When you plan to meet in Sacramento, California, get ready to experience a destination with bigger goals, better standards and bolder meetings—now and in the future. From the newly expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and first-class hotels nearby to walkable tree-lined streets, award-winning dining and exciting attractions, you’ll find many reasons to meet in our city.
Here’s our ‘Top 10’ list.
1. The Ultimate Location Combination: Accessible, Walkable & Convenient
Aside from the 250 days of sunshine each year contributing to our appeal, Sacramento is a meeting destination where accessibility, walkability and convenience all complement a culturally diverse cityscape. Whether you hit the road or take to the skies, getting to and around Sacramento is a cinch—and here’s why:
- 175+ daily non-stop flights at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is just 15 minutes from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
- 90 miles (2-hour drive) from San Francisco and Lake Tahoe and 50 miles from Napa
- 2,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center (4,000 within a mere three-mile radius)
- 300+ nearby restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dining
2. Newly Renovated & Expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Modern sophistication meets GBAC STAR-accredited status at the newly named, renovated and expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Experience 240,000 total square feet of programmable space between two levels, 160,000 square feet of exhibit space, 37 breakout rooms, a new 15,000-square-foot outdoor plaza, superb technology capabilities ideal for hybrid or virtual events and much more. The convention center also received its GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation—an achievement that demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for everyone using or working in the facility. This much-anticipated meeting hub is slated to be fresh and ready to reopen in spring 2021 as a dynamic center for conventions, events and cultural experiences.
3. New Hotel Developments on the Horizon
Sacramento is continuously evolving with new hotel developments and upgraded spaces for meetings and events. Joining an already impressive hotel portfolio are the new Fort Sutter Hotel and Hyatt Centric Hotel. Also, Downtown’s iconic Fruit Building will be reimagined into the new 100-room Exchange Sacramento Hotel by Hilton.
4. High Standards for Health & Safety
Successfully moving the future of meetings and conventions forward, Sacramento has worked diligently to enhance health and safety standards with adherence to state and local guidelines and protocols for gathering. The proof is in the pudding, otherwise known as the Sacramento S.A.F.E. Pledge—a community-wide promise to follow best industry practices and provide Safe Accommodations For Everyone. Pair that with the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center’s GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation to see how the community is working hard to ensure a clean, safe and healthy environment for all.
*Download our comprehensive recovery guide—a valuable resource with tips, new meeting options and more.
5. Many Places Offer Meeting Spaces
No matter the event type or group size, Sacramento has just the right space for your specific needs. Our team at Visit Sacramento can help you find flexible, affordable and unique venues and facilities while working together with our hospitality partners to provide you an unforgettable meeting destination.
6. Outdoor Event Venues & Green Spaces Galore
Bring your meeting or conference to a destination that can not only offer your attendees exceptional indoor convention facilities, but great outdoor opportunities as well. Known as the “City of Trees,” Sacramento provides unique open-air event settings, green spaces, parks and more.
7. Incentives to Meet More & Spend Less
Every great incentive starts with a great city. Ideally, one with excellent accessibility by car or plane and a bucket list of experiences and activities. Enter Sacramento! Some of our hospitality partners at the convention center, hotels and other meeting venues provide incentive magnets to entice planners and groups looking to book Sacramento for their meeting or event. Trust us; you won’t want to skip out on these special offers.
8. So Many Things to Do, So There's No Time to Waste
Get a little local flavor of Sacramento during your time here for a meeting or event. Go off-agenda and experience some of the many fun things to do in our city—including interactive attractions, relaxing or energetic outdoor activities, awe-inspiring murals, food that satisfies your soul and so much more.
Wining & Dining Has Never Been More Delightful
Known as “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital,” Sacramento’s food scene has grown to be one of the hottest in the west.
Don't believe us?
- Fun Fact #1: In 2019, the Michelin Guide added Sacramento as its fifth American city to be featured in one of its guides, bestowing honors on 14 Sacramento restaurants.
- Fun Fact #2: There are more restaurants with high Zagat ratings in Sacramento than anywhere else in Northern California.
Yes, we’re that good.
Many restaurants have also made al fresco dining options available—either expanded onto the city sidewalks or into closed-off streets. You can go from group dining to unwinding at one of the 200 nearby wineries in the region.
Entertainment, Attractions & Activities
Who says meetings can’t be fun? Sacramento offers a variety of entertainment options, attractions and activities for every group interest. Start with the arts by visiting one of the many museums and historic attractions or stroll along the tree-lined streets to view some of the epic murals found around almost every corner. Seek a thrill in the sunshine with outdoor recreation opportunities like bicycling or river rafting or find a spot to chill at one of the many beautiful parks. There’s no shortage of things to do while meeting in Sacramento.
9. Major Industries & Corporations Mean Business
As California’s capital city, Sacramento serves as a hub for many industry sectors that benefit from access to a large employment base and the State Capitol. Key industries in our destination include state government, healthcare, technology, agriculture and higher education. Visit Sacramento can help groups explore sponsorship opportunities, and the team is available to connect clients with local industry experts for keynote presentations, tours and other meeting needs.
10. Planning Resources & Services at the Gold-Star Level
From beginning to end and everything in between, Visit Sacramento’s all-star sales and service professionals are here to help. Our convention services staff members are your personal concierges connecting you to attendance-driving tools, pre-promotion, exclusive restaurant discounts and marketing and meeting materials. Explore the city from wherever you are with our virtual tours and meetings marketing photos and videos. Consider these offerings as an expert-level extension for planning success.
Contact the Team You Can Count On
Reach out to the Visit Sacramento team to start planning your future meeting or event in a destination brimming with reasons to experience Sacramento—or if you’re ready to book, submit your RFP.
