Educate

Tips & Trends

Meetings are about the future. That doesn’t mean planners should eschew the past. Choosing a host city that’s rich in history can set a theme—and an intriguing backdrop—for an event, and can help drive attendance. These five destinations are natural settings for rooting your meeting in heritage, while still looking toward what’s ahead.

<h2>Baltimore</h2>
If Washington, D.C., is the obvious choice for mid-Atlantic American history, Baltimore is the sleeper hit whose time has come. The city’s history is embedded in American lore—it boasts more statues and monuments per capita than anywhere else in the United States—making the city feel oddly familiar even to the first-time visitor.
Baltimore’s top attraction, Fort McHenry, is impressive both for its size and its history. When an oversized U.S. flag was hung there in 1814 to signify victory in the Battle of Baltimore, a local lawyer named Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry”—which, when set to music, became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The city’s familiarity doesn’t stop there. Remember the “B&amp;O Railroad” square on the Monopoly board? That’s the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and visitors can pop into the <a href="https://www.borail.org/">B&amp;O Railroad Museum</a>. And a stroll with the city’s free <a href="https://baltimore.org/bop-pass/">BoP Pass</a> takes visitors through a tour of Baltimore’s rich Black heritage and history, including an <a href="https://baltimore.org/listings/frederick-douglass-isaac-myers-maritime-park-museum/">interactive experience about the life of Frederick Douglass</a>, murals and monuments for Billie Holiday, and discounts on select <a href="https://baltimore.org/what-to-do/black-owned-businesses/">Black-owned businesses</a>.
The city’s 300,000-square-foot convention center is the largest of its gathering spaces, but multiple Marriott properties offer smaller spaces as well, including <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/BWIWF">Baltimore Marriott Waterfront</a>—which happens to be in Fell’s Point, one of Baltimore’s most historic neighborhoods.

<h2>Montreal</h2>
One of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, Montreal was centuries ahead of its time in thinking globally. Its early development as a fur trading center positioned it as a major player in everything from international transportation, the westward expansion of the U.S. and Canada, and the development of global finance.
That internationalist tradition continues today. A true melting pot of European and North American cultures, Montreal is considered one of the world’s great cosmopolitan centers. (In fact, it’s the first North American city to be granted the UNESCO City of Design designation.)
Like any citizen of the world, it knows how to play a gracious host when the time comes, as it did for the Summer Olympics in 1976. Its infrastructure for meetings has kept pace since then: The Palais des Congrès de Montréal convention center can support up to 20,000 users on its Wi-Fi network and has more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space—and it’s just steps away from <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/YULLE">Le Westin Montreal</a>, which offers an additional 48,276 square feet of meeting space.

<h2>Doha</h2>
Want to watch history being made—and even be a part of it? Host your next event in Doha. The newest city on this list, Doha’s history may be recent, but that doesn’t make it any less rich than its elders. A humble pearling village as late as the 1930s, Doha exploded in size and wealth in the 1950s with the advent of oil drilling, rocketing from 14,000 inhabitants to more than 80,000 in the span of 20 years.
When Qatar declared independence from Britain in 1971, Doha was named its capital. With its international prominence came international design, including the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, and the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel. But if you and your attendees want a taste of the area’s history, head to the city’s souk, which has been restored with an eye toward preserving the original Bedouin style.
The city’s convention center boasts nearly 100,000 pillar-free square feet that can be spatially customized into five halls, in addition to its 18 meeting rooms. It’s surrounded by accommodations including <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHMQ">Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel</a>; <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHRZ">The Ritz-Carlton, Doha</a>; <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHWH">W Doha</a>; and <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHSI">Sheraton Grand Doha Resort &amp; Convention Hotel</a> (which in and of itself has 16 meeting rooms and nearly 95,000 square feet of meeting space).

