Miami & Dallas: The Breakout Meeting Destinations for 2025
Sure, New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas have long been go-to destinations for meetings and events. But in 2025, two cities are emerging as just as dynamic, but perhaps less expected, offering fresh opportunities for planners looking for something different. According to the latest research from American Express, Miami and Dallas are rising in popularity, thanks to their accessibility, infrastructure, cultural offerings, and hospitality. These cities aren’t just places to do business, they’re destinations that can transform meetings into memorable experiences.
Dallas: The Heart of Texas Meetings
Dallas is centrally located from both coasts and offers excellent accessibility with two major airports—Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL)—providing extensive domestic and international flight options. Its business-friendly environment continues to attract major company headquarters, making it a natural gathering place for many industry events.
But Dallas isn’t all business. The city also offers a booming downtown (with the free M-Line Trolley available to help visitors get around), several major league sports teams, and all forms of outdoor entertainment, from the State Fair of Texas held annually in the fall to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Those craving a more cultural experience can enjoy the largest contiguous urban arts district in the U.S., the Dallas Arts District, which spans 118 acres in downtown Dallas. It is home to world-class institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Winspear Opera House.
Top Meeting and Event Venues in Dallas
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
Located in the Arts district, this JW Marriott blends sophisticated luxury with a focus on sustainability and mindfulness. Designed with intentional spaces that inspire both productivity and relaxation, the hotel offers unique wellness experiences to enhance meetings, such as guided meditation sessions and sound baths during lunch breaks. Beyond the boardroom, the hotel’s prime location opens doors to exclusive cultural experiences. Partnerships with the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra allow planners to incorporate private docent-led tours or behind-the-scenes access to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, adding an artistic accent to any event. For bleisure travelers, JW Marriott’s beautiful rooftop pool deck offers sweeping views of the city as well as private cabanas, where work can be done.
Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel
For planners seeking a more eclectic meeting experience, Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel offers a vibrant blend of creativity, local culture, and interactive design. The hotel goes beyond standard conference amenities, incorporating playful elements like puzzles and room for doodling on its notepads, and dynamic tablescapes—small details that enhance engagement and inspire fresh thinking. A dedicated Meetings Navigator acts as a concierge for planners, ensuring every aspect of the event runs smoothly. Situated in the heart of the Legacy West shopping center, attendees have easy access to high-end boutiques, such as Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, while nearby Legacy Hall provides a built-in social scene with live entertainment, trivia nights, and diverse eats.
Miami: The Ultimate Fusion of Business and Leisure
Much like Dallas, Miami is having more than a moment. As host to the Super Bowl more than 10 times, the city has cemented its reputation as a world-class destination for major sporting events, from the FIFA Club World Cup this year to the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. The buzz around Lionel Messi’s arrival has only added to Miami’s growing influence in the global sports scene, making it an exciting destination for business and leisure travelers alike.
But sports are just one part of Miami’s appeal. With a year-round tropical climate, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural scene influenced by Caribbean, Venezuelan, and Colombian flavors—not to mention many top-tier restaurants expanding from NYC—Miami is a true melting pot of experiences. As a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, the city offers unparalleled accessibility, with flights arriving from across the globe. Combine that with its walkable neighborhoods, national parks, waterfront views, and a full calendar of marquee events like Art Basel and the Miami Open, and you have a destination that’s as inspiring as it is convenient.
Top Meeting and Event Venues in Miami
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay has elevated its offerings with a recent $65 million renovation, making it an exceptional choice for meeting planners. Situated in Miami’s arts and entertainment district, and with easy access to cultural hot spots like Museum Park and the emerging Wynwood Arts District, the hotel boasts 18,000 square feet of new outdoor event space, including a gorgeous rooftop venue that offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the city skyline. The property’s M Club, an exclusive lounge for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, provides a sophisticated space for networking and relaxation with all-day refreshments and evening hors d’oeuvres, and the majority of rooms have a water view. Beyond the boardroom, planners can take advantage of the property’s 200-slip marina that offers yacht rentals and dinner cruises.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is an ideal setting for meetings and events with unique amenities, such as exclusive access to Tidal Cove Waterpark (and the option for customizable event experiences, such as “Water Park After Dark”) plus two championship golf courses. Planners can create exclusive golf tournaments, host networking events on the greens, or arrange off-site excursions via the Turnberry Marina. In close proximity to Aventura Mall, Little Havana, and the Design District, the resort offers culture and commerce around the clock. For more of a soothing experience, the resort’s âme Spa & Wellness Collective provides on-demand services anywhere on the property, from sunrise yoga to gemstone therapy, while neurodiversity quiet rooms offer sensory-friendly retreats.
