If you haven’t been to Denver in a while or have never visited, you’re in for a mile-high surprise. From innovative, community-driven marketplaces to an ultra-hip arts scene to a burgeoning brewery portfolio, the city and neighboring Aurora have the cool factor down to a T. On a recent visit, Meetings Today checked out the following off-site experiences that are sure to impress attendees.

Organized by the Hilton San Francisco Union Square Community Projects Manager Jo Licata, and Parc 55-A Hilton Hotel, the three-day immersion indeed found our group enjoying the amenities of both of these top-notch, popular convention hotels, but by venturing outside of their front doors we discovered the soul of a neighborhood and the unceasing dedication of the hotels and community leaders to improve the lives of its residents.

Roughly 80 to 90 people per day are moving to Nashville, according to recent statistics, and it’s no wonder. Nicknamed “Music City,” this Tennessee melody maker has long tugged at the heart strings of those into country and every other musical genre—from rockabilly and jazz to pop and hip-hop. Today, visitors, including meeting attendees, as well as new residents, are drawn to this city for the endless tunes and then some—a hotel boom, a burgeoning culinary scene that is adding hundreds of restaurants and an ever-creative vibe.

The Milwaukee region sets itself apart with one-of-a-kind museums, off-site outlets and entertainment offerings. And for groups, the only thing better than experiencing these venues during the day is to do so after the sun goes down.

Anticipation is high in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area as the city’s Moscone Center introduces its long-awaited $551 million expansion, with the official debut on January 3, 2019. According to Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association, 2019 is the city’s busiest year in history in terms of group bookings at Moscone Center.

Visitors strolling down San Antonio’s festive River Walk can also treat themselves to some of the best Texas has to offer, from the historic lure of The Alamo—the beating heart of the state—to the city’s authentic Mexican cuisine and culture.

There’s more to Los Angeles’ star status than its resident lineup of celebrities. The Downtown, Mid-City and Miracle Mile areas, along with nearby West Hollywood, boast an ever expanding list of arts and culture off-site venues that prove the depth of talent endemic to this SoCal centerpiece.

Indy knows how to woo its first-time guests. Fresh off the plane for a quick pre MPI WEC 2018 fam, I set off for an evening of art, food and creative cocktails. Our first stop was the Conrad Indianapolis.

From attention-getting cultural scenes to major new convention centers, here are four destinations where major downtown investments are significantly reshaping and redefining the meetings scene.