Posted by Updated October 2025
History & Culture
Venture Up’s 2026 list of U.S. meeting destinations celebrates cities that honor their history while welcoming progress. These are not just scenic backdrops for conferences — they are living classrooms of culture, architecture, and human story. More companies are choosing historic and culturally rich settings to take meetings beyond the resort venue borders, where participants can experience the city’s true character.
When employees travel from other cities, they’re not just attending a business event; they’re connecting with a place that shaped part of America’s story. Meeting planner organizations also select historic venues to honor cultural diversity. From Charleston’s cobblestone streets to San Francisco’s hills, these destinations blend education with inspiration. Many conferences now extend their stay with CSR programs, where teams give back to local communities — restoring parks, supporting schools, or partnering with nonprofits — adding purpose and pride to the experience.
Venture Up selected these ten destinations for their success in preserving history while staying current with the arts, events, and cultural energy that keep visitors returning year after year.
1. Charleston
Horse-drawn carriages still clop through Charleston’s cobblestone streets, past antique shops and Victorian homes steeped in southern charm. Corporate teams racing through the Ansonborough district encounter history at every turn. Beyond the downtown beauty, Charleston’s beaches make it easy to wind down after a productive meeting.
2. New Orleans
New Orleans is more than Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. It’s a year-round stage of music, art, and food. From the Voodoo Museum to haute Creole dining at Commander’s Palace, the city never stops celebrating life. Even the ferry ride to Algiers Point feels like stepping into living history.
3. Minneapolis / St. Paul
When summer arrives, the Twin Cities turn electric. National Geographic lists Minneapolis among the world’s top summer destinations — and with good reason. Arts festivals, outdoor concerts, and scenic riverfront parks make it a natural hub for corporate gatherings.
4. Portland, Oregon
Eco-minded and effortlessly cool, Portland thrives on green energy and local pride. The 21-mile Springwater Corridor links lush parks and tree-lined bridges throughout the city, making it a perfect mix of urban exploration and natural calm.
5. Kansas City
Known for jazz, barbecue, and hospitality, Kansas City welcomes meeting groups with open arms. The “Fountain City” boasts more than 200 registered fountains — and a revitalized downtown scene where midwestern charm meets innovation.
6. San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge remains its icon, but San Francisco’s real appeal is constant reinvention. From the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square to artisan cafés in Sausalito, every visit feels fresh. Its year-round festivals and waterfront venues make it one of the most dynamic meeting cities in America.
7. Houston
Houston balances global business energy with neighborhood character. In the Historic Heights district, restored Victorian inns and small cafés sit alongside craft breweries and markets. From the Rothko Chapel to the city’s thriving art scene, it’s a cultural surprise inside a commercial powerhouse.
8. Nashville
Music runs through everything in Nashville. Festivals, concerts, and creative conferences keep the city buzzing all year. Corporate teams mix business and rhythm at downtown venues like the Centennial Capitol Mall State Park amphitheater, with 31 fountains representing every Tennessee river.
9. Cleveland
Once industrial, now inspired. Cleveland has transformed into a hub of arts, dining, and waterfront revitalization. Corporate travelers find a city with grit, charm, and a genuine local pulse.
10. Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a living museum — historic ships, concerts, fireworks, and festivals all celebrating the city’s maritime roots. From Federal Hill’s sweeping views to the lively waterfront, it’s a perfect blend of heritage and high energy for team events.
Venture Up, established in 1983, is the original team building company, helping organizations build trust and collaboration through real-world experience.
© 2025 Venture Up Inc. | ventureup.com
Tags: corporate meetings, business travel, team building, event destinations, 2026 travel trends
