The Texas surprise
If you have attended or planned a conference at George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), you may think you know Space City. But there is more to discover than you can see in this city of 2.3 million people from Avenida de las Americas. It is the Energy Capital, home to 21 Fortune 500 companies and features an extensive underground pedestrian network of tunnels.
It is the most diverse city in the United States, with some 90 countries represented and a world of languages, cultures and flavors. And if you haven’t journeyed to the Bayou City in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised by all the updates. I embarked on site visit-palooza while in town for IAEE’s Expo! Expo! and did not go home hungry.
RFP-Worthy
If you are anchoring your event at GRB, keep your eye out for $2 billion in expansions planned leading up to FIFA competition in 2026, the Republican National Convention in 2028 and final touches to the Avenida Plaza in 2038. GRB Houston South will include a 700,000-square-foot link to Toyota Center and Shell Energy Stadium, creating an entertainment district that includes an 80,000-square-foot ballroom—the largest in Texas. Unlike other Texas convention centers, the current spaces will remain open during the transformation.
Meanwhile, through a covered pedestrian bridge, Marriott Marquis Houston just completed a $13 million refresh of 1,000 guest rooms and more than 150,000 sq. ft. of event space for a warm, modern vibe with notes of watery waves that reflect the signature Texas-shaped lazy river on the pool deck. The six restaurants and bars onsite make it easy to satisfy guest cravings. Xochi, a Oaxacan-inspired Mexican restaurant, was a star with authentic creations, including a mole tasting menu by James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega.
Hilton Americas-Houston hugs GRB on the other side with 1,207 rooms and 117,457 sq. ft. of meeting space. It was the first hotel in the state to receive a Green Seal and includes an executive level with its own dedicated lounge.
More good things are coming next year at The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection, where a 2027 renovation at the Green Street entertainment district will update the 223 guest rooms with luxury touches.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is a local favorite adjacent to Memorial Park’s 27 acres. A meeting in the almost 34,000 sq. ft. of indoor and nearly 90,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space makes incorporating forest bathing a natural choice. A new wellness recovery center called The Covery offers innovative therapies and immersive treatments to support self-care and enhance longevity.
The Westin Galleria Houston and its sister property, The Westin Oaks at the Galleria, set the stage for luxury in the center of Houston’s Galleria shopping and entertainment district while offering a relaxing retreat experience. In addition to calming treatments offered at Woodhouse Spa, rooms feature signature Heavenly beds and bedding, along with White Tea amenities.
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston cares for executives in style, with a private Bentley and Rolls-Royce showroom and a helicopter pad, along with luxury retail onsite. 250 well-appointed guest rooms feature dark woods, city views and elegant touches. The 37,000 sq. ft. of meeting space includes the same sophisticated style right down to the expansive ladies’ lounge.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston pampers with more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a hidden speakeasy bar behind a library door. With 468 guest rooms, a sophisticated wood and marble lobby and rooftop pool, attendees will find their own private Houston. Chef Partner Richard Sandoval brings the wow at pan-Latin steakhouse Toro Toro.
Tex-Everything Cuisine
The diverse population is reflected in the kitchens generously dotted over the Southern Texas landscape. While many Houston visitors think of Tex-Mex fajitas and chili con carne, Viet-Cajun crawfish noodle dishes and Korean Mexican KBBQ tacos are mixing up the flavors. Flora blends a beautiful garden location and small-town Mexican flavors for adventurous groups.
Alternatively, groups can head to POST Houston, a food hall and concert venue, park and farm located in a former post office across the street from Meow Wolf Houston Radio Tave immersive art museum experience. It mixes local art, music and storytelling in a colorful, Instagram-worthy setting.
This article appears in the January 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
