Austin Meetings
Austin, Texas is the capital of the 'Lone Star State' of Texas. It is home to the Texas Longhorns and the best live music scene in the country. A liberal pocket in the state of Texas, Austin is known for its vibrant culture and diversity, in addition to its many museums and attractions. It's also a huge center for business and commerce in the state. Big names like Dell and Whole Foods are based in the city, along with even larger companies like Apple and Tesla. The city is a perfect place to hold a business meeting or conference due to its central location and population density.
Some businesses look to Austin to plan their conferences simply because of the city’s capital status. However, there are many good reasons to consider Austin when planning an important meeting.
- Interesting Fact:
The motto of the city is “Keep Austin Weird,” owing to the unique culture and flair of the capital of Texas.
Essential Meeting Options in Austin
Your business isn’t the only company that should be involved in the meeting planning process. For a meeting to be productive and engaging, a lot of moving parts have to come together. Partner with companies that will bring their best to the table and ensure your meeting’s success. There are many different essentials to consider.
- Caterers:
Food brings people together like nothing else. Guests will undoubtedly look forward to the meal provided by meeting hosts. Ensure that no guest is left unfed by partnering with a quality catering company in the area to lay out a delicious spread.
- Decorators:
A great decorator will ensure that the environment of your meeting is appropriate. Nobody wants a dull, boring meeting space; this only certifies that guests will be bored as well! There are many decorators in the area that can help with creating the perfect atmosphere for free-flowing ideas.
- Transportation:
Austin features a number of public transit systems. No matter where you’re going in the city, Austin’s public transportation can get you there.
- Technology:
Every modern meeting needs great technology. Whether screens and projectors are built-in to the meeting space or need to be rented, it’s vital that all bases are covered. A technological problem will throw a meeting off the rails faster than anything.
- Equipment rental:
Supplies are the most essential aspects of a meeting. Without seating, projection capabilities, stages, and microphones, the conference couldn’t go on. Partner with an equipment rental company in the area to ensure that no detail is left unchecked.
Essential Meeting Companies in Austin
Partnering with the right companies can be instrumental in planning the perfect meeting. Fortunately, Austin is home to many businesses that can help with your every need.
- Austin Catering:
Austin Catering has earned its stellar reputation by providing high-quality catering services to the Austin-area. As a full-service boutique catering company, they offer custom menu design and event planning services along with scrumptious mouth-waveringly good food.
- TSV Sound and Vision:
Known for their top of the line lighting, sound, backline, video, LED and staging equipment, TSV Sound and Vision can provide the best technology and equipment service for your important meeting. They also provides onsite services and event planning assistance.
- Pearl Events Austin
This Austin-based event planner provides customizable event planning services that will match whatever style you want for your Austin meeting, be it raw, refined, classic or embellished. They can provide design and management services for your meeting, no matter the size of the event.
Pros and Cons of Having a Meeting in Austin
Austin is certainly a great city to hold a conference with its track record of meeting success and plentiful options of conference venues. Its abundant activities and colorful culture make it very appealing as well. However, there are at least a few drawbacks to holding a meeting in any large city.
Advantages:
- Culture:
Austin’s unique culture would bring anyone in to see what the city is all about.
- Transportation:
The city’s abundant options for public transit are convenient and essential to bringing people together.
- Location:
Located almost in the center of Texas, people from all around the state can access the city within a few hours’ drive.
- Accessibility:
Austin’s public transit is accessible as well as many of its attractions. The city is mindful of all of its visitors’ needs.
- Diversity:
The capital of Texas is known for its diverse culture and accepts all visitors regardless of creed.
Disadvantages:
- Popularity:
Because of its status as the capital and many city-based businesses, Austin is a highly popular place to hold meetings.
- Centrality:
The city’s prime location in the center of the state can also contribute to difficulties with booking, since this makes it such a convenient place to hold a meeting.
- Capital status:
Being the capital of the state makes Austin even more popular to hold meetings and start businesses. It’s certainly a good idea to plan ahead to ensure a spot for your meeting.
- Traffic:
Like any large city, Austin has traffic. It’s likely a better idea to take public transit to avoid getting stuck in rush hour gridlock.
- Football season difficulties:
Home of the University of Texas, many visitors come to the city to watch their beloved Longhorns during football season. Make sure and be aware of this before planning around a game.
Famous Meeting Locations in Austin
Check out these fantastic Austin destinations to take post-meeting photos, to draw inspiration for your Austin meeting event.
- State Capitol and Visitors Center:
A National Historic Landmark, Texas’ capitol building is the sixth tallest in the United States. You can visit for free any time the building is open to see where Texas’ legislation takes place.
- Zilker Park:
Home of the famous Austin City Limits music festival, Zilker Park and its many attractions are a fan favorite among Austin residents. To feel like you’re walking along the trails at your company party, book your event at a charming east Austin bungalow complete with natural gardens.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum:
This historic presidential library contains a replica of the White House’s Oval Office as well as relics from LBJ’s presidency. Dedicated in 1971, the library contains over 45 million pages of historical documents.
- Lady Bird Lake
Another beautiful outdoor spot in Austin is Lady Bird Lake. If you don’t feel like heading onto the water, enjoy strolling around the paths or cycling along one of the bike trails. Many hotels that your guests may stay at are located in the area, so it’s the perfect spot to visit before or after an Austin meeting.