According to industry data, the U.S. meetings and events market is forecast to grow from $34.13 billion in 2025 to $35.28 billion in 2026, driven by renewed demand for face-to-face networking, knowledge exchange and direct client engagement. This trend is closely linked to a projected rebound in corporate travel, which is expected to grow by 4% in 2026 after a slowdown in 2025, and to exceed $407 billion globally by 2028.
As business travel and events planning accelerate, experts at Booking.com for Business analysed upcoming conference activity, using data from the global platform All Conference Alert, to identify the leading U.S. business conference destinations for 2026.
Rank | City | State | Number of 2026 business conferences listed |
1 | New York City | New York | 140 |
2 | Las Vegas | Nevada | 75 |
3 | Chicago | Illinois | 65 |
4 | Boston | Massachusetts | 46 |
5 | Dallas | Texas | 41 |
6 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 39 |
7 | Atlanta | Georgia | 36 |
8 | Los Angeles | California | 29 |
9 | Santa Clara | California | 28 |
10 | Minneapolis | Minnesota | 27 |
New York ranks first, with 140 business conferences already scheduled for 2026. A long-established global centre for finance and trade, the city will host major events such as a Global Business Summit in January, focused on economic challenges and sustainable growth. Other confirmed events include a Global Conference on Women in Business and Leadership in February and an International Conference on Accounting and Finance in April. In addition to business-focused events, New York’s 2026 conference calendar also includes meetings in sectors such as engineering and medicine.
Las Vegas ranks second, with 75 business conferences planned for 2026. The city’s strong hospitality infrastructure and events expertise underpin its position as a leading conference destination. With nearly 14 million square feet of exhibition and meeting space, Las Vegas is home to some of the largest convention venues in the U.S., including the Las Vegas Convention Center, Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the Venetian Expo. Among the headline events, the International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality will take place in April 2026, bringing together global tourism and hospitality leaders.
Chicago completes the top three, with 65 business conferences listed for 2026. Known for its industrial heritage and manufacturing base, the city remains a hub for innovation and economic development. In March 2026, Chicago will host the International Conference on Manufacturing Research, designed to foster collaboration between researchers and industry professionals and to strengthen international partnerships.
Commenting on the findings, Nadine Blokker, Booking.com for Business expert, underlined the ongoing importance of in-person events. She said: “Despite the shift toward digitalization in business, in-person conferences remain irreplaceable for networking, skill development, and business opportunities.”
Blokker also shared practical guidance for business travellers and travel managers preparing for conferences. She advised creating a personalised schedule to prioritise key sessions and networking opportunities, noting: “Identify the key talks and people you want to see, and create a detailed itinerary so you’re settled and ready.”
On travel planning, she added: “To save on travel expenses, book your flights early – you’ll get better fares at least 21 days before the flight, and even cheaper a few months ahead. It’s also wise to choose accommodation close to the venue to maximise networking opportunities.”
Finally, she highlighted the role of corporate travel management platforms, saying: “They allow you to book and manage travel in one place, track expenses in real time, and keep all necessary documents organised and accessible.”
The study reinforces the outlook for continued growth in business travel and meetings in 2026, with major U.S. cities expected to play a central role in hosting conferences across a wide range of industrie.
