In the heart of the rolling Texas Hill Country, the state’s capital city draws people from around the world to experience Tex-Mex food, live music, and the quirkiness that Austin is known for. The city radiates a youthful vibe, offering planners and attendees plenty of opportunities for fun. While you will see lots of “Keep Austin weird” bumper stickers, the city knows how to get down to business. Hosting meetings in the same city as the historic Capitol building means planners will have their choice of venues full of character and charm. Hill Country views and mild winters extend the life of outdoor events, and summers are survivable thanks to plenty of indoor meeting space.
“Austin continues to draw meeting planners and attendees from across the globe thanks to our unique combination of world-class venues, vibrant culture, and legendary hospitality,” says Steve Genovesi, executive vice president at Visit Austin. “Being centrally located in the heart of Texas means easy access, with over 350 daily flights through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.” It’s no wonder Austin continues to top meeting planners’ lists of favorite cities.
With a population of 980,000, Austin is the fifth-largest city in the state. The land was originally occupied by the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples, but in 1839 it was designated the permanent capital of the Republic of Texas and named to honor one of its pivotal founders, Stephen F. Austin. The city was incorporated in 1840, and, in 1845, Texas was admitted to the U.S. Ranching, farming, and trading via railroad made the city a hub of the Hill Country. By the 1990s, technology companies created a new boom in growth.
Today, major corporations with headquarters located in the greater Austin area include Dell, Indeed, Oracle, Tesla, Vrbo, Whole Foods, and Yeti. The area is home to 20 colleges and universities, including The University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, and
St. Edward’s University.
“Austin stands out as an ideal destination for meetings and events due to its dynamic mix of features,” says Stephanie Shives, director of sales and marketing at Austin’s Hotel Van Zandt. “The city’s renowned food and beverage scene, with a focus on local flavors and diverse cuisines, provides memorable dining experiences for attendees. Austin is also famous for its live music scene, with hundreds of venues offering entertainment for every taste. Additionally, distinct entertainment districts such as Rainey Street, the Red River Cultural District, and Sixth Street add to the city’s allure, offering plenty of options for post-event fun and relaxation.”
Meet Downtown
Downtown Austin offers a plethora of hotel, venue, and dining options, and is anchored by the Austin Convention Center. A $1.6 billion renovation and expansion project is currently underway, causing a temporary closure of the venue until 2029. Meanwhile, hotels in the surrounding area are banding together to provide event planners with innovative alternatives.
“With the Austin Convention Center set to close for redevelopment this year, the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is stepping up alongside hotel partners across the city and at Visit Austin to ensure Austin remains a premier destination for meetings and conferences,” says Josh Delgado, director of sales and marketing for AT&T Hotel and Conference Center.
Groups of hotels have banded together to offer planners shared resources, including guest rooms, dining options, and meeting spaces across brands. The AustinPlace Hotel Collection represents the 1,012-room JW Marriott Austin with 120,000 square feet of meeting space, the 326-room Westin Austin Downtown near East Sixth Street, and the Hotel Trinity, Autograph Collection, which is set to open next year. Alternatively, the Red River Collection includes the 801-room Hilton Austin adjacent to the convention center, 1,048-room Fairmont Austin with 140,000 square feet of meeting space, and the 319-room Hotel Van Zandt.
“Hotel Van Zandt located in downtown Austin in the Rainey Street Historic District offers an eclectic and dynamic range of event spaces that sets it apart from traditional venues,” says Shives. “Its unique decor and innovative design elements blend modern style with Austin’s vibrant cultural energy, creating an inspiring atmosphere for corporate meetings, social gatherings, and more.”
Other downtown hotel options include the 278-room Aloft Austin Downtown, the 144-room Element Austin Downtown, and the 613-room Austin Marriott Downtown, with 60,000 square feet of meeting space.
University Proximity
“What sets Austin apart as a conference destination is its unique blend of innovation, culture, and hospitality,” says Alison Berg, general manager of the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. “Located on The University of Texas at Austin campus, our hotel offers a seamless connection to the city’s dynamic energy, from its vibrant music and culinary scenes to its reputation as a hub for technology and creativity.”
The venue offers 297 guest rooms and is undergoing extensive renovations. “Our $30 million renovation, which includes a new junior ballroom, will complement our existing two expansive ballrooms and 85,000 square feet of meeting space in 53 rooms,” says Delgado. “These enhancements will further provide versatile and turnkey high-tech event spaces within a luxury hotel.” Renovations are slated to be complete later this year.
Additional accommodations near the university include the 191-room Otis Hotel Austin, Autograph Collection; the 162-room Moxy Austin-University; and the 156-room AC Hotel Austin-University.
Just south of the university near the northern banks of the Colorado River, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater seats 2,750 or offers gala space on the floor for up to 400. The Palmer Events Center is south of the river and offers two exhibit halls totaling 70,000 square feet, plus an additional 5,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 50,000 square feet of outdoor, canopy-covered space. Nearby, the Long Center for the Performing Arts features the 2,442-seat Michael and Susan Dell Hall, as well as innovative outdoor spaces.
The Heart of Austin
“Austin offers diverse meeting spaces ranging from innovative tech campuses to historic venues that capture Austin’s distinctive character,” says Genovesi. The 428-room Line Austin boutique hotel offers 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, and the historic Driskill Hotel features 189 luxurious guest rooms and 18,000 square feet of elegant meeting space, including the 1,800-square-foot Driskill Grill that can be booked for up to 80 attendees.
“Our year-round sunshine and mild climate make outdoor networking and team-building activities possible in any season,” adds Genovesi. Zanzibar’s rooftop terrace and covered event deck bring a tropical oasis to the seventh floor of the Austin Marriott Downtown, just a few blocks from East Sixth Street. Meanwhile Brewing Co., set on 3.7 acres southeast of downtown, offers food trucks and fresh brews for attendees in its 225-seat taproom or beer garden for up to 500.
Farther north, the 346-room Westin Austin at The Domain provides 17,000 square feet of meeting space in the heart of a shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Valencia Hotel Collection’s Lone Star Court offers 123 rooms and 7,200 square feet of meeting space.
When gathering in Austin, planners can give their attendees not only a successful meeting but also an unforgettable experience framed by the city’s dynamic culture—and a good brew or two.
acllive.com
driskillhotel.com
fairmont.com
hilton.com
hotelvanzandt.com
thelinehotel.com
lonestarcourt.com
thelongcenter.org
marriott.com
meanwhilebeer.com
meetattexas.com
palmereventscenter.com
visitaustin.com
whitelodging.com
zanzibaratx.com
