Downtown venues gain as corporate events shift to city centers

Corporate meeting planners are moving away from isolated convention centers and toward downtown venues that combine business infrastructure with culture, dining and recreation. In Asheville, that trend is boosting demand for integrated hotel meeting space and favoring properties built for networking, lodging and events under one roof.

Why it matters: - Corporate event planners are favoring urban settings that can help lift attendance and engagement. - The shift is increasing demand for downtown venues in Asheville and changing where companies book regional meetings. - Hotels that combine meeting rooms, lodging and social space are better aligned with current planner and attendee expectations.

What happened: - The American Express Global Business Travel 2024 Meetings and Events Forecast says planners are moving away from isolated convention centers and toward active city environments. - Data from the Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau shows more group business and corporate meetings moving into downtown Asheville. - A 2023-2024 Cvent sourcing report found that attendees now expect built-in networking spaces and flexible, multi-room lodging. - Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown is positioned as an example of a property built to meet those preferences.

The details: - Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown has more than 7,000 square feet of adaptable meeting space. - The hotel includes a 4,700-square-foot ballroom that can host up to 300 people. - The property has an all-suites layout, complimentary made-to-order breakfast and a daily evening reception. - The hotel sits at 192 Haywood Street in Asheville. - The property has 188 suites. - Each suite includes separate bedroom and living areas, 55-inch Smart TVs, ergonomic workspaces and wet bars. - Amenities include an indoor pool and a fitness center with Precor cardio equipment, Peloton bikes and free weights. - Dining options include the ground-floor E’Terie and the Michelin-recommended rooftop restaurant Soprana Rooftop Cucina. - The hotel is designed to support major industry meetings with technical infrastructure and cohesive networking layouts.

Between the lines: - The trend favors venues that can keep attendees close to sessions, meals and informal meetings without leaving the property. - Asheville’s downtown core appears to be benefiting because it offers both mountain recreation and urban amenities in one location. - For hotels, event space is no longer just about square footage. The mix of lodging style, food options and social areas now matters more in the booking decision.

What's next: - Planners are likely to keep prioritizing downtown hotels that can handle conferences while supporting networking and attendee convenience. - Western North Carolina properties with large meeting space and mixed-use amenities may continue to see stronger group demand. - Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown is positioned to capture more regional summits and corporate events as the preference for integrated venues grows.

The bottom line: - Corporate events are moving downtown, and Asheville hotels with flexible meeting space and built-in guest amenities are gaining an edge.