge. Between them, the two hotels offer nearly 1,200 guest rooms and more than 250,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

In addition to development on the upcoming Arlington Convention Center and Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington’s Entertainment District has been chosen as the site for the future National Medal of Honor Museum. “The museum, which broke ground in March of this year and is set to open in 2024, will showcase the Medal of Honor recipients and their stories of valor and inspiration in the face of impossible odds,” Enloe says.

The more than 100,000-square-foot footprint will encompass more than 31,000 square feet of exhibition galleries, a state-of-the-art education center, conference and event space and an outdoor amphitheater for ceremonies.

According to Mike Grippo, complex director of sales and marketing at Live! By Loews – Arlington, Texas and Loews Arlington Hotel (opening in early 2024), the walkability of the Loews complex offers many different things to do.  “Our location cannot be beaten if you want to be near it all and it comes with the Loews Hotels level of service,” Grippo says.

There is over 35,000 square feet of overall space at Live! by Loews – Arlington which consists of a traditional ballroom of more than 14,000 square feet but also some amazing outdoor space and bars that overlook the stadiums.

Loews Arlington Hotel, opening in early 2024, will be the newest convention hotel in the Texas Market. The hotel will have over 266,000 of meeting and event space. The Grand Ballroom is more than 50,000 square feet with two additional large ballrooms and an abundance of breakout space, and the outdoor event space is more than 66,000 square feet. There will also be five food and beverage outlets.

Visit Houston

Houston is truly the cultural mecca of Texas thanks in part to its energetic cultural arts scene, award-winning eateries and a wealth of professional sports teams. But the city’s vast number of venues offer a world of opportunities for meeting planners looking for that perfect place to host an event.

Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) is one of the 10 largest convention centers in the nation, offering about 1.85 million square feet of meeting and exhibition space.

The Convention Center’s 6,000-seat arena features telescopic seating, which allows for the accommodation of very large events. With the GRBCC’s newly upgraded, 31,500 square foot George Bush Grand Ballroom; a 3,600-seat theatre hall; and a festive outdoor reception space composed of four balconies and nearly 3,000 square feet of meeting space, this convention center is the ideal spot for events of all sizes.

And the myriad of accommodations for attendees are as diverse as Houston itself. For example, Hilton Americas-Houston is conveniently located to large group offsite venues like The Post, The Rustic and The Grove in order to experience Houston’s dynamic landscape.

“We are located in the heart of downtown Houston, attached to the convention center via an indoor walkway, within steps from Discovery Green and walking distance from Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park,” says Jacques D’Rovencourt, general manager, Hilton Americas-Houston. “We are the biggest hotel in downtown Houston, with 30 breakout rooms and two ballrooms, offering space ranging from 26,000 to 39,000 square feet. There are also over 50 restaurants within a five-block radius.”

Hilton Americas-Houston now offers a new R24 Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails and breathtaking views of the city, and the onsite Skyline Spa and Health Club.

Located in Uptown Houston, the Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria offers a variety of beautiful meeting venues that will inspire and stimulate meeting and event attendees. With over 19,000 square feet of versatile event space, this innovative and dynamic hotel is the ideal place to host meetings, events, conferences and celebrations.

“We can accommodate any type of event, with live music in the lounge, pre-function area or breakout rooms. Our experienced meetings and events team helps plan memorable meetings, and topnotch corporate events and social celebrations,” says Didem Gursel, area director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria.

Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria offers 10 ideally equipped meeting rooms, all located on the hotel’s 2nd level. Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria also showcases a ballroom with a high ceiling, and pre-function area or breakout rooms with daylight.

“Our newly renovated Water Ranch is great outdoor option for opening nights, reception and cocktails,” Gursel says.

Scott Gentile, director of sales and marketing, Marriott Marquis Houston, says meeting planners are drawn to the Marriott Marquis Houston because of its urban destination, complete with everything they need for their meetings under one roof. They appreciate the walkability, as well as the proximity to attractions in a safe downtown environment.

“Other key factors are our superb food and beverage offerings with diverse flavors from our six distinctive on-site restaurants, excellent service scores and two nearby airports for easy access,” Gentile says. “Attendees can spend their free time at our Altitude Rooftop & Pool, which is home to the largest Texas-shaped lazy river. It’s a relaxing retreat after a full day of meetings.

