Planners are more budget-conscious than ever when selecting sites for their next meeting or event. Here are two top destinations that can tick all your boxes without ticking off your CFO.
Stretching along 60 miles of stunning coastline and home to 14 communities, “Myrtle Beach offers exceptional meeting spaces and an endless array of experiences, from adventure and relaxation to culinary delights and world-class live music,” says Bob Harris, Executive VP of Group Sales at Visit Myrtle Beach.
It's also easy to get to, with Myrtle Beach International Airport offering more than 50 nonstop destinations and expanded service from budget-friendly airlines. The airport is conveniently located just a few miles from most conference venues and 13 miles from the farthest, which, as Harris points out, saves a lot of money on ground transportation.
Groups looking for budget-friendly offsite venues may want to check out Broadway at the Beach, which features a plethora of fun options: Ripley’s Aquarium, PopStroke, The Hangout, Wonderworks, and two theaters. Or they may want to check out the House of Blues or the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing. Nature lovers will love Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk and Myrtle Beach State Park, and there’s a venue for everything from country music fans—the Carolina Opry—to good olde times of jousting and feasting at the Medieval Times experience.
Myrtle Beach also is always adding new hotels to consider, such as The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront. This 452-room dual-flag waterfront property, which opened in July 2024, is a two-hotel resort with enhanced communal areas and amenities compared to the standard for a standalone property. It also is the largest facility within 2.5 miles of the airport, with 38,000 sf of meeting space, two onsite restaurants, six pools, beach and pier access, a mini-golf course, sport courts and a 24-hour fitness center.
“With our state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, Oklahoma City is an ideal destination for groups seeking value and purpose without sacrificing quality,” says Shaun Yates, VP of Convention Sales & Services with Visit OKC. “Our central location and supportive local community further enhance our appeal for groups looking to make a splash without breaking the budget.”
Among the group venues that can help provide the most bang for the buck for group events is the Oklahoma City Convention Center. This state-of-the-art venue offers expansive and flexible meeting spaces, high-tech amenities and a prime location in the heart of downtown. “With walkable access to hotels, dining and attractions, it delivers exceptional value and convenience for events of all sizes,” says Yates.
Another good option is the Civic Center Music Hall, a venue and concert space that offers versatile event spaces, from grand concert halls to intimate reception areas. If you’d rather go for a cowboy vibe, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum pairs cultural enrichment with professional event hosting with customizable event spaces, including stunning banquet halls, outdoor courtyards and a turn-of-the-century Western town.
For groups seeking an adventurous twist, RIVERSPORT offers group-friendly venues alongside unique activities like white-water rafting and ziplining. Affordable packages combine meeting spaces with teambuilding opportunities.
Coming in spring 2025 is the OKANA Resort & Waterpark, with a focus on relaxation and recreation, along with exciting new meeting spaces for groups seeking both leisure and business options in one location. Opening in 2027 is the Multipurpose Stadium, designed to host sports, concerts and large-scale events. The New Arena, slated to open in summer 2028, will offer state-of-the-art features for concerts, conventions and sports events. —Sue Pelletier
visitmyrtlebeach.com/meetings; visitokc.com/meetings