A smiling professional woman and a man with a beard sitting in an audience and clapping during a presentation or conference.

Meeting Planners Guide

Where Business Meets the Gulf Coast

Planning a meeting or event on Florida’s West Coast starts here. The Bradenton Area combines professional-grade facilities with the authentic character, natural beauty, and Gulf Coast hospitality that make every gathering feel like more than just another conference.

Bradenton Area Convention Center

Bring your vision to life at the newly reimagined Bradenton Area Convention Center, offering 95,000 square feet of flexible event space for up to 3,800 attendees and a convenient connection to Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.

A long wooden conference table set with water glasses, note pads, and tan chairs in a modern meeting room, featuring a large abstract blue painting on the wall and a flat-screen TV.

Accommodations

Wake up to Florida’s Gulf Coast sunshine in one of 252 beautifully crafted rooms and suites at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Directly connected to the Bradenton Convention Center and perfectly positioned to explore Palmetto and the Bradenton Area, it is the natural home base for any event group.

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Travel Made Easy

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport sits just minutes away, Tampa International Airport is a comfortable 45-minute drive, and major highway access makes arriving from anywhere on the East Coast simple and stress-free.

Get Directions
Exterior view of a modern Marriott hotel building at twilight with a vibrant pink and purple sunset sky and surrounding palm trees.

Explore Florida’s Gulf Coast

Give attendees time to explore beyond the meeting room. From local restaurants and parks to the area’s best-known attractions, Palmetto and the Bradenton Area offer plenty to discover between sessions.

Discover Things to Do
Elevated aerial view of a large, modern resort swimming pool at dusk, with a sandy beach lounging area, lounge chairs, palm trees, and the multi-story resort building standing in the background under a sunset sky.

Beyond the Boardroom

Turn free time into a memorable outing. Spend a day exploring a nearby preserve, soaking up the sun on Anna Maria Island, or discovering Downtown Bradenton, curated experiences designed to give attendees a true taste of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Explore Experiences
A white wooden park bench sitting on a sandy beach looking out toward the calm turquoise ocean on a bright, clear day, with a palm tree visible on the left side.
Florida wetlands with Myakka river between green wild vegetation. Tropical ecosystem at sunset.

Let's Make It Happen

Ready to bring your event to the Gulf Coast? Our team has the local knowledge and connections to make every detail seamless.

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