9 Great Locations to Host a Conference or User Meetup
9 Great Locations to Host a Conference or User Meetup
BoomPop Team · 2/5/2025
Unexpected, dynamic cities, perfect for hosting your next conference—that aren't Las Vegas.
Planning a conference can be exciting, but often, the first thought that comes to mind is Las Vegas. While Vegas certainly has its appeal, there are many other fantastic conference locations across the US that offer unique advantages for hosting a successful event.
Let’s explore 9 exciting alternatives to Las Vegas, each with its own distinct charm and appeal.
1. Salt Lake City, Utah
Escape to the vibrant city of Salt Lake City, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. This vibrant city offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication.
Travel: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Dining: Diverse local restaurants with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Great for: Conferences with a focus on health and wellness, outdoor recreation, or faith-based organizations.
What to think about: Consider offering outdoor activities or team-building events to take advantage of the stunning mountain scenery.
Location Spotlight: Within a close walk to the Salt Palace Convention Center, this downtown hotel also offers ample meeting spaces and easy access to dining and local activities.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Discover the vibrant arts scene and friendly atmosphere of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This Midwest gem offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and Midwestern charm.
Travel: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
Dining: Known for farm-to-table dining and comfort food classics.
Great for: Conferences in the arts, education, and business sectors.
What to think about: Consider incorporating local cultural experiences into your conference program.
Location Spotlight: This downtown Minneapolis location, directly connected by skyway to the Minneapolis Convention Center and the Minnesota Orchestra, also boasts a ballroom that seats nearly 2,000 people and ample onsite meeting space of its own.
3. Phoenix, Arizona
Embrace the sunshine and warm weather with a conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Explore the desert landscapes, high-quality resorts, and vibrant Southwestern culture.
Travel: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Dining: Southwestern cuisine and resort dining.
Great for: Small-to-midsize onsite conventions, or larger events with convention center space.
What to think about: Consider scheduling your conference during the cooler months to avoid the intense summer heat.
Location Spotlight: With access to the downtown convention center and entertainment venues, this hotel is one of several in Phoenix to consider.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Experience the vibrant energy of Music City in Nashville, Tennessee. Explore the bustling art scene, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious Southern comfort food.
Travel: Nashville International Airport (BNA).
Dining: Southern comfort food and eclectic dining.
Great for: Conferences in the music industry, creative arts, and entertainment.
What to think about: Plan for evening entertainment options to take advantage of Nashville's vibrant nightlife.
Location Spotlight: In the heart of downtown Nashville, this location is close to historic attractions and offers onsite entertainment and meeting spaces.
5. Denver, Colorado
Experience the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado. With stunning mountain views, world-class outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Denver offers a unique and inspiring setting for your next conference.
Travel: Denver International Airport (DEN).
Dining: Farm-to-table dining and craft breweries.
Great for: Active and outdoorsy groups; conferences with a focus on health and wellness.
What to think about: Consider offering outdoor activities or team-building events to take advantage of the stunning mountain scenery.
Location Spotlight: Just a walk away from the convention center and boasting lots of onsite meeting space as well, here’s one of many locations to consider hosting a conference in Denver.
6. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a popular destination for a reason! With world-class attractions, diverse dining options, and the spacious Orange County Convention Center, it's a great option for a variety of conferences and user events.
Travel: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is well-connected.
Dining: Diverse options, from Disney Springs to local gems.
Great for: Large and mid-size conferences; family-friendly events.
What to think about: Cost, timing, and availability since this is also a popular vacation spot.
Location Spotlight: Access to the Orlando County Convention Center plus an onsite conference space make this Orlando resort is a great spot for hosting a conference.
7. Austin, Texas
Experience the vibrant energy of Austin, Texas, with its renowned music scene, innovative tech companies, and delicious food. The Austin Convention Center offers state-of-the-art facilities, while the city itself boasts a walkable downtown and a lively atmosphere.
Travel: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
Dining: Famous for BBQ, tacos, and trendy food trucks.
Great for: Tech conferences, creative industries, and events that value a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
What to think about: Austin is a popular destination, so book accommodations and venues well in advance, especially during peak season.
Location Spotlight: This Austin hotel and convention center is one of many locations in this city to consider, in the heart of downtown and with ample onsite meeting space, it’s just a walk away from some of the city’s most unforgettable dining experiences.
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle offers a vibrant tech scene, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving culinary scene. With the Washington State Convention Center and easy access to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle is an ideal location for conferences in technology, innovation, and the creative industries.
Travel: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Dining: Renowned coffee, seafood, and diverse cuisine.
Great for: Tech conferences, creative industries, and events that value innovation.
What to think about: Consider travel for your attendees if a lot are on the East Coast and arrange your schedule accordingly.
Location Spotlight: With a grand ballroom that seats over 1,400 and a five-minute walk from the Seattle Convention Center, this location is one of many in Seattle to consider.
9. Portland, Oregon
Immerse yourself in the unique and creative spirit of Portland, Oregon. With its thriving arts scene, focus on sustainability and abundance of boutique venues, Portland offers a refreshing alternative to traditional conference destinations.
Travel: Portland International Airport (PDX).
Dining: Artisan coffee, craft breweries, and cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
Great for: Conferences in the tech, creative, and sustainability sectors.
What to think about: Consider incorporating local food and drink into your event and highlighting the city's eco-friendly initiatives.
Location Spotlight: From luxury hotels with onsite meeting space to boutique hotels for intimate events, all within walking distance from the Portland Convention Center, there are lots of great options to consider!
Incredible Conference Locations
These locations are great for conferences and user events of all sorts, and the good news is - this is only a starting point for inspiration! With the right expertise, creative conference solutions can be found in almost every location around the country, including remote destinations within a couple of hours of major airports
Ready to start planning your next conference? Explore more expert tips and schedule a free consultation - to see how our team can team source the best fit for your conference or user event!
