When you think of the perfect meeting place, Waco should be one of the first destinations you consider with a vibrant downtown, unique outdoor amenities, and breathtaking river views. This hidden gem in Texas is quickly becoming a hotspot for hosting meetings of all sizes and should be added to your shortlist of destinations for your next business meeting.
Located in the heart of Texas, Waco is a vibrant city surrounded by scenic beauty. Waco is the hub of Texas’s four most populated metropolitan areas: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Aside from being a convenient drive-to destination for attendees in every direction, Waco offers convenient nonstop air service to and from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
It’s not all business when planning a meeting here, but the creative and comfortable environment will help provide inspiration for all meeting-goers. Waco amenities are second-to-none with offerings like over 3,000 hotel rooms and more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space that range from modern convention centers and stadiums to relaxing hotels.
Your attendees will enjoy strolling charming downtown shops and boutiques. Here, you’ll find the perfect souvenirs to bring home including home goods from Magnolia, hand-thrown pottery from Gather, a story from Fabled Bookshop, gifts from Spice Village, and more. Or, for the outdoor enthusiasts, climb Jacob’s Ladder in Cameron Park, kayak or SUP the Brazos, catch the big waves at Waco Surf, or horseback the Brazo Bluffs.
With something for truly everyone’s tastes and interests, it’s easy to see why Waco, Texas should be on your shortlist of meeting destinations. Choose Waco for your next event and see for yourself why this Central Texas location will provide a productive and relaxing setting for your meeting objectives.
TESTIMONIALS
Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA)
The Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA) hosts one of the largest baseball conventions in the country. The event welcomes over 3,000 high school coaches representing teams from across the entire state of Texas. Over 150 vendors from across the nation showcase the latest products and services available at the conference.
THSBCA has called Waco home for their convention for over 49 years. When COVID hit, THSBCA had to find another location, but now they are returning to the Waco Convention center for their 50th THSBCA convention in Waco.
Why is THSBCA returning to Waco after a short time away? Rex Sanders, Executive Director of THSBCA stated, "This is an easy answer. We love Waco and all they bring to the table. The staff at the CVB are the best out there and we genuinely feel like they want us here. They work diligently to keep us here.
"Waco has changed so much since THSBCA started coming here for our first convention in 1972. The downtown area has been modernized and Baylor University has always welcomed us with open arms."
Texas chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
The Texas chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture has been holding their annual conference in Waco for the past 20+ years. It features a number of events including the Arborists’ Social at Indian Springs Park and the Tree Conference and Trade Show at Waco Convention Center.
Gene Gehring, Executive Director jokingly says, "Waco is 'equally inconvenient' for all of our members. What I mean is Waco is centrally located between the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin/San Antonio metro areas. We have members all over the state, but 80% of them live within a 2-hour drive of Waco.
"Waco is big enough to accommodate our 1,000 plus attendees, but small enough that you run into other arborists or old friends wherever you go."
Your event-ready destination
Located along the Brazos River, Waco’s central location within Texas makes it a perfect event-ready destination. The region’s scenic beauty, amenities, and hospitality are the “icing on the cake” when holding an event in the hub to the four most populated metropolitan areas in Texas: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Waco has numerous state-of-the-art venues that will make your conference, convention, or tradeshow a huge success.
Reasons to Meet in Waco
When you think of the perfect meeting place, Waco should be one of the first destinations you consider.
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Why Meeting Planners Love Waco
This unforgettable meeting destination is equipped with everything planners need for a successful meeting, convention, or special event.
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Welcome to Waco
Situated along the Brazos River and I-35, Waco sits as the hub to the four most populated metropolitan areas in Texas.
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Convention & tradeshow venues
Browse Waco’s top conference, convention, and tradeshow venues. Whether you’re looking to host a formal affair, want a flexible location with breakout rooms, or have special tradeshow needs, Waco can accommodate your unique event requirements.
These venues have at least 6,000 square feet of meeting space available.
Your event partner in Waco
Let Waco Economic Development & Tourism be your liaison between all businesses and organizations within the city and county. Our sales and service team will help provide event support such as assistance booking any facility in town, site tours, and assistance finding local vendors. Our connections between public and private organizations will be leveraged to make your event a huge success!