Don't Pick a Conference Destination No One Likes

Conference location can be a key driver of attendance and attendee satisfaction. Your best attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors are all looking for a direct flight, they want to go to a good climate, and they want it to be easy to get to from the airport. These days, people are also looking for public transportation options and local activities.

As more people blend work-travel with family time and leisure vacations, location will be one of the more critical decisions in the event planning process. With this in mind, here are the top 5 cities, in no particular order, to host a conference in the U.S. that you may not have thought about recently.

Atlanta, GA

Airport to downtown: 16 minutes

No one likes long flights and layovers and Atlanta is one of the country’s most accessible cities, with a highly efficient airport. In fact, 80% of the U.S. population is within a two-hour flight of Atlanta!

Not only does Atlanta have convenient transportation, great weather, and plenty of delicious dining, the city is also home to state-of-the-art convention venues. From the grand Georgia World Congress Center, with 1.4 million sq feet of exhibit space, to one of the many hotels in the Atlanta metro area, there is a venue for your event, large or small.

Take advantage of the 24 hotels with over 10,000 rooms within the convention and entertainment district, and give attendees easy access to attractions and great dining within a few minute’s walk.

Phoenix, Arizona

Airport to downtown: 5 minutes

Are you planning a conference in the middle of winter? Replace chilly temps with sunny skies and give attendees an escape from snowy and icy weather. With an average temperature of 72 degrees in February, attendees have endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Phoenix.

The recently renovated Phoenix Convention Center, a 900,000 square-foot venue, is located in the downtown area. With a walkable downtown and a new light rail system, attendees can get anywhere in the city with ease.

Between modern meeting facilities, flavorful cuisine, and stunning mountain backdrops, Phoenix is an ideal meeting and event destination.

Washington, D.C.

Airport to downtown: 15 minutes

With its historical appeal, unique meeting and event venues, diverse culture, and world-renowned dining, event attendees can visit and explore the nation’s capital. Event experiences in D.C. are truly unique.

Host your event in the National Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, or the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Organize tours to the White House, National Mall, and the United States Capital. Make your event memorable by placing it in the most iconic city in the U.S.

Washington, D.C. is also an industry-knowledge hub. It offers unmatched access to federal government and policy leaders, which can add value to your event and take your conference program to the next level.

Make history with your event in Washington, D.C.

Nashville, Tennessee

Airport to downtown: 19 minutes

Welcome to Music City! Nashville has a rich musical history and diverse scenery, making it home to an exceptional balance of entertainment, restaurants, attractions, and event spaces.

There are plenty of options for your next event, whether you are looking for an intimate space, a historic estate, or a large convention center.

Attendees can dive into music history and the creative culture of local Nashville neighborhoods, exploring the culinary scene and tasting Nashville specialties like hot chicken and barbeque.

There is always something going on and the music never stops in Nashville!

Denver, Colorado

Airport to downtown: 20 minutes

How does 300 days of sunshine sound? You are almost guaranteed blue skies and an exciting adventure when you host your next event in Denver, a vibrant and growing city located at the base of the Rocky Mountains.

Denver has a sizzling culinary reputation and is America’s #1 craft beer city. It offers more than 12,000 hotel rooms in the downtown area (with thousands more under construction). Attendees can explore Denver’s trendy neighborhoods and head to the mountains afterward, extending their conference trip with a scenic getaway.

Denver offers nonstop flights from more than 200 domestic and international cities and a low-cost, light rail train makes getting from the airport to downtown quick and easy.

Attendee satisfaction will skyrocket when you host an event in the Mile High City.