#United States #Washington, D.C. #Las Vegas #Best Conference Cities #Marriott Marquis

Introduction

U.S. News & World Report has recently launched its inaugural 2026-2027 rankings of the best conference cities and hotels in the United States, highlighting the ideal destinations for meetings, conventions, and business events. With valuable insights from industry experts, this guide focuses on the attributes that matter most to both conference planners and attendees.

Methodology

To determine the top locations for conferences, U.S. News evaluated 52 significant cities across the nation. Factors considered included meeting space availability, accessibility, affordability, and general appeal of the destination. For hotels, aspects such as business and leisure amenities were also crucial in shaping the final rankings.

Top Conference City

Las Vegas, renowned for its exceptional convention infrastructure and a vast inventory of hotels, has earned the title of the best conference city in the U.S. for 2026-2027. Its newly renovated convention facilities, as well as an extensive range of dining, entertainment, and wellness options, set Las Vegas apart as the ultimate destination for large-scale gatherings. According to Elizabeth Von Tersch, a senior travel editor at U.S. News, the rise in the preference for face-to-face events highlights the importance of selecting an engaging venue that allows attendees to explore and enjoy their surroundings.

Other Notable Cities

Following closely behind, Chicago captures the second spot. This city is distinguished by having North America's largest convention center, excellent public transport systems, and a vibrant cultural scene that attracts conference attendees. Meanwhile, Orlando, Florida, comes in third for its robust hospitality offerings and a walkable convention center district, making it a favored choice for combining business with leisure activities.

Best Conference Hotels

In terms of hotels, several properties from Marriott International's Marquis brand were prominently recognized. Four of their venues received top distinctions among the leading 10 hotel choices for conferences. The spacious and adaptable meeting areas, prime locations, and modern event facilities contributed to their success.

Other noteworthy hotels to gain recognition included properties from Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels, which excelled due to their versatile event spaces and comprehensive amenities.

Rankings Summary

Here are the top 10 conference cities and the corresponding premier hotels:

1. Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
2. Chicago, IL - Marriott Marquis Chicago
3. Orlando, FL - Rosen Shingle Creek
4. Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts
5. Houston, TX - Marriott Marquis Houston
6. New York, NY - New York Marriott Marquis
7. Washington, D.C. - Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
8. Anaheim, CA - Hilton Anaheim
9. San Antonio, TX - Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
10. San Diego, CA - Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Conclusion

As conferences and events see a rebound, U.S. News & World Report's rankings serve as an essential guide for organizations planning future gatherings. These cities and hotels not only offer unparalleled meeting facilities but also inviting experiences that enrich attendee engagement. To learn more, follow U.S. News on social media platforms using the hashtag #BestHotels.