On behalf of the City of College Station, we want to thank you for considering us for your next meeting or event. We’re proud to call this city home and even prouder to share why it’s the perfect place to bring people together.
Here in the Heart of Aggieland, legendary Texas “Howdy” hospitality pairs with the kind of venues and amenities planners need to succeed. From our fullservice hotels with dedicated conference space to Texas A&M University’s world-class facilities and one-of-a-kind off-site experiences, you’ll find the flexibility to customize events of any size or style—whether it’s an intimate board retreat or a large-scale conference.
But with so many choices in the marketplace, why College Station? It’s simple, it’s our people. Our hotel teams, venue staff, local restaurateurs, attractions and collegiate partners are all invested in making your event seamless, memorable and distinctively College Station, welcoming you with the genuine Aggie spirt that defines our community. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the difference.
As you explore these pages, imagine your attendees networking on a rooftop patio, raising a glass at the Historic Northgate District or walking across the iconic Texas A&M campus. And when you’re ready, our team will be right beside you, helping you each step of the way and making sure your event feels right at home in College Station.
-The Visit College Station Team
ONCE A RAILROAD STOP. NOW, A ROBUST CITY.
In 1876, Texas A&M University was inaugurated as the state’s first institution of higher learning. Then, in 1938, the residents living around the “college station” on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad that served the university decided to turn the area into a proper town…but kept the familiar College Station moniker.
In the years since, College Station has made a name for itself in countless other ways. The city now has a population of over 130,000 residents and is expected to keep right on growing, earning the #3 ranking on a list of America’s Next Boom Towns in 2024.
All that growth hasn’t changed the Aggie spirit of a place rooted in education, community and a commitment to service, however, and it remains a wonderful place to live and work today. The city was named the #1 Best Texas City For Young Families, the #3 Top US City for Fresh Graduates and among the Top 10 Cities for Retirees, showing College Station’s appeal to people of all ages.
Hold your meeting with us, get to know some of the people who live here, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself thinking fondly of College Station long after you’ve departed. You wouldn’t be the first to arrive as a guest, become a friend and end up a local one day.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND US
Drive northwest from Houston, northeast from Austin or just about due south from Dallas, and in just a couple of hours, you’ll find yourself in College Station (approximately 90 min. from Houston, 2 hrs. from Austin, 3 h rs. from Dallas). If you’re coming by plane, you can fly into DFW, IAH, HOU or AUS and drive the rest of the way, or land right in College Station a t Easterwood Airport (CLL) for the ultimate in convenience.
check out where you'll be checking in
Accommodations should be more than just a place to rest. They should inspire, delight and make each moment as pleasant as possible. Here, you’ll discover a wide variety of places to stay, and you’ll find that they perfectly suit any size of group or budget. From expansive conference center hotels with spacious on-site meeting venues to luxury boutiques to cozy motels, you’ll sleep easy knowing every attendee is well taken care of.
Just as importantly, our bevy of hotel options makes it simple to stay close to wherever you may be meeting, eating, playing and visiting while in town. That keeps attendees close at hand so they can spend more time bonding and less time in transit. On-site dining, drinks and lounges are available at many properties as well, so relaxing together while reaching your business goals is as easy as a stroll down the hall to enjoy great food, drinks and company.
HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
Situated on the Texas A&M University campus just across the street from Kyle Field, Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center is a College Station mainstay, offering one-stop shopping for anyone planning a meeting or event. From its 250 luxurious rooms and 1,400-car parking garage to three on-property restaurants ready to serve Texas-centric meals or offer locally inspired catering, it’s all here, including:
Less than a mile from Texas A&M University lies our largest hotel—a sleek, modern property boasting luxury amenities groups are sure to appreciate. Its 303 guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, while on-site fitness and business centers add convenience to every stay whether you’re meeting in one of the hotel’s many spaces or elsewhere. Additional offerings here include:
• Outdoor Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
• Full-Service Res taurant & Bar
• Complimentary Hourly Shuttle
• Lone Star Peak Performance Team Building Course
MEETING ROOM CAPACITIES
hotel meeting venues:
Embassy Suites
With 162 two-room suites waiting to provide each attendee with plenty of space to stretch out, the Embassy Suites is an excellent choice for meetings and conventions. A variety of meeting rooms make getting business done simple, while complimentary made-to-order breakfasts, evening receptions, parking and WIFI keep budgets in check as well. Additional features include:
