Go Beyond the Boardroom in Jacksonville

The mild temperatures, scenic waterways and abundant parks feed off the natural amenities afforded by our destination. Visit Jacksonville encourages you to play in our sandbox.

Conventions, meetings, trade shows and other events should not be the same old, same old. Gathering in Jacksonville is a breath of fresh air. Of course, we have a historic convention center and some of the country’s finest hotels. But it would be a shame to confine your attendees to close quarters.

As the largest city by landmass in the continental United States at 840 square miles, Jacksonville offers an abundance of choices sure to appeal to today’s business travelers.

Meetings and events are expected to provide experiences attendees can’t find elsewhere. With scores of beaches, gardens, parks, unique venues and more, Jacksonville has it all. Attendees will be so impressed they will be planning return visits and comparing future organizational meetings to the ray of sunshine Jacksonville provided.

The best part is, even with all of our many options, practically everything is within a reasonable drive. With big-city amenities and small-town niceties, Jacksonville is truly the best of both worlds.

Read on for what experiences await you and your group outside the meeting room in Jacksonville.

It’s Beachy Here

When we mention Jacksonville’s sandbox, it isn’t a metaphor. There are 22 miles of beaches and 1,100 miles of shoreline. This part of the Atlantic shoreline is renowned for its surfing, swimming, boating and just plain ol’ sunbathing. Have your teams bond while building castles, competing in beach Olympics, or taking a ride on a kayak or water tour.

Looking for an excursion to remember? Black Rock Beach at Big Talbot Island Park is like visiting another world. Formed during the last ice age, the beach is unlike any you have ever visited. Tree skeletons and unusual geographical formations are simultaneously eerie and majestical. For perspective on the unique nature of this site: Only 3.5% of land in the U.S. and 4% globally has the same organic composition. This is a truly Instagrammable trip to break up meetings.

Park It Here

It’s not hard to become one group with nature when surrounded by the country’s largest urban park system. There are 80,000 acres worth of experiences to be had spread across 400 city parks, seven state parks, three national parks, and dozens of gardens and arboretums.

Let Mother Nature inspire new ideas, whether it’s for a short afternoon break or a longer retreat from the daily office (and home office) grind. The diversity of geography will wow attendees. No two parks are the same. Plan an eco-friendly exploration of wetlands or head to a beach park or sculpture garden. You can’t go wrong here.

Venues to Remember

Only so many destinations are home to an NFL team. Even fewer enjoy a stadium with poolside views of the field. You’ll score a touchdown with a reception at TIAA Bank Field, which includes a two-level party deck, 16 cabanas and two swimming pools. Arrange for synchronized swimmers, mermaid performers or other water-friendly live entertainment to make a big splash. The stadium’s vast videoboards make a spectacular way to broadcast team victories, highlight individual victories or share other announcements.

If looking for a slightly more formal evening, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens mixes culture with fine views. The largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida includes 2.5 acres of historic English and Italian gardens set along the St. Johns River. This is just as easily a setting for VIP experiences as it is for a group outing that blends education, entertainment and exquisite F&B. This is a chance to dress up for a themed activity!

Raise the Bar

Attendees can live it up in Jacksonville with the destination’s rooftop bar scene, which includes several options for planners looking to rent out a hot spot for the night.

Black Sheep Restaurant offers views of the St. Johns River, historic Five Points and Downtown, making it a popular choice for corporate outings, receptions and other events.

Cowford Chophouse is Downtown’s renowned steakhouse and rooftop lounge with breathtaking skyline and river views. Located in a historic bank building, it’s also a popular happy hour spot.

River & Post’s rooftop lounge space is arguably the best rooftop view in town. A seafood forward menu and unique cocktails are equally as notable.

Hoptinger Bier Garden tosses in some outdoor games like billiards, foosball and shuffleboard with an impressive drink list.

Casa Marina Hotel is a can’t-miss choice. The historic property is right on top of the Atlantic. The beachside views from the rooftop are only overshadowed by the martinis, sangrias, tapas, and meals.

Make it a margarita night at Burrito Gallery, which is quickly gaining fame for its fare and funky atmosphere.

Intuition Ale Works is a popular entry into the microbrewery scene. The rooftop venue is a partially covered, open-air space that is well suited for intimate networking events.

Tee time at Topgolf is always a fun corporate outing, whether attendees are into golf or not.

Awash in Hotels

Waterfront properties are hardly in short supply. Checking in will be the first clue that your attendees are in for a fun trip where business gets done.

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront’s 116,000 square feet of event space includes 20,000 square feet of balcony venues. This is the place for picturesque functions for up to 1900 attendees.

Pamper your group at One Ocean Resort, which thrives as a premier bleisure destination. VIP spa packages and unique dining experiences are the headlining options for planners. Its relationship with golf instructors and popular courses will be a hit for the birdie-minded.

DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville-Riverfront includes a spacious pool deck that holds up 350. Duval Ballroom holds 350 guests for a seated meal and 400 for a reception.

Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk is an independent treasure in downtown, near both top shopping and tasty restaurants. There is 40,000 square feet of event space to take advantage of here.

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown has high rise views in the heart of downtown. Their largest ballroom holds 550 for banquet setup and 700 for a reception.

With the world opening up after a long hiatus, take advantage of the opportunity to discover new and unusual ways to bring your teams together. Boardroom meetings have their place, but attendees are seeking experiences. No matter where you step in Jacksonville, it is unique to the city.

We are proud to have the weather, natural wonders and man-made creations to breathe new life into tired meetings. See for yourself what a difference Jacksonville makes.