A new study has revealed the U.S. cities set to host the highest number of business conferences in 2026, as demand for in-person events continues to rebound and corporate travel returns to growth.
The findings come as the global exhibition, convention and meetings market is forecast to grow from $34.13 billion in 2025 to $35.28 billion in 2026, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for face-to-face networking, knowledge sharing and direct client engagement. This resurgence is closely linked to a projected 4 per cent increase in corporate travel in 2026, following a dip in 2025, with business travel spending expected to exceed $407 billion by 2028.
With 2026 shaping up to be a pivotal year for conferences and corporate events, experts at Booking.com for Business analysed data from global conference platform All Conference Alert to identify the U.S. cities already listing the highest number of confirmed business conferences for the year ahead.
Top U.S. cities for business conferences in 2026
While not all events for 2026 have yet been confirmed, the following cities currently have the most business conferences scheduled:
Rank City State Business conferences listed (2026)
1 New York City New York 140
2 Las Vegas Nevada 75
3 Chicago Illinois 65
4 Boston Massachusetts 46
5 Dallas Texas 41
6 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 39
7 Atlanta Georgia 36
8 Los Angeles California 29
9 Santa Clara California 28
10 Minneapolis Minnesota 27
New York cements its position as the leading hub
A global centre for finance, trade and professional services, New York City tops the list with 140 business conferences already planned for 2026. Events span a wide range of sectors, from economics and leadership to engineering and medicine.
Among the headline events scheduled are a Global Business Summit in January focused on economic challenges and sustainable growth, a Global Conference on Women in Business and Leadership in February, and an International Conference on Accounting and Finance in April. The breadth of events reinforces New York’s status as a year-round destination for international business travel.
Ranking second, Las Vegas has 75 business conferences planned for 2026, underlining its reputation as one of the world’s best-equipped cities for large-scale meetings and exhibitions.
Tourism, gaming and entertainment employ more than 390,000 people in the city, and its conference calendar reflects that expertise. In April 2026, Las Vegas will host the International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality, bringing together global leaders to shape the future of the sector.
The city’s appeal is strengthened by its scale. Las Vegas offers nearly 14 million square feet of meeting and exhibition space and is home to three of the largest convention venues in the U.S.: the Las Vegas Convention Center, Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the Venetian Expo.
Chicago takes third place with 65 business conferences already listed for 2026. Long known as “the city that works”, Chicago’s strong industrial and manufacturing heritage continues to influence its role as a hub for innovation and economic growth.
In March 2026, the city will host the International Conference on Manufacturing Research, an event designed to foster collaboration between researchers and industry professionals, explore partnerships and strengthen global links in manufacturing and industrial innovation.
Nadine Blokker, Booking.com for Business expert, said that despite the rise of digital tools, in-person conferences remain critical for professional growth and commercial success.
“In-person conferences are irreplaceable for networking, skill development and business opportunities,” she said. “To make the most of them, preparation is key.”
She advises business travellers to create a personalised conference schedule, booking travel and accommodation early to secure better fares and reduce stress. Choosing hotels close to conference venues can also maximise networking opportunities and minimise time lost in transit.
For companies managing multiple events or travelling teams, Blokker recommends using corporate travel management platforms to centralise bookings, track expenses and keep documents accessible.
As 2026 approaches, the data suggests that U.S. cities with strong infrastructure, global connectivity and established business ecosystems are once again becoming focal points for international conferences — and a major driver of the next phase of business travel growth.