Orlando Retains Top Spot as Global Meetings Industry Rankings Unveiled
Cvent has officially released its highly anticipated 2026 Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels rankings, unveiling the results this week during IMEX Frankfurt. The annual rankings provide a comprehensive snapshot of the world’s most sought-after destinations and venues for meetings, conventions, and corporate events.
Compiled using sourcing and booking activity across Cvent’s extensive global platforms, the rankings highlight key regional leaders across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The report also includes specialized rankings for Top Meeting Venues and Top Meeting Vendors across North America and the United Kingdom.
Orlando Maintains Dominance in North America
For the 11th consecutive year, Orlando has retained its title as the number-one meeting destination in North America, reinforcing its status as the region’s leading hub for conventions, exhibitions, and business events.
Known for its world-class convention infrastructure, hospitality ecosystem, and year-round appeal, Orlando continues to attract planners and organizations seeking scale, flexibility, and exceptional attendee experiences.
Following Orlando in the top ten North American meeting destinations are:
- Las Vegas
- Nashville
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- San Diego
- New York City
- Austin
- Washington, D.C.
These destinations continue to perform strongly due to their accessibility, modern venue offerings, and growing appeal for hybrid and in-person event formats.
JW Marriott Austin Tops North America’s Meeting Hotels
Among North America’s meeting hotels, JW Marriott Austin climbed four spots to secure the number-one position in 2026.
Its rise reflects Austin’s increasing prominence as a major meetings destination, especially as the city undergoes significant convention center redevelopment to accommodate growing demand.
Other top-ranked meeting hotels in North America include:
- Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
- The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
- Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
- Fontainebleau Las Vegas
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Wynn and Encore Las Vegas
- Omni Nashville Hotel
- Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
- Fairmont Austin
The strong presence of the Gaylord portfolio, with three properties in the top ten, highlights the brand’s continued influence in large-scale meetings and convention hosting.
Top Meeting Venue and Vendor Winners
In the venue category, Industrial Event Space claimed the top position among North America’s meeting venues, reflecting growing demand for flexible and immersive event environments.
Meanwhile, Luxe Productions secured the number-one ranking among North America’s top meeting vendors, recognized for its production excellence and ability to deliver innovative event experiences.
Global Leaders Shine Across Key Regions
Beyond North America, Cvent’s rankings highlighted standout destinations across major international markets.
London secured the top position in Europe, benefiting from its unmatched connectivity, premium venues, and strong international appeal.
In Asia Pacific, Singapore once again demonstrated its strength as a global meetings powerhouse, supported by advanced infrastructure and government-backed event initiatives.
For the Middle East and Africa, Dubai led the rankings, reflecting its rapid expansion as an international business events hub.
Meanwhile, Cancún and the Riviera Maya shared the top ranking for Latin America and the Caribbean, combining resort appeal with sophisticated event facilities.
Data-Driven Rankings Reflect Industry Trends
Cvent’s annual rankings are based on detailed analysis of sourcing activity through its global event management platforms, offering a reliable measure of planner demand and destination performance.
The rankings provide valuable insight for meeting planners, convention organizers, and hospitality professionals seeking to identify the world’s most competitive and in-demand business event destinations.
A Positive Outlook for the Meetings Industry
The 2026 rankings reinforce continued momentum across the global meetings and events industry as destinations invest heavily in convention infrastructure, technology, and attendee experiences.
As organizations increasingly prioritize face-to-face engagement, business networking, and immersive event experiences, destinations and hotels that combine innovation, accessibility, and world-class service are expected to remain at the forefront of the global meetings landscape.
