Two meetings can share the same objectives, the same attendees, and even the same agenda — yet feel completely different because of one decision: where you meet.
In the right destination, travel is simple, venues are close together, and the surrounding neighborhood makes it easy for teams to connect between sessions. In the other, indirect flights, long transfers, and scattered locations chip away at time and energy.
Experienced planners know the difference isn’t luck — it comes from choosing a destination that fits the meeting’s purpose, attendees, and logistics.
10 best cities for in-person meetings and team gatherings in 2026
These destinations stand out as the best cities for in-person meetings in 2026 based on real meeting activity from TROOP users — ranked by popularity.
1. New York City, New York
New York City (NYC) is one of the most accessible and globally connected destinations in the world. With major international airports, extensive rail connections, and urban areas packed with venues, NYC simplifies travel from nearly anywhere. Many businesses have offices or representatives in NYC, making it easy to combine meetings with time alongside key partners or customers.
- Where teams typically meet: Convene (multiple Midtown locations), WeWork (city-wide), Industrious (multiple Manhattan locations), NeueHouse Madison Square, Pier 36, and Midtown and Lower Manhattan business hotels.
- Can’t miss activities: Walk through Central Park, see a Broadway show, explore the Museum of Modern Art or the Met, or visit Hudson Yards or the High Line.
- Weather: New York experiences cold winters and hot, humid summers that can affect travel and attendee comfort. Late spring and early fall often provide the best balance of weather.
TROOP tip: Keep venues and hotels within the same neighborhood — cross-town travel in New York can quickly eat into meeting time.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a centrally located and highly accessible destination that offers two major airports (ORD and MDW) and rail connectivity. The Windy City’s downtown combines established business infrastructure with walkable districts along the riverfront, making it easy to keep meetings centralized.
- Where teams typically meet: The Langham Chicago, Convene at Willis Tower, Workbox Chicago, The Hoxton Chicago, and Morgan Manufacturing.
- Can’t miss activities: Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, take in skyline views with a boat tour, or plan a team dinner in Fulton Market or the West Loop.
- Weather: Chicago’s four-season climate means cold, sometimes disruptive winters and busy summers filled with festivals (like Lollapalooza) that increase demand. Spring and fall usually bring milder conditions and more flexibility.
TROOP tip: Chicago weather can shift quickly — always have a backup plan with indoor options to keep sessions on time and attendees comfortable.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Home to one of the world’s busiest airports (ATL), Atlanta provides nonstop access from major domestic and international destinations. A strong corporate presence, growing tech scene, and vibrant food and culture make it a natural place for teams to gather.
- Where teams typically meet: The Bellyard at West Midtown, Roam (Buckhead and Midtown locations), The Gathering Spot, and Buckhead and Midtown business hotels.
- Can’t miss activities: Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, tour the Georgia Aquarium, walk the Atlanta BeltLine, or gather at Ponce City Market for food, rooftop views, or casual team activities.
- Weather: Spring and fall make planning easiest, though early spring brings heavy pollen. Summers are very humid so outdoor activities or walking between venues is less pleasant. From March through November, Braves games, conventions, and college football weekends can drive hotel demand and increase traffic.
TROOP tip: Choose one primary neighborhood (Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown) and plan around it. Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, so keeping venues, hotels, and activities within the same area helps minimize transfers.
4. Washington D.C.
With three major airports, direct Amtrak access, a strong metro system for local transit, and a walkable downtown, Washington, D.C. is easy to navigate. Its concentration of government offices, historic landmarks, and museums makes it a unique destination for in-person meetings.
- Where teams typically meet: The Conrad Washington DC, Convene Hamilton Square, MakeOffices (Downtown locations), hotels across Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle.
- Can’t miss activities: Tour the National Mall monuments, visit the National Portrait Gallery, walk along The Wharf waterfront, or explore Smithsonian museums as a team.
- Weather: Cherry Blossom season in early spring draws heavy crowds, so expect higher costs. Summers are hot and humid, while winter can occasionally bring travel delays.
TROOP tip: Monitor the Congressional calendar and major government events when selecting dates. They can quickly impact hotel availability, pricing, and traffic across the city.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis offers strong national access through MSP, making it an easy meeting point for teams traveling from both coasts. With a major airport hub, competitive pricing compared to larger metros, and a growing tech and corporate presence, the city has become a practical choice for in-person meetings.
- Where teams typically meet: The InterContinental Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, The Coven (North Loop), Fueled Collective (Downtown Minneapolis), and North Loop venues like The Hewing Hotel.
- Can’t miss activities: Walk the Stone Arch Bridge, enjoy a classic Juicy Lucy, explore Lake Harriet or Lake Nokomis, visit the State Fair (late August - early September), or catch a live music experience in Prince’s hometown.
- Weather: Fall’s vibrant colors and cooler temperatures make it a great time for outdoor team-building activities, while heavy winter snow increases the risk of travel delays.
