If you’re in the meetings industry, it’s no secret that budgets are tighter and costs are on the rise, from A/V to F&B. That a city's reputation for safety is very important, as well as a city's welcoming atmosphere and ease of travel accessibility. Those factors alone may be the reason a study by Future Partners indicated that 77.7% of meeting planners say they’re open to sourcing new U.S. destinations they had not considered before.
To that, we say: it’s time to consider Madison, WI.
We were highlighted in the Knowledge Economy feature of the August/September edition of PCMA's Convene magazine. It showcased why so many planners, attendees and media fall in love with our capital city's culture of progress:
“A well-rounded city…undeniably diverse in its experiences, architecture, cultures and people.” —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure
But don’t just take our word for it. Read on for five times others recognized us for the benefits of meeting in Madison.
Safe, Walkable & Welcoming
#2 Best State Capitals for affordability. Gold Rated for Walkability. #2 Most Neighborly City.
Madison is a place where visitors feel safe and warmly welcomed, offering peace of mind for planners and attendees alike. A 2024 report from Future Partners found that 80.4% of meeting planners view a "safe environment" as a critical factor when picking a destination. Here, attendees can confidently explore local attractions, adding depth and delight to their conference experience.
Read More: Why Madison Ranks as a Safe Destination for Meetings
Setting it straight: the airlift myth
It’s true that other meeting destinations might have more direct flights. But upon arrival, Madison boasts a mere 15-minute ride to the downtown Monona Terrace convention center and 100% walkability for the rest of the stay—something many destinations can’t say. Melissa Friedman, Spiritual Directors International, summed up her stay: “The airport was great, and all of the staff and board were able to fly in on their preferred airlines. Impressive lift for a small airport.” Non-stop flights already exist from destinations like Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas and D.C and we look forward to welcoming more soon.
Read More: Madison Transportation & Walkability Maps
Our accommodations: location, location, location
Amy Moore planned the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Travel & Tourism Conference and made certain to comment on the convenience at her conference. “The proximity of hotels to the convention center was key! So helpful!”
Indeed, planners and attendees love that 1,800 of our city’s 12,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. There’s a Hilton attached to Monona Terrace and just steps away is the new Embassy Suites. It takes less than 15 minutes to travel from the airport to downtown. And once you're downtown, the area is walkable and accessible, making it easy to transition from daytime conference sessions to nighttime receptions.
Read More: Madison Must Dos You Can Walk to From Monona Terrace
Intellectual capital connections
Madison is a vibrant hub of intellectual capital. Our capital city is home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, making it easy for meeting planners to connect with subject matter experts that can serve as event speakers. It’s our pleasure to create connections with a university that is top 10 in the U.S. in research expenditures.
Complementing the university’s impact is Madison’s thriving STEM scene, home to major players like Epic Systems, Exact Sciences and Promega. In 2023, the city became part of a designated Regional Tech Hub for biohealth, making it an even more attractive spot for organizations to engage with the latest advancements in medicine, bioscience and technology.
Read More: Why STEM Groups Love Meeting in Madison, WI
A Reputation That's Getting Noticed
We’ve been focused on locally owned and locally grown since the beginning. But lately, we’re getting noticed on a national level for our commitment to culinary artistry. Madison’s chefs and restaurants have earned 44 James Beard honors, including four Best Chef: Midwest awards. Try dishes from the 2024 nominees at Mint Mark, Pasture & Plenty or CocoVaa. Or, if you prefer your restaurant recommendations with a side of journalistic flair, The New York Times recently featured Madison’s dining scene in its “36 Hours” travel series—proof that our flavors are making headlines.
Read More: The New York Times: 36 Hours in Madison, Wisconsin
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