6 Best U.S. Cities for Business Meetings

When you’re planning a business meeting, you’re likely drawn to the biggest cities — and for good reason. It’s not just that these cities are popular. They make meeting planning easier. Especially since they have a few common denominators that make it more agreeable to travel to and to rotate through. For example:  

• Easy to get to, with major airports and transportation options.
• Meeting venues that range in size, style, and cost.
• Great activities and plentiful cuisine options. 
• Weather is steady, depending on the time of year.

Choosing a destination city that consistently meets your needs for in-person meetings is a logical choice. At TROOP, we know that every team’s travel needs are unique. That’s why we analyze travel origins and recommend destinations that work for your attendees. But beyond logistics, you’ll also want to think about seasonality, costs, and the experience for everyone involved.

What are the best U.S. cities for business meetings?

To highlight some popular destinations, we reviewed our customer-analyzed meetings over the past two years. These six U.S. cities consistently rose to the top. Here we explore what they have in common and share some planning tips per city. 

1. Atlanta, Georgia

A major hub for Fortune 500 companies and startups alike, Atlanta offers strong business infrastructure and southern hospitality. It’s also Delta’s home base, so flight options are plentiful.

• Popular meeting spaces: Roam, Buckhead Club, Georgia World Congress Center, Ponce City Market, and Chattahoochee Coffee Company.

• Can’t miss activities: Georgia Aquarium, Skyline Park, bicycle tours, cooking classes, and more.

• Weather: great option for the fall to winter months when the weather is sunny, cool, and dry. Attendees only need a light jacket and maybe an umbrella, with reasonable temperatures, you can easily schedule outdoor activities. Whereas the summers can get very humid, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
• Cost: medium.

TROOP tip: Attendees may need to rent a car or rely on rideshares, as the city is more spread out than walkable metros like New York City.

2. Chicago, Illinois 

Centrally located with two major airports, Chicago is a favorite for domestic or international meetings. Downtown Chicago offers a walkable experience with plenty of options for venues, hotels, restaurants and team activities.

• Popular meeting spaces: Palmer House, Creative Coworking, Office Evolution Chicago-O'Hare, McCormick Place — many of the hotels in Chicago offer smaller and more intimate meeting rooms for smaller meetings.

• Can’t miss activities: The Riverwalk, Willis Tower, Second City Comedy, Millennium Park (see "the Bean"), Chicago River cruises, and museum tours.

• Weather: best during the fall and spring where you can enjoy outdoor activities.

• Cost: high.

TROOP tip: While summers are fun, they’re also busy and humid. Winters? Snowy and intense. Plan accordingly.

3. Denver, Colorado

Denver is a fast-growing city that’s ideal for offsites and retreats, especially for teams spread across the country. Its balance of nature and business makes it a top pick.

• Popular meeting spaces: Colorado Convention Center, Shift Workspaces, Venture X, Grid Collaborative Workspace, Upper Larimer, and Denver Marriott Tech Center.

• Can’t miss activities: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Meow Wolf, Rocky Mountain hikes, woodworking classes, comedy shows, and Rockies games.

• Weather: if you want pleasant weather and fewer crowds, then April-May and September-October are most ideal. While late fall and winter will bring in crowds as folks hit the slopes. 

• Cost: medium.

TROOP tip: Denver’s outdoor scene is unmatched, so lean into it with fresh-air team activities.

4. New York City, New York

New York City (NYC) sets the standard for accessibility. With three major airports, it’s easy to get attendees in from anywhere. Venue options range from grand ballrooms to cozy boutique spaces. From iconic delis to Michelin-starred restaurants and everything in between, NYC offers unforgettable dining experiences to satisfy every taste and budget.

• Popular meeting spaces: Pier 36, Gotham Hall, NoMad, and WeWork. Any number of hotels should offer smaller meeting rooms if you need to accommodate smaller groups.

• Can’t miss activities: Central Park, Chelsea Pier, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway shows, comedy gigs, and more.

• Weather: the most comfortable time to go is during the spring and fall as the weather is agreeable and there aren’t as many crowds. Winter means temperatures dropping below freezing at times, snow and rain are more frequent so travel can get disrupted and outdoor activities are a no-go. 

• Cost: high.

TROOP tip: While traffic is legendary, public transit and walkability help keep your meeting running smoothly.

5. Seattle, Washington

Downtown Seattle is compact, sustainable, and filled with tech-forward spaces. You’ll find top-notch meeting spots, great food, and gorgeous water views all within walking distance.

• Popular meeting spaces: Washington State Convention Center, Block 41, Workhorse Coworking, West Seattle Coworking - Junction, and The Meeting Room at The HUB.

• Can’t miss activities: Pike Place Market, Electric Boat Company tours, Great Guac Off competition, Space Needle, Starbucks Flagship Store, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

• Weather: the months of June through September offer warm, sunny days and the least amount of rain. However, this is also peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and more crowds. 

• Cost: high.

TROOP tip: For fewer crowds and better rates, try May or early fall instead of peak summer.

6. Washington D.C. 

The nation’s capital is a common meeting destination, and for good reason. With historical backdrops and meeting venues at every turn (from cool co-working spots to historical buildings), you have access to any number of spaces for a business meeting. 

• Popular meeting spaces: The National Press Club, Regus meeting rooms, AdvantEdge Workspaces, The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and The National Mall. 

• Can’t miss activities: Capitol Building and Library of Congress, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Smithsonian museums, and the National Mall.

• Weather: Spring is ideal for cherry blossoms and mild weather. Summer brings heat, humidity, and higher prices due to tourist traffic. Fall offers comfortable temps and fewer crowds, and while winter is the most budget-friendly, but colder and snowier.

• Cost: medium.

TROOP tip: Congress is often in session during fall, so expect crowds and higher prices downtown.

Review the best U.S. cities for business meetings

The six best U.S. cities for business meetings are ones we are all familiar with. They offer everything you need to make your meetings a success — from reliable transportation and convenient travel options to a great mix of activities and cuisine, it’s no wonder why most meeting planners gravitate to them.