The Marriott Marquis Houston is home to the largest ballroom in Houston – the grand Texas Ballroom — allowing us to host large gatherings of all kinds. This room alone is nearly the size of a football field and can be separated into eight individual event spaces. There are 52 event rooms – including two ballrooms – and 37 breakout spaces.”

He adds, “With 153,324 square feet of event space, we can host nearly any event a planner could imagine, and we cater to groups of up to 4,300 people. Roughly half of our rooms have natural lighting, which attendees appreciate when they’re spending so much time inside. We can also host groups poolside or at our outdoor pavilion with stunning views of downtown Houston.

Visit Irving

Irving is considered the “headquarter of headquarters” with eight Fortune 500 and several Fortune 1000 companies, and has become the home of growing technology, oil and gas, aviation, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.

“We’ve also experienced a major evolution in entertainment that includes a walkable entertainment district housing a world-class, indoor/outdoor Live Nation concert venue. With so much going on, it’s easy to see why Irving is a great destination for meetings and events,” says Maura Gast, FCDME, executive director of Visit Irving Texas. “When it comes to logistics, arguably the biggest draw for both planners and attendees is our killer location, smack dab in the middle of two major metropolitan areas, as well as the middle of the country; on the doorstep of one of the world’s largest international airports – Dallas-Fort Worth, with another, Love Field, just 15 minutes away.” Add to that Irving’s 13,000-plus hotel rooms ranging from luxury resort to extended stay and limited service and the city’s innovative Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas with Westin headquarter hotel – everything a planner needs, and attendees want, is within reach.

Irving’s identity has evolved from a perfectly fine suburb into a true destination of its own. The city boasts first tier amenities, enhanced by the values of a second-tier market – all built and attuned to meetings of any size. The Toyota Music Factory is in full gear; there are new lakefront favorites at Water Street, and beautiful new outdoor venues like Williams Square Plaza, Levy Event Plaza and Heritage Park.

“Many of Irving’s hotels have been undergoing exciting renovations, and new properties are opening, too. An all-suite Element Hotel recently opened featuring meeting space on the top floors with sensational views,” Gast says. “And a new Embassy Suites is under construction, along with Hotel Indigo. This 150-room property will bring 3,300 square feet of event space to Las Colinas in this spring. The location of all three hotels capitalizes on the proximity to the airports, corporate campuses, and our convention center and the music factory.”

Because it’s so easily accessed from the convention center and multiple hotels, the Toyota Music Factory can’t be missed. Their Live Nation Pavilion concert venue hosts some of the best and brightest touring acts. Add to that a regular slate of free live local music on the Texas Lottery Plaza, not to mention the 20 restaurants and unique venues that are perfect for networking and off-site events.

“If you are looking to host an event in Texas, it would be hard not to consider Irving in the mix due to the ease of access and how quickly you can get to your chosen hotel,” says Michelle DeClerck, CMP, president, Conference Event Management. “Don’t overlook the Toyota Music Factory for a dine around where you can bus in all your guests and split up into numerous quality restaurants.”

Austin’s impressive skyline is continually changing with the addition of new facilities to accommodate events of all sizes. Photo by Nicole Jensen

Visit Austin

Texas is easy to get to, given that it’s centrally located in the U.S. For Austin specifically, Steve Genovesi, Visit Austin executive vice president, hears people say it’s been on their bucket list to visit, so he’s seen there’s a natural marketability to bring events to Austin, and there’s definitely a level of attendee excitement to experience a new destination.

“When it comes to meetings and conventions, Austin is a city that planners and visitors always agree on. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative meeting spaces and world-class hotels are nestled in the center, and the heart, of the city. Within a few walkable blocks, you’ll also find the famous Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail, legendary live music venues and some of the best BBQ and tacos in the country.”

Opened last fall, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is the newest addition to Austin’s ample list of boutique hotels, bringing 108 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a new restaurant and spa.

Also new to the Texas state capital are the Hyatt’s latest lifestyle properties: Thompson Austin and tommie Austin, both of which opened at the beginning of last year. Some of the offerings at Thompson Austin include 212 guest rooms and suites; an impressive 6,700-square-foot wellness center;  and more than 10,000 square feet of interior and exterior private event space. Meanwhile at tommie Austin, visitors will find 193 king bed guest rooms, and instead of a traditional lobby, there’s an all-day counter serving specialty coffee drinks, craft beer, natural wines and playful retail.

Hilton Austin offers the only hotel-based F45 Training studio in the world which allows attendees the opportunity to maintain fitness goals with coach-led group workouts while traveling.

