HOUSTON (June 23, 2026) – A new list from a respected national media outlet ranks Houston the fifth best convention city in the country and the leader in Texas.
U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of Best Conference Cities in the U.S. analyzed 52 major cities based on meeting space, accessibility, affordability, safety, sustainability and destination appeal. The outlet also factored in industry experts’ perspective on the destinations.
With two major convention centers and dozens of hotels capable of hosting conferences and meetings, Houston placed 5th among competitors. Only two Texas cities were in the top 10, with San Antonio coming in at No. 9.
“Houston is a strong city, and we are getting stronger every day. Conventions create jobs, attract visitors, and generate economic opportunity for our entire community. By significantly increasing the size of the George R. Brown Convention Center and the entertainment district, we are investing in Houston’s future and ensuring our city remains a top destination for business, tourism and economic development. This ranking validates that Houston is heading in the right direction,” said Mayor John Whitmire.
The data driven ranking from U.S. News & World Report certainly reinforces Houston’s status as premier convention destination—one that is likely to get stronger thanks to a major transformation project now underway. Construction began last year on GRB South, a 700,000-square-foot building that will directly connect to the south end of the current George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston. That $1.14 billion initiative will significantly increase the capacity and flexibility of the center that currently offers nearly 1.9 million square feet of usable space. The GRB is directly connected to the 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston and 1,000-room Marriott Marquis Houston, with the 12-acre Discovery Green park in front and multiple additional hotels within walking distance to create a dynamic campus experience. The facility hosts more than 25 citywide conventions on average with dozens of additional tradeshows, conferences and expos annually.
“Ranking among the top five convention destinations in the U.S. is a testament to Houston's momentum as a premier global event city,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation, the destination marketing organization responsible for securing conventions and events and drawing visitors to the region. “This honor reflects our hospitality community's unmatched service and experiences. With our $1.1 billion Phase 1 of the Convention District Transformation opening in early 2028, we are set to elevate our position for years to come.”
At the 350-acre Reliant Park, connected to Downtown and other key districts by light rail, Reliant Center boasts more than 700,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including 11 exhibit halls. Reliant Center is home to one of Houston’s oldest annual conventions, the Offshore Technology Conference, and dozens of consumer events and tradeshows each year.
In 2025, the Houston First Sales team booked 517 future meetings and conventions representing 881,737 hotel room nights, a new record. Those meetings represented a cross-section of industries and associations, from energy, finance and life sciences to state and national trade organizations.
"With two major airports and a bevy of affordable hotels, Houston stands out as one of the Best Conference Cities in the U.S. Beyond its practicality, the city's unique entertainment options, from Astros games to rodeos, and renowned food scene provide plenty of appeal when professionals are off-the-clock as well" said Editor Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Travel Editor, U.S. News & World Report.
The top 10 convention cities as ranked by U.S. News & World Report are:
- Las Vegas
- Chicago
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Houston
- New York
- Washington, D.C.
- Anaheim
- San Antonio
- San Diego
For more on the U.S. News' methodology on Best Conference Cities rankings go here.
About Houston First Corporation
Houston First Corporation (HFC) is a local government corporation and the destination marketing organization for the country's fourth largest city. In addition to serving as operator for the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of Houston's most prominent art, entertainment, and event venues, HFC is focused on promoting the city's vibrancy and rich tapestry of culture. By harnessing the city's collective energy, ambition, and creativity, including its diverse culinary scene, world-renowned performing arts, medical and space innovation, and elite filming locations, HFC is solidifying Houston as a premier national and global destination. For the latest news and info regarding HFC, visit www.houstonfirst.com.
Contacts:
pr@houstonfirst.com
Carolyn Campbell, (832) 982-9902
Jennie Bui-McCoy, (832) 374-3994
