More than just meeting spaces, the Bradenton area offers a myriad possibilities to impress and inspire. While it’s the perfect place for your conference, trade show, or corporate gathering, you and your group also can enjoy outdoor adventure, rich cultural experiences, and a chance to relax on breathtaking beaches.
Meetings shine brighter at the newly transformed Bradenton Area Convention Center. Featuring 95,000 square feet of versatile, contemporary meeting space, the venue comfortably hosts unforgettable events for up to 3,800 guests. A new grand ballroom accommodates up to 800 attendees banquet-style, while the expansive exhibit hall supports large-scale general sessions, expos, and galas. A conference center with four breakout rooms that can be divided into seven spaces, as well as two outdoor plazas, allows planners to shape programs that flow smoothly and keep attendees engaged.
The convention center’s in-house, full-service caterer, Gulf Islands Hospitality, specializes in customizing menus to excite and please all palates. The culinary team delights in treating attendees to a fusion of fresh Floridian favorites and bright Caribbean flavors, celebrated locally as “Floribbean cuisine.”
The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, connected via climate-controlled walkway, anchors the experience as the convention center’s headquarters hotel. With 252 guest rooms, two restaurants, a full-service spa, and additional meeting space, everything your group needs is thoughtfully connected in one footprint.
Once meetings conclude, the Bradenton area invites groups to reconnect through mouthwatering cuisine, outdoor adventures, and arts and culture. Dining options range from high-end rooftop lounges with views of the Manatee River to beautiful beachside restaurants and laid-back breweries. Head outside for hiking, fishing, paddling, or just soaking up the sun. Visit the Herrig Center for the Arts to take an art class, browse the galleries, and find unique gifts. And with the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of Anna Maria Island just a ferry ride away, attendees will want to extend their stay to unplug and enjoy themselves.
Throughout the process, planners benefit from the area expertise and the support of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau team. They can assist with logistics and off-site activities—saving time, reducing stress, and elevating the overall experience.