“Organizations that are hosting events at the hotel will have the exclusive opportunity to book group fitness and stretch sessions to enhance their event for up to 40 attendees with the new F45 Training studio,” says Joe Bolash, general manager, Hilton Austin. “Hilton Austin also is home to downtown’s only Topgolf Swing Suite, available for rent and private events.”

With over 95,000 square feet of event space, including 41 breakout rooms and two expansive ballrooms, Hilton Austin is located in downtown Austin and offers unique group branding opportunities, including a large digital media wall which is only available at Hilton Austin’s grandiose welcome experience. The hotel also features an overhead walkway connected to the Austin Convention Center.

Covering six blocks, the convention center, located in the heart of downtown, features 881,400 square feet of meeting space, including five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 square feet of column-free space. Their two ballrooms are 40,510 and 23,000 square feet, respectively. The Palmer Events Center and the Austin Convention Center have successfully achieved 2023 Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities.

The convention center had 14 events scheduled last month and has been gearing up for this month’s events like South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival, AAPPR Annual Conference and SHM Converge.

“Our property offers a wide range of unique qualities helping us stand out within the city,” says Jeff Donahoe, general manager Hyatt Regency Austin. “One of the first is our location; with direct access to LadyBird lake, the Hike and Bike Trail, South Congress and the heart of downtown, our location can provide attendees access to all that Austin has to offer and within walking distance.”

Hyatt Regency Austin has an array of meeting options to offer groups. Whether it’s an indoor/outdoor dining experience, a meeting with a view from the 17th floor ballroom, or if privacy is your concern, one of the hotel’s largest spaces provides a setting for groups to truly own the hotel meeting experience.

With more than 250 live music venues across the city, live music is truly everywhere. Nightly, meeting attendees will find Austin musicians at clubs, coffeehouses, bars, taquerias, sporting events and concert halls.

“Out of the many locations available to host events, there are very few that combine the whole package in such as wonderful way. Austin was chosen for my client’s event, Accelerate, Powered by NetVU, for their 2023 Convention,” says Jeffrey Etzkin, owner of Etzkin Events. “The combination of world class live entertainment throughout the city, excellent award-winning restaurants and extremely easy access from hotels to the convention center made this choice really easy. If you are looking for a great experience for your members and partners, Austin is among the top in the country.”

Lisa Parse, director of meeting services at American Academy of Periodontology, says their  upcoming meeting will be the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) first in Austin.

“We are excited to plan a meeting in such a vibrant city, with great venues, a thriving entertainment scene, and a vibe that doesn’t exist anywhere else. As AAP’s Annual Meeting evolves, we are looking to maintain the things that has made it a success, while allowing it to grow and expand into something even greater,” Parse says. “In choosing an annual destination, we seek out cities that are evolving but still maintaining the best of their history, so Austin is a perfect match!”

Visit El Paso

A cultural hub with delectable food and a naturally hospitable community, El Paso has an abundance of attractions, nature, culture and over 300 days of sunshine.

The city is seeing an influx of new hotels and attractions, and heavy investments in the downtown area mean new amenities and services. Downtown El Paso is now home to over 1,200 new hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center. Within 18 months, El Paso doubled its convention hotel inventory, resulting in an array of accommodation options. In addition, El Paso also features new bars, restaurants and art centers – offering a wealth of entertainment options long after the meetings end.

According to Destination El Paso, the beautiful El Paso Convention Center was remodeled a few years ago and included expansive renovations. The renovation included the build of a new bistro, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and high quality services to make a meeting or convention the perfect event.

For meeting planners interested in outdoor venues, look no further than the Convention Center Plaza, which is situated at the entrance to the El Paso Convention Center and is an ideal outdoor venue for receptions, social gatherings, corporate meetings and more. The space is conveniently located across the street from a myriad of museums, bars, restaurants, hotels and other open spaces.

With all these upgrades coming to the city, El Paso is on the forefront of destinations for meetings, incentive trips, conferences, tournaments or events.

“Our team knows a successful event isn’t just about giving attendees a comfortable place to meet, mingle and recharge. It’s also about showing them a grand time. With dozens of museums and attractions, El Paso will exceed your expectations,” says Brooke Underwood, executive director for Destination El Paso.