TROOP tip: If you're meeting downtown in winter, take advantage of the Skyway — 9.5 miles of climate-controlled walkways connecting hotels, venues, and restaurants. Confirm your hotel and venue are connected, and share a map with attendees ahead of time, as the system can be disorienting for first-timers.
6. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is easy to access with two major airports (DFW and DAL). Meeting options span Uptown, Plano, Frisco, and nearby Fort Worth, where modern venues, dining districts, and unique spaces make it easy to plan team gatherings.
- Where teams typically meet: The Joule, Convene at 301 Commerce Street, Common Desk, Hotel Crescent Court, and Venture X Dallas.
- Can’t miss activities: Explore the Dallas Arts District, visit the Sixth Floor Museum or the Perot Museum, try interactive gaming at Immersive Gamebox in Deep Ellum, or spend an evening at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
- Weather: Spring and fall are the easiest seasons for planning, with moderate temperatures. Summer heat and humidity make indoor venues and evening activities the more practical choice.
TROOP tip: Choose your airport strategically — DFW works well for broader domestic and international travel while DAL fits regional teams.
7. Denver, Colorado
Denver makes travel straightforward, with nonstop routes from most major U.S. cities into DEN. A compact downtown and easy access to nearby mountains allow teams to balance focused sessions with time outside.
- Where teams typically meet: The Crawford Hotel at Union Station, Convene at 1800 Larimer, Kiln (Downtown Denver), The Ramble Hotel, and The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block.
- Can’t miss activities: Walk or dine around Union Station, explore the RiNo Arts District, visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, or take a short trip into the nearby foothills.
- Weather: Denver offers year-round sunshine and low humidity, keeping temps generally pleasant. Winter snow and nearby mountains make it easy to incorporate outdoor team activities.
TROOP tip: Skip the airport rideshare. The RTD A Line runs directly from DEN to Union Station in 35–40 minutes, every 15 minutes during peak hours, for $10.
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s compact downtown and waterfront access make it easy to organize meetings close together while still giving teams access to the city’s outdoor scene.
- Where teams typically meet: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Convene at 800 Fifth Avenue, The Pioneer Collective (Seattle locations), The Collective Seattle, and Block 41.
- Can’t miss activities: Walk the Seattle waterfront, grab a bite at Pike Place Market, take in skyline views from Kerry Park or the Space Needle, sail on Puget Sound, or explore the Museum of Pop Culture.
- Weather: June through September offers the most reliable conditions. Fall through spring brings frequent rain, so covered venues and indoor activities are preferred.
TROOP tip: Seattle is walkable but hilly, and rain can complicate short transfers. Keep venues and accommodations close together and plan for a 30-minute transfer from SEA to downtown.
9. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix offers expansive venues and dry, predictable weather for much of the year, making it easier to plan multi-day meetings and outdoor gatherings. With multiple meeting spots from Scottsdale to Downtown and beyond, planners can keep lodging, sessions, and dining in one neighborhood
- Where teams typically meet: The Phoenician Scottsdale, The Camby Hotel, The Clayton House, Galvanize Phoenix, and Desert Botanical Garden.
- Can’t miss activities: Go for a hike on Camelback Mountain, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, explore Scottsdale’s arts district, play a round of golf at one of the area’s courses, or gather for dinner in Old Town Scottsdale.
- Weather: October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for walking between venues and outdoor activities. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, but lower hotel rates can make it attractive for meetings focused primarily indoors.
TROOP tip: Choose your neighborhood intentionally — Downtown Phoenix works well for walkable meetings and conferences, while Scottsdale and Paradise Valley offer resort-style venues that usually require more transportation.
10. San Francisco, California
Home to a vibrant tech and startup scene, San Francisco has plenty of meeting venues in SoMa, Union Square, and along the Embarcadero. With accessible public transportation and walkable neighborhoods, the city offers strong dining, cultural venues, and plenty of options for team activities after sessions.
- Where teams typically meet: The Battery, The Pearl, Bespoke at Westfield San Francisco, Hotel Kabuki, and San Francisco Ferry Building.
- Can’t miss activities: Walk the Embarcadero, take in Golden Gate Bridge views from Crissy Field, explore Alcatraz, browse the Ferry Building Marketplace, or gather for a team dinner in North Beach or the Mission.
- Weather: Temperatures are generally mild year-round, though cooler evenings and frequent summer fog can affect views and outdoor plans. Choose venues with indoor flexibility and recommend that attendees bring layers.
TROOP tip: BART from SFO to downtown takes about 30 minutes and avoids city traffic. It’s often a more reliable option than rideshare for attendees arriving at the airport.
What planners can learn from the top cities for in-person meetings
The right destination can make an in-person meeting easier to plan. The cities on this list appear most often in TROOP data because travel is manageable and venues are centralized. They also provide nearby options for team dinners, activities, and informal time together. For planners evaluating locations for team gatherings, offsites, and leadership meetings, these cities provide a strong reference point for what works.