From the music scene to its unique venues and more than 49,000 hotel rooms available, Austin continues to have plenty to draw meeting planners. DepositPhotos.com

When you add together abundant sunshine, a strong sense of individual identity and a “can-do” spirit of hospitality, the Lone Star State becomes an obvious contender for planners seeking a location for their next event. Whether it’s hip & happening Austin, dazzling Dallas, multicultural El Paso, the western frontier town of Fort Worth or historic San Antonio, each Texas city has its own appeal.

Austin

On the cutting edge of what’s trending, Austin always amazes. From the top-notch music scene that brings us Austin City Limits, to unique venues that welcome residents and visitors alike, the city hums and vibrates with a sense of electricity. Recently, Austin was ranked No. 9 on the Top 10 MICE Destinations for 2024 by Global DMC Partners.

Some groups who’ve coordinated events are the Texas Library Association (TLA), which hosts its annual conference in Austin and brings together librarians and literary advocates; the regional conference for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), focusing on engineering practices; the American Society for Quality (ASQ), which plans to host its annual conference with a focus on a wide range of disciplines.

Of note is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which has expanded its terminal with new gates and updated facilities. The airport also recently introduced new food and beverage options to reflect local flavors. The Austin Convention Center (ACC) will be closing for construction on a vertical expansion to begin in April 2025. At an estimated cost of $1.6 billion, it will nearly double the amount of rentable space and is anticipated to take about four years to complete.

Another project is the CitizenM Austin Downtown, which opened in February and features contemporary art, king-sized beds in every room and a half-mile location from the ACC, while hotel properties such as the 159-room Hotel ZaZa Austin Downtown feature a seventh-floor lounge and poolside cabana bar and 10,000 sf of meeting, pre-function and event space,

The Fairmont Austin, the city’s largest hotel with 1,048 rooms and nearly 140,000 sf of meeting space, commands a sweeping view from its indoor-outdoor seventh-floor event space where two ballrooms feature a built-in stage. It also boasts Austin’s first food hall, Revue, which serves dishes from four “culinary worlds” while providing group dining at communal tables. To accommodate convention goers, it is connected via skybridge to the ACC. It, along with the 319-room Hotel Van Zandt and the 801-room Hilton Austin, are launching a coalition intended to make booking large room blocks more streamlined. And in spring 2025, the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center will begin a $30 million upgrade to its existing 85,000 sf of meeting space.

Unique spaces in the city run the gamut from the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which offers spaces against a rich historical backdrop (making it ideal for educational events or receptions), 800 Congress, a modern, flexible event space in the heart of downtown that’s well suited to more social events, or various venues at The Domain, a shopping and dining district containing venues for both indoor and outdoor events.

Austin is known for supporting sustainability, so what better way to embrace that ethos than at the Sustainable Food Center? Offering classes on everything from Indian curries to beekeeping to home butchery, the nonprofit center supports the local community by providing access to and information about healthy, organic, nutritious and affordable foods.

Dallas

Serving both Dallas and Fort Worth, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is undergoing significant renovations, including rebuilding Terminal C and improvements to the overall passenger experience. New dining and shopping options have been geared toward enhancing the convenience for travelers. It was recently awarded by Airports Council International as the No. 1 airport for customer service. (Nearby Dallas Love Field ranks No. 4 for traveler satisfaction in the U.S. according to a J.D. Power survey.)

With more than 35,000 rooms available in the city, there are plenty of options, including the Omni Dallas Hotel, which has undergone renovations to update its event spaces and guest rooms. Connected to the convention center, the hotel features 1,001 rooms, meeting spaces totaling 110,000 sf and a rooftop infinity pool.

Some associations that have upcoming gatherings on the books are the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which is planning its national convention, as well as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), which is also slated to host its annual conference.

“After years of rotating between two cities, we chose Dallas for the 2024 edition of GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo,” says Molly Grenn, vice president of event logistics at the National Glass Association. “This decision generated significant excitement and resulted in our largest show in 16 years, featuring 535 exhibitors across over 200,000 sf and attracting more than 9,400 participants. The city of Dallas warmly welcomed us, and we look forward to returning once the new building is completed.”