• Complete Meeting Packages
• Indoor Swimming Pool
• On-Site Restaurant & Bar
• Fitness & Business Centers
MEETING ROOM CAPACITIES
the george
Ideally situated in Century Square, The George is a luxurious hotel boasting 162 rooms adorned in warm, rustic décor. Equally impressive meeting spaces dot this boutique property, allowing for groups to conveniently gather in comfort. A wide variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options are just steps away, and when the time comes for a nightcap, 1791 Whiskey Bar is a must-visit spot. Additional amenities include:
• Outdoor Courtyard w/ Swimming Pool & Fire Pits
• Same-Day Dry Cleaning Service
• Complimentary Car Service, Continental Breakfast & WIFI
• Well-Equipped Fitness Center
MEETING ROOM CAPACITIES
CAVALRY court
Chic motel meets military aesthetics meets modern business location—that’s what you’ll find at Cavalry Court, one of College Station’s most unique accommodations. Surrounding a landscaped courtyard featuring a swimming pool, fire pits and rock walls, the 141 rooms at this boutique hotel located within Century Square are both luxurious and rustic, while stable-themed meeting rooms offer inspiring places to plan your future success. Additional offerings include:
• Canteen Bar & Grill w/ Live Music
• Shops, Dining & Entertainment Within Walking Distance
• Fitness & Business Centers
• Complimentary Car Service, Continental Breakfast & WIFI
MEETING ROOM CAPACITIES
GATHER IN THE SHADOW OF AGGIE GREATS
Texas A&M University has its share of outstanding meeting venues, and Visit College Station has preferred access to many of them, making us the perfect partner to plan your next event. Our relationship with the City of College Station, Brazos County and the university itself gives us the ability to offer you access to spaces ranging from the intimate, 3,000-square-foot confines of the Presidential Lounge to the grandeur of the 33,000-square-foot Ford Hall of Champions.
Thanks to our longstanding partnership with the university, we’re also able to arrange back-stage tours of the Kyle Field Complex. These 45–60 min. tours will take your group into areas not accessible to the general public, offering a look at luxury suites, the coaches’ booth, broadcast facilities and other behind-the scenes spaces critical to making Kyle Field the college sports icon that it is.
TEXAS A&M
MEETING & EVENT
SPACES
1207 EVENT CENTER AT VISIT COLLEGE STATION
Located in a building that once housed the city’s first fire station, and now hosts Visit College Station’s offices, this wide-open, welcoming venue offers 5,586 sq. ft. of flexible event space. Roll-up doors can be opened in temperate weather, with a lighted outdoor patio allowing for versatile event setups that seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces day or night. In addition, its neutral tones and industrial character are easily dressed up or down to suit the occasion. The venue also offers:
• Space For Up To 350 (Banquet), 500 (Theatre) or 600 (Cocktail)
• Dedicated Catering Kitchen
• A 9-Panel Video Wall, 4 C enter-Facing TVs & Wireless Microphone
• 4 or 8-Hour Rental Periods
JAMES A. BAKER III PAVILION
AT THE GEORGE H. W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
At 29,000 sq. ft., the James A. Baker III Pavilion is large enough to hold a Marine One helicopter, a Union Pacific locomotive and your next gathering. Truly a venue like no other, this exhibit space at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is a stunning backdrop that can be outfitted for table seating or more casual standing affairs. Catering is available through the on-site cafe, Daisy’s Table, or approved outside vendors. The pavilion can comfortably host up to 450 people for a banquet or reception, and reservations here include:
• 30 72” Round Tables
• 300 Silver Chiavari Chairs w/ Black Cushions
• 14 36” Cocktail Tables
• Limited Staging
Fun Fact:
The museum’s Marine One helicopter frequently transported President Bush and his family during his time in office. It weighs 9,300 lbs. and is 72’ long.
HOTELS AT A GLANCE
Use this handy chart to scan through our numerous accommodation offerings, then come say howdy to one that suits your group’s needs.
Fun Fact: College Station offers more than 4,500 hotel rooms—that’s triple the inventory since joining the SEC. Whoop!
Fact: From
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SINK YOUR TEETH INTO CENTRAL TEXAS
College Station is a Texas town through and through, and the culinary options you’ll find here make no bones about it. But mixed in amongst the mouthwatering BBQ and Mexican cantinas, you’ll also find more adventurous fare from the four corners of the globe.
From authentic Italian dishes to expertly rolled sushi, steaming bowls of pho to smoky racks of ribs, there’s something to please every palate coming out of College Station’s countless kitchens. And we wouldn’t be proper hosts if we weren’t also pouring cold craft beers and marvelously mixed cocktails all across town too. Wrangle your group, make a reservation and let us turn your taste buds into our new best friends.
SO MUCH TO DO, your free time will need an agenda
You may be coming for business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun. Or, since you’re in College Station, a lot of fun. Whether your group is the adventurous type or more of a museum-visiting kind of crowd, you’ll find all manner of diversions to help your team build strong bonds and blow off steam. Even better, many of the best things to see and do change with the seasons, so there’s never a shortage of new experiences to be had.