She adds, “We feel El Paso is the cure for destination burnout. So many groups and associations have traveled to Texas but never really venture out of the usual destinations. El Paso offers a break from the typical destination and a cultural experience that cannot be replicated. Our city center has been reborn with new hotels, a renovated convention center and a $97 million streetcar system, but what is also noteworthy is how convenient and walkable our downtown is.”

Visit San Antonio

San Antonio exudes a charm all its own, thanks in part to its historical attractions and cultural vibe. Boasting a modern, yet casual feel to its meeting scene, San Antonio is teeming with interesting venues and attractions at every turn. And while the region exhibits and Old-World charm, it is constantly reinventing itself with new hotels and venue offerings.

San Antonio’s 1.6 million square foot Henry B. González Convention Center accommodates groups of all sizes and sits on the River Walk in the heart of downtown within walking distance of historic sites, restaurants, museums, theaters, shops and thousands of hotel rooms.

At the end of last year, AC Hotel by Marriott & Element Hotel by Westin debuted at Riverview Towers. The AC Hotel’s 20-story building includes 4,000 square feet of function space, as well as 181 rooms, each offering amazing views. Element Hotel offers 162 spacious guest rooms designed for longer stays including fully equipped in-room kitchens, fitness options and on-site laundry.

The soon-to-be-completed Otis Hotel San Antonio will include an all-new destination spa, restaurant and bar. Offering an oasis-like setting, two of the property’s on-site historic 19th-century buildings will be repurposed from meeting and event space into a new day spa. In addition, new 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and additional outdoor event areas will be available for gatherings.

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk offers 1,003 modern and luxurious guest rooms, including 46 spacious suites with panoramic views of the city. With its location in the heart of San Antonio’s rich culture and vibrant River Walk, the hotel provides unforgettable experiences for groups right outside its front door.

“We are located next to located next to San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and connected to the world famous Alamodome via a foot bridge, and we also offer Grand Hyatt 115,000 square feet of expansive indoor and outdoor space for company meetings and events,” says Philip Stamm, area vice president and general manager at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk and Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk.

In fact, the hotel is home to some of the largest ballroom spaces in downtown San Antonio, including the 31,000-square-foot and pillar-free Texas Ballroom, the 21,000-square-foot Lonestar Ballroom and 29 different meeting rooms with most offering floor-to-ceiling views of downtown.

“Taking advantage of San Antonio’s ideal weather conditions, Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk debuted the Terrace on 5th venue in early 2022,” Stamm says. “The 6,500-square-foot open-air rooftop event spaces feature an urban oasis ambiance complete with a spacious lawn and sweeping views of the city.”

Visit Fort Worth

According to Amy Brown, senior vice president of convention sales & service at Visit Fort Worth, Fort Worth has one of the most convenient meeting packages in the country.

“New and renovated hotel offerings, restaurants and exciting tourism venues are why Travel + Leisure ranked Fort Worth in the top 15 U.S. cities to visit in 2022,” Brown says.

The city’s connected downtown has become one of the country’s most lively urban settings. The 35-block Sundance Square district, adjacent to the convention center, is home to restaurants, live music clubs, theaters, shops and exciting nightlife headlined by the beautiful Bass Performance Hall.

New offerings also put Fort Worth at the top of meeting planners’ list of considerations. Opening in the beginning of 2024, Le Meridien is a historic building that is being reimagined as a 189-room hotel. It will include new ground floor restaurants and a rooftop bar, 3,000 square-feet of meeting space and a sixth-floor pool deck and the Crescent Hotel, a 200-room luxury hotel will be opening in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.

For attendees looking for entertainment options, Brown suggests a visit to the Stockyards National Historic District to experience the Fort Worth Herd’s cattle drive.

“Ranked one of the top zoos in the nation, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to more than 7,000 native and exotic animals,” Brown says. “And be sure to check out Fort Worth’s Distillery Trail, home to the largest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi.”

Visit Grapevine

Grapevine, Texas, centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, is home to more than 1,000,000 square feet of meeting space, 20 hotels and 11,000 hotel rooms within 15 minutes of Historic Downtown Grapevine. Grapevine is the premier meetings and convention destination in North Texas.

Located five minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, attendees will enjoy the thriving Historic Downtown, winery tasting rooms, locally-owned restaurants and shops, attractions and more throughout the city.

Experience Grapevine’s rich heritage and unique event venues with all the modern-day technology necessary to operate a first-class meeting or event. Exciting off-site venues, such as Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and the all new Chicken and Pickle, offer attendees a true Texas experience.    AC&F