Bespoke experiences can be created in unique spaces like The Factory in Deep Ellum (a multi-ethnic residential and commercial neighborhood originally established in 1873); The Rustic, a spacious venue with indoor and outdoor areas featuring live music and a relaxed atmosphere; the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which offers stunning gardens and scenic views for outdoor events; or the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, a historic site with event spaces that provide a unique backdrop for meetings and receptions. Dallas also boasts the largest urban arts district in the nation.

if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider booking your group at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a 1,800-acre, forested property located about an hour’s drive southwest of Dallas in Glen Rose. Originally an exotic game ranch, it was purchased in the 1970s by a Texas businessman and transformed into an animal sanctuary and successful captive-breeding facility. Home to various species of hoof-stock, endangered or threatened bird species and reticulated giraffes, the facility also welcomes overnight guests in their glamping tents located alongside the sanctuary’s watering hole, or in the main building at the Lodge at Fossil Rim. Both lodging options provide the bonus of being able to take an early morning guided tour in open-air vehicles before the general public shows up.

El Paso

From western-themed activities like horseback rides or roping lessons to diverse museum and cultural centers, El Paso has a lot going for it. With its eclectic mix of modern and historic hotel accommodations, sports teams, a multi-purpose arena and a zoo expansion, El Paso is a destination of note in the Lone Star State.

As Visit El Paso notes, “We’re a border city. [Our] culture is influenced by a mix of American and Mexican traditions. As a result, El Pasoans are quick to offer hospitality and friendship to locals and visitors alike. We take great pride in our city and love to share our knowledge on the best place to get tamales, our favorite hiking trails, the best places to view a West Texas sunset and more.”

Unique venues for group events range from the El Paso Museum of Art (with creative galleries ideal for receptions), to the Fountains at Farrah (a shopping center with event spaces for dining and entertainment) and the Plaza Theater (a restored historic venue ideal for presentations, performances or special events). Other venues include The Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection, a historic downtown hotel with 32,000 sf of event space including a Grand Ballroom, boardroom and rooftop venue, and Marriott El Paso, with more than 13,000 sf of meeting space.

El Paso is also the host of MPI Americas, a three-night forum that includes meetings, networking, social events and destination discovery activities.

Fort Worth

It’s no longer the wild west in Fort Worth. Transforming from its humble historic beginnings, today this bustling city boasts an easy-to-navigate convention district, anchored by the Fort Worth Convention Center (with more than 250,000 sf of exhibit space and a 28,000 sf ballroom). For outdoor events, there’s Sundance Square (named after Butch Cassidy’s partner-in-crime), where you might incorporate the daily outdoor tradition of driving the Fort Worth Herd of Longhorn steer down East Exchange Avenue and through the historic stockyards at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time (weather permitting), in front of the Livestock Exchange Building. According to the Fort Worth Stockyards, “every detail of the cattle drive — from the saddles and chaps to the boots and hats – is authentic and historically true.”

The city has its own share of properties and special event venues it can brag about, including the 403-room Sheraton Forth Worth Downtown, which has recently completed a $50 million upgrade. The lobby has been transformed into a “calming space featuring an abstract western décor,” notes the hotel’s general manager, Damien O’Connor. The hotel now boasts 30,000 sf of meeting space, including the 8,600 sf Magnolia Ballroom, the smaller Oak Ballroom, and a handful of breakout rooms, making it a good choice for an all-in-one venue in which to meet and stay. Across the street from the convention center is the 614-room Omni Fort Worth Hotel with 68,000 sf of event space.

“Our conferences in Fort Worth have been tremendously successful, thanks to the exceptional collaboration with the Visit Fort Worth and convention center teams,” says Leslie Froeschle, conference manager for the career & technical association of Texas. “Their proactive, customer-focused approach ensures a seamless experience from start to finish, creating a welcoming and well-organized environment for our attendees. The level of support we receive repeatedly exceeds our expectations, enabling our guests to fully enjoy Fort Worth’s unique charm while participating in flawlessly executed events. The professionalism and dedication of the Fort Worth hospitality professionals turn our visions into reality, making Fort Worth an ideal destination for any meeting or event.”

