Augusta’s meetings landscape is expanding in ways that directly address planner needs—more space, more flexibility, and more opportunities for citywide events. 

• A new arena arrives in late spring 2027: Not only will this arena bring the Augusta Lynx back to the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League), but it will also introduce a modern, multipurpose venue capable of hosting large meetings, sporting events, and overflow sessions. Its flexible meeting space gives planners new options for general sessions, breakouts, and entertainment‑driven programming. 

• The Conroy: a boutique‑forward transformation for fall of 2027: A former Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, this Marriott Tribute property will offer premier event space with boutique styling, tech‑ready meeting rooms, and a walkable downtown location, an ideal complement to Augusta’s growing inventory of upscale accommodations. 

• Convention center expansion on the horizon: Once completed, the Augusta Convention Center will allow Augusta to host larger association meetings that Georgia has previously had to turn away. Combined with the new arena and The Conroy, Augusta will be able to support citywide events with ease. 

Destination Augusta is rolling out new services designed to make planning seamless and attendee experiences richer. 

• Interactive TrueOmni Kiosks: These one‑stop‑shop digital kiosks—placed throughout the city, including at the Augusta Convention Center and its regional airport—offer enhanced visitor experiences through maps and directions, digital visitor guides, trail access, newsletter sign‑ups, and local recommendations. 

• Augusta’s Expanding Digital Trail System: These themed trails and digital passports enhance the visitor experience and are ideal for free time, team‑building, and attendee exploration. Popular options include the Coffee Trail, James Brown Journey, and Outdoor Trail. 

These curated experiences help planners build itineraries that feel fresh, local, and delightfully Augusta. And having built its reputation on personalization, Destination Augusta delivers a hands‑on, high‑touch approach. 

As planners look for new ways to engage attendees, Destination Augusta is aligning its offerings with the most important meeting and event trends for 2026–2027. Outdoor and experiential programming continues to rise, including outdoor receptions, multivenue banquets, local immersion experiences, and dynamic team-building, reflecting broader event trends Augusta planners are prioritizing. 

One standout example is a planned zipline attraction on the city’s famed Riverwalk, complete with donut boats and a glass‑dome meeting space—an only‑in‑Augusta moment that blends adventure with scenic charm and gives planners fresh ways to energize their agendas.

These experiential offerings are strengthened by Augusta’s commitment to building relationships with planners long before an event takes shape. The Destination Augusta team proactively meets planners where they are—at national tradeshows, industry conferences and regional events like the Georgia Society of Association Executives—to understand each group’s goals and tailor experiences accordingly. 

Together, Augusta’s experiential momentum and its relationship‑driven approach create a meeting environment where personalization, creativity, and attendee engagement rise in tandem—exactly what planners are seeking for 2027 and beyond. 

Augusta is seeing notable increases in several key markets, making it a strategic choice for planners seeking Southern meeting destinations with long‑term value. 

• Medical Conferences: Augusta’s strong medical community—including major hospitals, military medical programs, and the VA—continues to attract national and international medical associations. 

• Associations: Georgia and Southeast regional associations remain a core audience, especially those within driving distance. These groups value Augusta’s affordability, accessibility, and walkable downtown. 

• Faith‑Based Meetings: Faith‑based groups are resurging, often booking multiple years at a time. While July is peak season for this segment, Destination Augusta is working on incentives to shift some groups into June or shoulder periods. 

Whether you’re planning for 2026 or sourcing future meeting spaces in 2027 and beyond, these tips help maximize success. 

• Contact Destination Augusta first: DMOs have the most complete picture of Augusta meeting venues, rates, availability, and local partnerships. They also offer a host of complimentary services, including digital assets, marketing support, local speaker connections, voluntourism opportunities, and site visit coordination. 

• Prioritize walkability: Most downtown venues, hotels, and restaurants are within easy walking distance—ideal for attendee satisfaction. 

• Match your mission to local experiences: From outdoor adventures to culinary and other themed trails, Augusta offers built‑in ways to enhance engagement. 

• Future‑focused, planner‑ready: With major venue expansions, new boutique hotels, digital tools, and a surge in niche meeting demand, Augusta is positioning itself as one of the best venues for events meeting planners can find. 

Discover how Augusta can future‑proof your next meeting. Explore venues, connect with planners, and start planning today.