Add Some Charm to Your Next Event

SPONSORED CONTENT PRESENTED BY WACO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

There’s something about Waco that feels effortlessly welcoming. Maybe it’s the way the Brazos River winds by downtown, or the mix of old and new that creates a vibe you can’t find just anywhere. Whatever it is, Waco has a way of drawing people in and making them want to stick around—and it just so happens to be a perfect spot for gatherings of all kinds.

The Charm of a Walkable City

Let’s start with the layout. Waco’s downtown is completely walkable, which might not seem like a big deal until you’re there. Your attendees will get to check into their downtown hotel and, within minutes, they’re wandering toward their first team dinner or grabbing a coffee from a local shop before their day starts. No need to stress about transportation or complicated scheduling to get everyone from the area of town with their hotel to the part of town with top attractions—everything just flows. Hotels like the Hilton Waco or the Courtyard by Marriott offer easy launching points for exploring the area.

When people can walk from one venue to the next, there’s a certain energy that builds. Conversations don’t stop when a session ends because everyone’s still together, strolling toward their next activity. It feels natural, unhurried, and, dare we say, good.

A Food Scene Worth Talking About

Waco’s food scene is one of those pleasant surprises that sticks with you. Sure, it’s Texas, so you’ll find barbecue that’ll make your heart sing. But it’s also so much more. Imagine hosting a dinner at Vitek’s BBQ, where the Gut Pack lives up to its legendary reputation, or setting the tone with a trendy meal at Milo, a spot that blends fun cocktails with creative Southern cuisine.

Then there’s Magnolia Table, where the farm-to-table approach feels personal. It’s the kind of place where the care put into every dish mirrors the care you’ve put into planning your event. These aren’t just meals; they’re experiences, and they’re a big part of what makes Waco… well, Waco.

Spaces That Spark Creativity

Waco isn’t trying to be flashy when it comes to event venues—it’s just being itself, and that’s exactly what makes it work. The Waco Convention Center is a no-brainer if you need space for a crowd. It’s modern, it’s flexible, and it’s right where you need it to be. But for something a little more unexpected? That’s where Waco really shines. Take the Dr Pepper Museum, for example. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and just the right amount of fun for a networking mixer or casual gathering. Or consider Balcones Distilling, where your group can take a tour and sip award-winning whiskey while connecting in a laid-back setting. If you want to wow your attendees with a view, the collection of happy hour and get-together spaces found around Hotel Herringbone’s multistory grounds is a true choose-your-own event space adventure.

More Than Meetings

Here’s the thing about Waco: it’s not just about the meetings or the dinners or the sessions. It’s about everything else that happens in between. It can be as simple as a stroll along the Brazos Riverwalk, the bucket list detour to Magnolia Market at the Silos, or something as surprising as taking your team surfing at Waco Surf. It’s about giving people something to talk about long after they’ve gone home.

And if you’re looking to add a little adventure to the itinerary, Waco has you covered. A sunset cruise on the Brazos is as relaxing as it sounds, and for those who prefer to stay on land, the mix of local shops and art galleries downtown offers plenty of ways to unwind.

What’s Good in Waco

Planning an event anywhere can feel overwhelming, but Waco makes it easier. The folks at the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau know their stuff and are genuinely invested in helping you pull off something great. Need ideas for team-building activities? They’ve got you. Looking for local caterers who can deliver a taste of Waco? Consider it done.

Waco’s location doesn’t hurt, either. Sitting smack-dab between Dallas and Austin, it’s an easy drive from both. And for those flying in, the Waco Regional Airport connects to major hubs, so getting here isn’t a headache. It’s convenient without feeling generic, which is a hard balance to strike.

At the end of the day, Waco is about more than just checking boxes. It’s about creating an experience that feels thoughtful and genuine—the kind of event where people walk away feeling like they’ve been somewhere special. Whether it’s the food, the venues, or the simple joy of being able to walk from one thing to the next, Waco has a way of making everything feel a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.

So if you’re looking for what’s good in Waco, the answer is pretty simple: it’s everything.