Take part in a team-building exercise at Lone Star Peak Performance, where you’ll scale a rock wall, complete aerial tasks and navigate obstacles. Stroll through history at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, complete with a retired Marine One helicopter and replica of the Oval Office. Visit Santa’s Wonderland during the holiday season and marvel at millions of dazzling lights while experiencing true holiday cheer. Or, just head down the Historic Northgate District any time of year to pull up a bar stool, hear some great stories and make a few of your own.
Fun Fact: Tony Luce, owner of The Cut Axe Throwing, is one of the best on the planet, placing 2nd in the World Knife Throwing Championships.
VISIT COLLEGE STATION: YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS
Visit College Station is the official destination marketing organization for the City of College Station. Our mission is simple: to help you host exceptional events in a city that blends tradition, innovation and Texas-sized hospitality.
From multi-day conventions and regional meetings to university short courses and conferences, our team is here to make your event seamless, successful and uniquely College Station. How? Well...glad you asked!
services
One thing you’ll notice about College Station—you’re never alone. Everywhere you turn, friendly faces are ready to help with whatever you may need, and the same is true when planning an event here. Visit College Station is your local partner, supporting you every step of the way with services like:
• Site Visit Coordination
• Venue & Hotel Recommendations
• Room Block Assistance
• Special Event Planning
• Vendor Referrals
• Speaker Suggestions & Local Business Connections
• Custom Itineraries & Activity Recommendations
• Registration Assistance
• Hotel Welcome Signage
• Volunteer Recruitment
• City Liaison Support
• Visitor Bags Or VIP & Speaker Gifts
MARKETING
We don’t just help you plan your event, we’ll help you promote it too, using a suite of marketing tools to help elevate both your brand and your attendance numbers.
• Access To High-Res Images, Video Assets & Written Content
• Local Media List Creation
• Event Listing On VisitCollegeStation.Com (If Applicable)
• Social Media Collaboration & Co-Promotion (If Applicable)
• Site Visit Coordination
HOT GRANTS= REAL SAVINGS
Visit College Station administers the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). Why does that matter to you? Because if your event includes overnight hotel stays, it may be eligible for HOT funding. That can help cover your facility rentals, food & beverage, transportation, marketing or other direct expenses. Interested? Here’s how to apply:
1. Submit a HOT Grant Application through the Visit College Station website.
2. Provide a detailed budget, marketing plan and proof of hotel room block or anticipated bookings.
3. All applications are reviewed by the Tourism Advisory Committee.
4. If approved, funding is awarded post-event, based on meeting performance metrics.
MEET THE TEam
Remember those friendly faces we mentioned? Meet our Visit College Station sales team who are ready to assist in any way possible.
Questions or ready to schedule a site visit? Contact us at 979.794.2625 or email us at visitcs@cstx.gov.
Fun
Fact: College Station is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, booming not just with coeds, but thanks to a mix of tech, education, sports and lifestyle development.
Jeremiah Cook Assistant Director, Tourism
JoBeth Wolfe Conventions Sales Manager
Taylor Carr SMERF Sales Coordinator
Keilah Parand Association Sales Coordinator
Kallie Disharoon Texas A&M Sales Coordinator
Kelbi Coates Servicing & Events Coordinator
MEETING PLANNER WORKBOOK
Now that you’ve found the right destination, let’s start you on the first steps toward getting here. This workbook will help you put one foot in front of the other, and remember—we’re with you every step of the way.
Key Deadlines: Save The Date: ............................. Registration Opens: ................................................
Need help with venues or tours? We’ve got you.
BUDGET BASICS
CATEGORY ESTIMA TE
Venue ..............................
Catering ..............................
Lodging ..............................
A/V or Tech ..............................
Marketing ..............................
Ask us about HOT grants to support marketing and event costs.
HOT GRANT APPLICATION
HOW TO APPLY:
1.Submit Application
2.Include Budget + Room Night Estimates
3.Post-Event Report Required
SKIP STRAIGHT TO THE RFP
ATTENDEE EXPERIENC
E (Check all you require)
Visitor Guides
Swag Bags
Itineraries
Maps
Let us help make the guest experience memorable.
Already have the basics of your event mapped out? Just scan the code to contact us, submit your request for proposal and let us bring your meeting to life.
YOU’VE REACHED THE END, BUT IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING
Now that you’ve had a chance to explore College Station and Learn Why You’ll Love It Here, don’t say goodbye—reach out and say hello instead. We can’t wait to answer any additional questions you may have and to help you work through the details of your upcoming event. So, jot down any notes you may have, scan the code and call or email us today!