<h2>Kyoto</h2>
To understand Japanese history, there may be no better destination than Kyoto. For more than a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital of the nation. Tokyo took that title in 1868, but today Kyoto’s 2.5 million residents enjoy the cultural wealth that resulted from its centuries as the heart of Japan. For international attendees, Kyoto offers a particularly rich buffet of Japanese icons such as kabuki theater, tea ceremonies, and samurai culture.
But Kyoto holds another, more subtle sense of history for meeting planners in particular. Much of the world knows of Kyoto through a meeting: the gathering that birthed the Kyoto Protocol. Hosting a meeting in Kyoto can lend an event a sense of gravitas—after all, global, even universal, history was made here. <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/UKYAK">The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection</a>, situated a seven-minute walk from the Kyoto International Conference Center, hosts an additional 27,000 square feet of meeting space over eight meeting areas.

<h2>Bogota</h2>
The capital of Colombia, Bogota has played a key role in South American history for centuries. Pre-colonial Indigenous groups developed sophisticated metallurgy techniques, thousands of which are on display today in the city’s magnificent Museo del Oro, or gold museum. When the Spanish founded the city in 1538, it became a seat of colonial power on the continent; similarly, when colonial rulers were overthrown in the early 19th century, Bogota served as a gathering place for prominent nationalists.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Bogota’s political turmoil may have made meeting planners question its suitability as a host city. But the city has worked hard to reclaim its spot on the world stage, investing in security, public transportation, and tourism infrastructure. Today, the city of 11 million is known as an Andean jewel filled with world-class restaurants and art. The <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/BOGJW">JW Marriott Hotel Bogota</a> is situated in El Chapinero, the city’s hub of dining destinations, and has capacity for intimate meetings and easy public transportation access to Bogota’s convention center.

Global

Anchor Your Events in Heritage and History.

Five Destinations That Will Make Your Meeting Historic

Promote

Unique event spaces aren’t just for Pinterest-worthy weddings or Instagrammable parties. Corporate meetings and professional events are leveling up their venues and experiences, too.
While convention centers and conference rooms still have their place in the event world, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cvent.com/sites/default/files/files/2024-10/2025%20Cvent%20Planner%20Sourcing%20Report_North%20America%20Edition.pdf">half of the event planners recently surveyed by Cvent</a> said they are looking for unique venues this year. Why? Some cite costs—renting space in a theater or on a scenic terrace might incur a lower fee than a more traditional event setting. But for many, it’s all about creating a memorable experience for eventgoers.
Think of it: A private chef-taught cooking class in a restaurant, happy hour by an ice-skating rink, or a networking session on the deck of a luxury yacht are all exceptional experiences.
Looking for unforgettable event inspiration? Here are a few venues to consider.

<h2>Cook Together</h2>
There’s nothing like preparing a meal with friends or colleagues, and culinary theaters make chef-led cooking lessons accessible to large or small groups. Event attendees will come away with a delicious meal, lasting memories, and practical tips on how to replicate their experience at home.
Host a foodie’s dream event at <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/ATLMK">Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection’s</a> culinary theater. Attendees can gather to prepare a meal with guidance from local culinary experts or watch chefs and mixologists demonstrate their techniques on state-of-the-art cooking equipment. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epicureanhotelatlanta.com/gather/epicurean-theatre/">Epicurean Theatre</a> can accommodate up to 45 guests classroom-style, or hold hands-on classes for up to 20—perfect for team-building fun.
At<a href="https://www.luminaryhotel.com/gather/venues/"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/RSWAK">Luminary Hotel &amp; Co., Autograph Collection</a> in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, guests are in for an immersive culinary experience at<a href="https://www.luminaryhotel.com/taste/the-workshop/"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.luminaryhotel.com/taste/the-workshop/">The Workshop</a>, a 2,300-square-foot culinary theater perfect for your next event. Host a large group in the amphitheater-style seats, arrange an intimate gathering around the island for a close-up view, or bring attendees in on the action as they work at culinary workstations with guidance from local chefs.

