Capital cities are the keepers of culture in their states.
In addition to containing impressive, domed capitol buildings, historic architecture and a wealth of museums, these cities are the seats of their state governments. They’re easy points of access for state and regional government association meetings. And if planners are hoping to score a welcome or a keynote speech from a high-profile government official, there’s often no better place to find them.
Here are five state capitals that won’t disappoint as meetings destinations.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
When it comes to state capitals, Santa Fe, New Mexico, has an interesting claim to fame: It’s the oldest capital city, but it’s found in one of the youngest states in the U.S. Though occupied by Indigenous Pueblo groups going back at least 1,000 years, the city of Santa Fe was founded by the Spanish in the early 1600s. New Mexico became a state in 1912. Today, this cultural gem brims with history and art. Centered around a historic and walkable plaza, the city provides visitors with shopping, dining, art galleries and historic sites.
“We often find that Santa Fe is a draw for groups, and they get a larger attendance when they meet in Santa Fe,” said Joanne Hudson, public relations manager for Tourism Santa Fe. “Attendees have always wanted to travel here and bring their spouse and family along.”
The Santa Fe Community Convention Center, opened in 2008, was designed with characteristics of the city’s architecture, such as carved wood beams and tin. With 40,000 square feet of meeting space, including an 18,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom and 10 breakout rooms, the convention center can accommodate meetings of up to 600 attendees. Within a half-mile radius of the convention center, attendees can stay at their choice of over 1,000 hotel rooms. The Eldorado Hotel and Spa, La Fonda on the Plaza and Drury Plaza hotels each offer an additional 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of meeting space.
For some interesting off-sites, look no further than two of the city’s most prominent art museums: The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Attendees will also enjoy a train ride on the historic Sky Railway, which comes with onboard entertainment.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is French for “red stick,” which was the first thing French explorers saw upon arriving in 1699 on the site of what is now the Louisiana capital city. This red stick on the bluffs of the Mississippi River was a dividing line between the territories of two Indigenous tribes, but the name stuck, even as Louisiana changed hands from the French to the British to the Spanish and, finally, to the U.S. The city was incorporated in 1817 and has since played a role in the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. Today, it’s home to the largest historically Black university in the state.
The city’s largest meeting space is Raising Cane’s River Center, which has 200,000-plus square feet, including a 30,000-square-foot arena, a 70,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a 2,000-seat theater. For off-sites, the Burden Museum and Gardens is set on 440 acres and is ideal for enchanting outdoor receptions. There’s also the Louisiana Art and Science Museum; Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building, famous for its distinct architecture; and a number of historic homes and buildings that serve as venues.
Geraldine Bordelon, senior vice president of destination sales for Visit Baton Rouge, said what makes the city a remarkable meeting destination is its variety at an affordable cost.
“It’s ideal for retreats and conventions,” she said. “We have Louisiana State University and Southern University as resources to tap into for speakers, and any sporting event that attendees would like to attend. And we have casino properties if they want to try their hand at gaming. That’s what makes it unique — the ability to try different things.”
Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan, is a diverse and thriving community with a large college population from Michigan State University. It was designated the capital in 1847, beating cities like Ann Arbor for the job. Today, this capital city is an accessible choice for regional events due to its central location in the state and in the country.
Located two blocks from the Capitol building and on the banks of the Grand River, Lansing Center offers more than 175,000 square feet of meeting space. The convention center features 72,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space and 20 breakout rooms and is connected to the adjacent 256-room DoubleTree hotel via a skybridge. There’s also a Courtyard by Marriott, with 122 guest rooms and nearly 1,700 square feet of function space.
MSU’s campus has several event spaces perfect for off-sites, like the MSU Horticulture Gardens, an elegant setting for a reception with up to 400 attendees. The Michigan Princess is a riverboat that glides along the Grand River and offers lunch or dinner cruises for up to 250 attendees. Thanks to MSU and the Capitol, planners may have access to local educators, legislators or thought leaders to act as event speakers. Another selling point of Lansing is its extensive range of services offered by its convention and visitors bureau.
“We provide complimentary services,” said Tracy Padot, chief marketing officer at Choose Lansing. “So, if an event planner needed assistance, whether that’s building a micro-site, promotional materials, media assistance, welcome packets or a visitor guide, there’s a whole gamut of things we can do for pre-promotion the year before. We also have over 500 certified tourism ambassadors.”
Albany, New York
Albany is actually the second capital of New York state, but that doesn’t make this 400-year-old city any less charming. Nestled between the Mohawk and Hudson rivers and at the start of the Erie Canal, this city of about 100,000 is easily accessible by Amtrak and its international airport, making it a great option for events in the Northeast.
“It really represents all of the best parts of the state of New York,” said Jay Cloutier, director of sales and sports commissioner for Discover Albany. “Oftentimes people come here to work for their local legislator and stay because they enjoy the quality of life, but they bring the parts of their hometown to enjoy. It’s that amalgamation of all the really cool people in New York collecting in one place.”
Albany has two convention centers. The Albany Capital Center, opened in 2017, has 52,000 square feet, while the Empire State Plaza Convention Center has 50,000-plus square feet. There are plenty of venues outside of the convention centers and hotels. In downtown, The State Room is a former bank lobby that provides an opulent backdrop for up to 200 attendees. Also downtown, the Albany Institute of History and Art can host a cocktail reception for 100 and includes private guided tours of the museum. Just outside of Albany’s suburbs, Indian Ladder Farms has an outdoor pizza garden and an on-site cidery and hosts events for up to 80 people.
Salem, Oregon
Oregon’s capital is in the heart of the Willamette Valley, a region known for its splendid food and wine scene as well as the captivating beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Salem was founded by missionaries in 1842 and became known as an epicenter for outdoor recreation and beautiful vineyards, inspiring the tagline “the most Oregon part of Oregon.”
Salem also promises abundance to meeting and event planners. Salem Convention Center in downtown Salem offers 30,000 square feet of event space across two floors, including two ballrooms measuring 11,400 square feet and 8,750 square feet. The 193-room Grand Hotel in Salem connects to the convention center. Also downtown, within walking distance of the convention center, the Holman Riverfront Park Hotel has 3,200 square feet of chic event space and 127 guest rooms.
The city’s most expansive venue is undoubtedly the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center, which comprises a 185-acre complex of indoor and outdoor venues to hold everything from sporting events to concerts to trade shows. Off-site events can be enjoyed at signature Oregon venues. These include scenic wineries surrounding Salem, such as Willamette Valley Vineyards or Cória Estates. Another unique venue is the B-17 Alliance Museum and Restoration Hangar, the hangar at the Salem Airfield where restoration of a rare B-17 aircraft is underway. Attendees can dance or dine in the hangar and learn about World War II history.
