Columbus is on the move, with young entrepreneurs opening up artisanal businesses and restaurants in its Short North convention district. A formerly forgotten flood plain is also set to explode as a haven for makers and a forward-thinking convention center that recently emerged from a $140 million renovation and expansion rounds out the offerings.

“We now have 135 permitted festivals each year, which equates to a festival every two-and-a-half days,” said Rachel Avery, director of convention services and events for the city’s CVB, New Orleans & Company. “We have festivals large and small that appeal to anyone and everyone. If it crawls, swims and you can dance to it, you can have a festival around it.”

Great outdoor experiences await groups gathering in Westside Los Angeles and the beach cities, from everything from exhilarating adventures to inviting alfresco venues.

For event planners on a budget, taking care of business while giving their attendees opportunities to explore a city can be difficult. Luckily, there are a whole host of free group activities available in Austin, Texas, from touring the Texas State Capitol to catching a free concert at Zilker Park—all conveniently located near the Austin Convention Center and hotels.

With $5 billion in developments across Milwaukee, the city’s neighborhoods are dramatically transforming. One neighborhood seeing a resurgence is Westown, which has become the entertainment, sports and convention hub or the city before, during and after events.

Providence's authentic local experiences—from globally recognized cultural events to nationally acclaimed restaurants and bars—connect groups with the heart and soul of Rhode Island’s eclectic, energetic capital.

After long daylight hours packed with meetings in neighboring Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, there are plenty of opportunities for your group to unwind during the evening.

Chief Content Officer Christoph Trappe stayed on the Tampa Riverwalk during a trip to southern Florida in 2019 and shared some updates that might be of interest to meeting planners.

I just happened to be in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day weekend 2019 on a bleisure trip. I had been in Atlanta for work and then hopped on a cheap one-way to Chicago to meet my family before we headed to Cancun for Spring Break. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is always on the Saturday before March 17—unless March 17 is a Saturday! Here's why I think it’s worth planning an event around.