Located just northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, McKinney provides an opportune landscape for meetings and events, thanks to its accessibility, distinctive heritage, and abundant venues and activities. With its lively downtown and expansive outdoor recreation scene, McKinney ensures groups will find something for every attendee to enjoy, from scenic walking trails to locally owned shops and galleries housed in striking 19th-century buildings.
Vibe: “Spring is one of the best times to explore McKinney, with its outdoor, cultural, and historic experiences that work perfectly for groups,” says Sarah Nolting, senior communications and media specialist at Visit McKinney, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. “The city is known for its strong sense of community, thriving arts scene, and family-friendly neighborhoods.”
Transportation: Its location near Dallas-Fort Worth means McKinney is accessible by airplane via both Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Attendees also can get to the city by car via U.S. Route 75 and state Route 121. Once they arrive, there are plenty of ride-sharing and public transportation services to get around, with the latter including the free McKinney Downtown Trolley.
Hotels: “The Sheraton McKinney Hotel offers a polished, full-service setting ideal for meetings, conferences, and group events,” says Nolting. “The Holiday Inn & Suites McKinney–N Allen is a good choice for small- to medium-size meetings and banquets. … [And] the Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas McKinney can handle smaller, more intimate meetings with a capacity of around 45 people.” The Sheraton features 11,451 square feet of event space, the Holiday Inn has an executive boardroom and a ballroom, and the Fairfield Inn offers 961 square feet of meeting and event space.
Venues: While McKinney has many event venues, its historic options stand out. The McKinney Performing Arts Center is within the Old Collin County Courthouse and features a 427-seat theater, and the McKinney Cotton Mill was once a textile warehouse in the early 1900s and now features more than 10,000 square feet of event space. The Sanctuary McKinney in Adriatica Village (a multipurpose development modeled after a Croatian village) has a two-level event hall suitable for most any reception, dinner, and gala.
Restaurants: “Most restaurants in McKinney offer catering or provide food for [everything from] large to small groups,” says Nolting. “Some McKinney favorites include Harvest at The Masonic, Centro on The Square, Hutchins BBQ, Local Yocal BBQ and Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Mi Cocina, Rick’s Chophouse, Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen, The Stix Icehouse, and The Yard.” All the restaurants provide private dining and/or catering.
Must-Sees & -Dos: To best enjoy springtime in McKinney, Nolting recommends a visit to the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, housed on 289 acres of nature trails, wetlands, native plant gardens, and live-animal habitats. McKinney Hat Co. provides customizable experiences for groups to select, fit, shape, and personalize cowboy hats, while the McKinney Farmers Market operates year-round and features community vendors.