If your group responds to a more contemporary, eclectic vibe, try The Crescent Hotel. Opened in 2023, the property offers a sleek, modern feel across its five floors and “mirrors the unique history, diversity and character of the city.” Named the No. 1 Hotel in Texas by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024, the 200-room hotel sits within the Cultural District, with a total of 14,000 sf of event space and 10 meeting rooms.

“The Texas Food & Fuel Association has worked with Visit Fort Worth since 2013, and their team consistently goes above and beyond to meet our needs,” says Annette Hicks, CMP, vice president of meetings & events, Texas Food & Fuel Association. “Their deep understanding of our event requirements and their commitment to exceptional hospitality make Fort Worth the ideal destination. Whether for a small gathering or a large conference, the Visit Fort Worth team ensures a seamless, memorable experience every time. We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with a destination that truly understands the art of hospitality and embodies ‘Cowboys and Culture.’”

Some cultural venues of note are The Kimbell Art Museum, which offers elegant spaces surrounded by world-class art for sophisticated gatherings, and The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, with a contemporary design and beautiful outdoor areas well suited for evening receptions.

San Antonio

As a “meeting and convention powerhouse,” San Antonio offers planners more than 4,800 hotel rooms citywide and a choice of over 4,000 dining options. The city also claims the “World’s Largest Hotel Lobby” in reference to the River Walk, which offers shopping, arts and culture and outdoor water-based activities for groups of all sizes. The 1.6 million sf Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center sits on the banks of the San Antonio River, hosting more than 300 events per year while welcoming approximately three-quarters of a million attendees. A recent expansion and modernization of the center created a plethora of meeting space, which also includes the Stars at Night Ballroom — the largest in Texas.

Four new hotels are gracing the San Antonio landscape in the coming months, including a 347-room Kimpton Santo Hotel with more than 13,000 sf of event space and a rooftop pool with private cabanas, two ballrooms and an outdoor atrium. The 390-room InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk boasts easy access to a water-taxi loading zone and an 8,000 sf ballroom with 18-foot ceilings. The 253-room Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa is a 10-minute walk from the convention center. The hotel is made up of three historic buildings and features lush gardens. Lastly, the Autograph Hotel from Marriott will add a combined 990 rooms to the city’s downtown inventory.

One of the improvements in the works within the city is a $500 million plan to improve the city’s historic landmark, The Alamo. In addition, San Antonio’s Airport has initiated a Terminal Development Program with a $2.5 billion investment, adding new terminal spaces, terminal gates and is slated to be completed in 2028.

Laredo

On the banks of the Rio Grande, Laredo is a mix of cultures and influences. This border town is quaint with unique shops, authentic Mexican food, historic landmarks and one of the best golf courses in Texas, the 18-hole Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course. That is in addition to the Casa Blanca course and the private Laredo Country Club Course. Planners will find plenty of places to stay while in town as more than 4,000 hotel rooms are available. Two hotels are full service with in-house catering/ restaurant and meeting space – La Posada, with 12,075 sf, and Embassy Suites with 5,796 sf. They also have a third hotel, a DoubleTree, opening in April. For larger meetings, planners may gravitate to the Sames Auto Arena, a 178,000-sf facility that offers 32,000 sf of contiguous open floor space that can seat 10,000 people. There is also the Uni-Trade Stadium with a capacity of 6,000. It can convert its club level into a space for events for up to 450 people. Back in the spring, the city held a meeting to discuss the plans for a new convention center, estimated to cost more than $12 million, which is still in the works. The city is also a college town, with Texas A&M University’s meeting facilities holding up to 500 people and Laredo College capable of accommodating 450 attendees. No matter where your event is held, attendees are sure to appreciate the Tex-Mex experience they will find in this small gem deep in the heart of Texas. | AC&F |