Why Choose Albany, NY as the Host Site for Your Future Meeting
Albany, NY offers meeting venues of every size, easy access by air and rail, and a central location in New York's Capital Region. Local businesses can keep their meetings close to home, and planners bringing in attendees from across the Northeast can count on Albany International Airport and Amtrak service to get everyone here. Here's why New York's capital city makes a smart choice for your next meeting or conference.
Albany Meeting and Event Planning at a Glance
- Meeting venues: Marriott Albany, Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel, and the Albany Capital Center, with options for small seminars up to ballroom events of 1,400 guests.
- Getting here and around: Albany International Airport, Amtrak service, taxis, group shuttles, rideshares, and rental cars.
- Group outings: Washington Park, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Hudson River cruises, free New York State Capitol tours, and the USS Slater.
- Dining: El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant, Mint, and Barnsider Restaurant, which has private function rooms.
- Lodging: Hotels near the airport and between Albany and Saratoga Springs.
Find the Perfect Albany Meeting & Conference Venue
Regardless of the size of the meeting or seminar you're going to host, Albany has a venue to fit it.
Marriott Albany
Marriott Albany provides a convenient setting for companies hosting meetings, conferences, and other business events. Its range of event spaces allows planners to organize everything from presentations and workshops to larger gatherings under one roof.
- 16 event rooms
- 16,720 square feet of event space
- Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 1,400 guests
- 15 breakout rooms
- High-speed Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment
- On-site event planning services
- Complimentary airport shuttle
Crowne Plaza Albany -The Desmond Hotel
Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel offers a setting that goes beyond the traditional conference room. The hotel can accommodate a variety of corporate gatherings while giving attendees access to on-site dining and comfortable common spaces.
- 23 event spaces
- 24,000 square feet of flexible event space
- 11 meeting rooms and three ballrooms
- Indoor courtyards with atrium skylights
- Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle
- On-site dining at Mr. D's Restaurant & Lounge
Albany Capital Center
The Albany Capital Center is designed for large-scale conferences, conventions, trade shows, and other major gatherings. Its connection to the surrounding Capital Complex also makes it possible to use multiple nearby facilities as part of a larger event.
- 22,500 square feet of ballroom and exhibit space
- 9,200 square feet of meeting space
- 6 meeting rooms
- 13,500 square feet of pre-function space
- 15,000-square-foot multipurpose room
- 4K audiovisual capabilities
- High-speed internet and charging stations
- Enclosed walkways connecting to other Capital Complex venues
Check out more Albany meeting facilities >>
Explore Convenient Transportation Options in Albany
Whether your group is arriving from across the country or traveling from nearby communities, Albany offers several ways to get to and around the Capital Region.
Adirondack Blue Line Taxi Service
For groups looking for convenient transportation around the Capital Region, Adirondack Blue Line Taxi Service provides a local option for getting meeting attendees where they need to go. Taxi service can be especially useful for transportation between hotels, meeting venues, restaurants, and other destinations throughout the area.
APoint Shuttle Service
Groups that need to coordinate transportation for multiple attendees can turn to APoint Shuttle Service. The company provides shuttle transportation for group travel, including airport trips and other planned outings, giving meeting planners another option for coordinating transportation.
Other Ways to Travel Around Albany
Meeting attendees have several other ways to get around Albany and the surrounding Capital Region. Uber and Lyft can provide convenient point-to-point transportation, while rental cars give visitors more flexibility during their stay.
With taxis, private shuttles, rideshare services, rental cars, and air travel all available, meeting planners have several transportation options to consider when organizing an event in Albany.
Meet in the Heart of New York's Capital Region
If your meeting or event is intended to draw employees or clients from a wide area, this could be a great location for you! Albany is a primary stop on the Amtrak line, and of course there's also Albany International Airport. It is a bit smaller and easier to get around than other big city airports. There are plenty of lodging options close to the airport too.