<h2>Bond Over Boards</h2>
Seasoned surfers and beginners alike will love hitting the waves in a tropical destination. Choose a venue with professional surf instructors who offer small group lessons for intimate team-building time.
At<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/hnlkz-the-ritz-carlton-oahu-turtle-bay/events/"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/hnlkz">The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay</a>, teams can bond over a sunrise surf session through the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, where hand-picked instructors teach the roots of surfing in the waters where it all began. Groups can also attend the resort’s Meet the Legends series, featuring Hawaiian icons from big wave surfers to conservationists. With seven beaches, 1,180 acres of breathtaking scenery, and<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/hnlkz-the-ritz-carlton-oahu-turtle-bay/experiences/"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/hnlkz-the-ritz-carlton-oahu-turtle-bay/experiences/">immersive activities</a> woven into the event experience, this venue brings out the adventurous side of corporate gatherings.
Nestled on a remote peninsula in Costa Rica,<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lirrz-nekajui-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/events/"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/LIRRZ">Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve</a>, provides an opportunity to connect with nature—and the waves—for a luxe retreat. Kick off the day with private surf lessons led by an all-female team of pros, and end it with a guided hike or nature tour. Even your meetings can have a seaside vibe: You can conduct them on Nekajui’s oceanfront lawns, poolside terraces, or private beach.
It’s no wonder that the area around <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/OOLSP">JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort &amp; Spa</a> is called Surfers Paradise. Long, sandy beaches stretch for two kilometers, flanked by modern high-rises and resorts on one side and the surf-friendly Pacific Ocean on the other. For guests who aren’t up for hitting the waves, the property boasts a private saltwater lagoon stocked with tropical fish, a freshwater pool, and a lazy river. Book a morning floating Pilates class for active attendees or host a poolside cocktail hour after a day of meetings.

<h2>Blades of Glory</h2>
Whether your attendees want to glide on the ice or cozy up by a fire, a skating rink offers an idyllic seasonal experience.
Every winter,<a href="https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/meetings-events.html"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/LASCO">The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection</a> transforms its iconic Boulevard Pool into<a href="https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/the-ice-rink.html"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/the-ice-rink.html">The Ice Rink</a>, a 4,200-square-foot rink with skate rentals and regularly scheduled snow showers. After attendees glide around the rink, they can warm up with festive food and drinks at The Ski Lodge, a faux mountainside restaurant with views of the Las Vegas Strip’s most iconic hotels.

<h2>Commune With Nature</h2>
Some of the best getaways are rural ones, where guests can disconnect and engage with the natural world. Choose a seaside resort or a historic hilltop property for a corporate retreat that will leave guests feeling refreshed and inspired.
Imagine holding an outdoor meeting as elephants lumber by in the distance. At <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/NBOMJ">JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge</a>, deep in Kenya’s Masai Mara &nbsp;National Reserve, the wildlife will come to you. Treat guests to a guided safari tour for a closer look at the giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and rhinoceroses that roam freely in the reserve. In the evening, host a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nbomj-jw-marriott-masai-mara-lodge/dining/">Boma Dinner</a> under the stars, a fireside dinner with locally prepared cuisine and traditional dance.
Hidden among the lush green foothills of the Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China’s Sichuan province, is <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/JZHRZ">Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve</a>. Guests are immersed in nature with expansive views from each of the 87 villas. Treat event attendees to a hiking or biking excursion in the nearby 180,000-acre nature reserve, and take your meetings outdoors on the Qiong Qia Ballroom’s terrace, which boasts snow-capped Minshan Mountain views.
Golf lovers won’t soon forget their stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/FAOSP">Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort &amp; Conference Center</a>. Attendees can take in the sea air in sunny Southern Portugal when they start their morning on the links, rest on the sandy beach, or search for rare birds along the Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve.

<h2>Go Cruising</h2>
Whether you’re sailing an urban bay or setting off on an international adventure, hosting an event on a yacht will ensure that attendees talk about their experience for years to come.
The<a href="https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/charters"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/charters">Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s</a> three luxury yachts stop in seaside locales like Athens, Barcelona, Singapore, and Cape Town. The ships’ meeting rooms, outdoor terraces, restaurants, and lounges offer ample space for intimate keynotes or breakout sessions. Opt for onboard team-building activities like sushi-making classes or art workshops, or organize unique shore excursions.
<a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/YHZLC">Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax</a> embraces its seaside surroundings with a prime location on Halifax Harbor, and is ideal for intimate event groups. Book an excursion on Little Wing, the property’s private 36-foot sailing yacht, for an incomparable meeting experience, or enjoy it for a sunset happy hour with coastal views.

Destination Meetings

Destination Meetings

Articles