SACRAMENTO
VisitSacramento.com; @VisitSacramento—Sacramento is a city where history, culture, and innovation intersect, offering a dynamic backdrop for meetings and events of all sizes. Its vibrant neighborhoods, walkable downtown, and welcoming atmosphere make it easy for attendees to explore and connect. “Sacramento is an approachable, walkable city that delivers the charm and attraction of California without the cost of some of the larger cities,” says Brandon Darnell, director of marketing for Visit Sacramento.
Sacramento offers a robust selection of hotel options to suit a range of meeting needs, totaling more than 16,000 guest rooms across the city. In fact, more than 2,000 hotel rooms are just steps from Sacramento Convention Center, and 4,000 rooms are located within a three-mile radius, making it easy to keep groups close to the action.
The Hyatt Regency Sacramento and Sheraton Grand Sacramento, each with 506 rooms, serve as anchor properties for the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, with the Sheraton Grand recently completing guest room renovations. For planners seeking a more boutique experience, the 250-room Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, located in the vibrant Downtown Commons district, adjacent to the Golden 1 Center, is just a 10-minute walk from the convention center.
At the heart of Sacramento’s meeting infrastructure is SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, which offers 240,000 square feet of programmable space, including 160,000 square feet of exhibit space, 79,000 square feet of meeting space, 37 breakout rooms, and two ballrooms—highlighted by a 40,000-square-foot ballroom added in 2021—and a 15,000-square-foot outdoor activities plaza.
Beyond the expansive SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, planners can explore options like the historic Memorial Auditorium, a downtown two-story multipurpose facility with a storied past, and Cal Expo, home to the California State Fair and a versatile space for large-scale events. For more intimate gatherings, Sutter Health Park provides a unique setting, while Capital Sports Center offers a modern facility with 32,000 square feet and 10 meeting rooms. Additionally, the Golden 1 Center, a downtown venue known
for hosting major concerts and sporting events, can be transformed to accommodate meetings and conferences.
Accessibility is another major draw. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is just 15 minutes from downtown, making travel to the city fast and convenient. With more than 200 nonstop flights to destinations across the country, SMF ensures attendees can arrive and depart with ease, while minimizing travel time and maximizing productivity during their stay.
Beyond its accessibility and versatility, Sacramento is also a culinary destination. “Sacramento is America’s ‘Farm-to-Fork Capital,’ which means the food here is second to none, whether it’s one of our Michelin-starred restaurants or the award-winning food in our convention center,” Darnell adds. This year, the California Michelin Guide added three local restaurants—Majka Pizzeria & Bakery, Kin Thai, and Pho Momma—to its list of recommendations, while staples like The Kitchen and Localis retained their coveted star ratings, ensuring planners can craft dining experiences as memorable as the meeting itself.
Sacramento offers an abundance of engaging activities to keep attendees energized and inspired beyond the meeting room. Groups can explore the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront, with its Gold Rush-era buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants, or enjoy hands-on adventures like whitewater rafting at Mother Lode River Center. For a unique spin on sightseeing, the Sac Brew Bike and Sac Brew Boat provide pedal-powered tours by land and river, combining local flavor with interactive fun. Art enthusiasts can wander a self-guided mural tour, taking in more than
650 striking works across the city. The Sacramento Zoo offers private animal encounters and teambuilding opportunities. Golfers can enjoy pristine courses with scenic Sierra Nevada foothills as a backdrop. Escape rooms, such as Enchambered, provide immersive, collaborative challenges, perfect for small groups or larger teams.