If your group is going to be in town for a week or more and you're looking for a fun day trip, you don't have to go all the way to New York City or Boston to have a great excursion. Albany's location in the Capital Region makes it easy for meeting attendees to explore nearby communities when they're not in the meeting room. Groups can venture to Troy, Schenectady, or Saratoga Springs, each offering its own collection of attractions, restaurants, shops, and things to do.
For a longer outing, Lake George is another destination within reach of Albany. Its combination of Adirondack scenery, outdoor recreation, and lakeside attractions can give groups an opportunity to experience a different side of the region during their stay.
Explore Albany's Parks & Outdoor Experiences
Want to build camaraderie while you're in Albany for your meeting and stretch your legs at the same time? You and your group could go for a walk or a hike at a local park or nature preserve.
Washington Park
Washington Park sits in the heart of Albany and features plenty of trails and green space to enjoy during a visit to the city. The park is particularly scenic in the spring, when its famous tulips are in bloom.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
For those who want to venture onto the trails, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve offers a variety of hiking opportunities. The preserve's relatively easy, flat trails make it accessible for visitors who want to explore the area's natural landscape without committing to a strenuous hike.
Dutch Apple Cruises
For a different perspective on the city, consider a cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises. A cruise along the Hudson River offers visitors a chance to take in Albany's waterfront and surrounding scenery from the water.
Get Swept Up in Local History & Culture
As you discover more places to visit and things to see in the Albany area, take a moment to consider delving into local history and culture. This could be another fun group outing for those attending your meeting or event.
The Capitol Building is a great place to start, as they offer free tours Monday through Friday. If you're bringing a group of 10 or more people you'll just need to make a reservation. What's really great about the Capitol is not just that it's the home of the New York State government, but it's also a true architectural treasure.
For a really unique history-filled experience, you might also want to bring you group to the USS Slater that is right on the Hudson River. This is the last Destroyer Escort in the entire country that is still afloat! The ship consists of a museum right on board and it's open to visitors April through November.
Make the Most of the Area's Great Restaurants
Sometimes after a long day of meetings what you really want to do is hit the town and enjoy some delicious food and drinks. Albany is the perfect place to unwind with your coworkers.
El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
Located on Hamilton Street in Albany, El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant serves a combination of Mexican and Spanish cuisine in a distinctive setting. The menu includes traditional Mexican favorites as well as Spanish-influenced dishes, giving groups plenty of options to choose from.
Mint
Just outside Albany in Slingerlands, Mint takes a seasonal approach to its menu with a focus on scratch cooking and locally sourced ingredients. Its menu includes a range of options for different dietary preferences, making it an option for groups with a variety of tastes and dining needs.
Barnsider Restaurant
For a classic steakhouse experience, Barnsider Restaurant in Albany features steaks, seafood, and its well-known salad bar. The restaurant also has private function rooms and accommodates business meetings and group gatherings, making it an option for organizations who'd like to combine dining with an event.
Find a Comfortable Stay at Albany Hotels & Lodging
In town for a business meeting and need to stay overnight? Choose from the many fine hotels that Albany has to offer.
Crowne Plaza Albany -The Desmond Hotel
Located less than a mile from Albany International Airport, Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel offers 322 guest rooms and suites, along with a variety of modern amenities for business and leisure travelers. The hotel is also next to the Wolf Road business district, putting shopping, dining, and entertainment options nearby.
Courtyard By Marriott Albany - Clifton Park
Located between Albany and Saratoga Springs, Courtyard by Marriott Albany-Clifton Park provides a convenient lodging option for business travelers visiting the Capital Region. The hotel has 130 guest rooms, including suites and accessible accommodations, along with workspaces in its guest rooms.
Marriott Albany
Located minutes from Albany International Airport, Marriott Albany offers 359 guest rooms and several amenities designed for both business and leisure stays. Guest rooms include work desks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and living or sitting areas, while the hotel also features an indoor and outdoor pool and fitness center.
Start Planning Your Albany Meeting or Conference
Albany combines meeting venues of every size with an airport, Amtrak service, and a central location in the Capital Region, making it easy for attendees to arrive from near and far.
Contact venues early to check availability for your dates, and browse more Albany meeting facilities to compare spaces for your group.
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