Austin's vibrant neighborhoods and curated hotel collections have established the city as a prime location for hosting campus-style meetings. With the Austin Convention Center undergoing redevelopment, meeting planners are discovering how this innovative approach—utilizing multiple hotels and venues across a compact area—creates more dynamic and engaging experiences.
A Campus-Style Success Story
When Destinations International brought their 2025 Marketing & Communications Summit to Austin earlier this year, they embraced the campus-style concept to remarkable success. The record-setting, sold-out event leveraged three primary venues within the University area: the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center served as the anchor property, with the nearby AC Hotel Austin-University providing additional accommodations, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum hosting special events.
"The Visit Austin team did an incredible job ensuring they fully understood the needs and expectations of our audience," said John Moritz, Meetings and Events Manager at Destinations International. "Our attendees really embraced the format. The opportunity to switch spaces throughout the day gave them a chance to stretch, get some fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery. It kept energy levels high and the experience fresh."
Austin's Meeting Neighborhoods: Something for Every Event
University Hotel Collection
Anchored by the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center with its 85,000-square-foot conference facility, this collection includes the Otis/AC Hotel, Hotel Ella, Moxy University, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and DoubleTree Suites. The area offers excellent walkability, unique academic partnerships, and proximity to iconic campus attractions like the Blanton Museum of Art and the Moody Center.
Red River Hotel Collection
Centered around the popular entertainment district, the Red River Collection features the Fairmont Austin, Hilton Austin, and Hotel Van Zandt. This area provides convenient access to Austin's famous music scene, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife—perfect for events wanting an energetic urban atmosphere.
Congress Collection
Situated along Austin's scenic Congress Avenue, this collection includes the Omni Downtown, Hyatt Centric, and Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta hotels. Groups can enjoy walkable access to the Texas State Capitol and the Hike & Bike trail, local shops, and restaurants, creating opportunities for attendees to experience Austin's unique charm after sessions.
Second Street Collection
Featuring the W Austin Hotel, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, and JW Marriott, this collection combines luxury accommodations with an iconic venue. The area's sophisticated dining and shopping options make it ideal for upscale events seeking to incorporate Austin's cultural scene.
Explore more neighborhoods and collections at VisitAustin.org/Meet.
Planning Your Campus-Style Event
Josh Delgado, Director of Sales and Marketing at AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, emphasizes the importance of working with experienced partners when choosing a campus-style approach. He explains that the University Hotel Collection partners have a common goal, providing offerings and capabilities that complement each other.
Dane Piper, Vice President of Destination Services for Visit Austin, notes that a key benefit of campus-style events is that "attendees can step out of the traditional meeting facility and fully immerse themselves in the destination, even if only for a short time."
With Visit Austin's guidance, planners can identify the perfect neighborhood match for their event objectives. The team facilitates introductions with key stakeholders, coordinates logistical details, and provides local insights to ensure a seamless experience across multiple venues.
As the city's meeting landscape continues to evolve, Austin's distinct neighborhoods and hotel collections provide the perfect foundation for reimagining how conventions and events can create more meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
Start planning today at VisitAustin.org/Meet
