Unexpected U.S. Destinations for Your 2026 Corporate Event

If your 2026 corporate events are already on the horizon, you’re right on schedule. The best planners know the secret to standout events isn’t just the run-of-show—it’s the setting. While ballrooms and hotel conference rooms have their place, there's a whole world of wow-worthy destinations right here in the U.S. waiting to take your next event up a notch. Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, a client summit, or a company kickoff, these U.S. cities offer fresh energy, high-functioning venues, and just the right dose of unexpected.

Here’s where we’d go—and when.

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico – Desert Calm Meets Creative Spark

Best for: Spring leadership retreats and creative offsites

Santa Fe’s high desert charm brings a restorative energy to strategic planning sessions. Adobe-style venues, art-forward hotels like El Rey Court or Four Seasons Rancho Encantado, and the scent of piñon wood in the air set a distinct tone for unplugged focus. For something unforgettable, host an opening night dinner at SITE Santa Fe or organize a fireside storytelling session under the stars. It’s low-key luxury with high-impact inspiration.

2. Asheville, North Carolina – Laid-Back Luxe in the Blue Ridge

Best for: Mid-spring wellness retreats or company culture resets

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the perfect mix of peaceful and playful. Picture breakout sessions on the terrace of The Omni Grove Park Inn, followed by team-building over local brews or a guided hike to Craggy Pinnacle. Spring in Asheville means rhododendron blooms and breezy weather—ideal for getting out of the boardroom and into fresh air (and fresh ideas).

3. Chicago, Illinois – A Culture-Forward Power Move

Best for: Big-city summits from late spring through early summer

Chicago gives you world-class venues and skyline views without the NYC price tag. From hosting a brand activation at the Museum of Contemporary Art to rooftop panels at The Gwen, there’s no shortage of elevated options. Bonus: come May and June, the city starts buzzing with energy—think live jazz, lakefront strolls, and Cubs games as optional evening add-ons.

4. Austin, Texas – Live Music Meets Business Magic

Best for: Early-year product launches and fast-moving startup teams

Austin continues to be a go-to for brands looking to make a statement. Known for its mix of tech and creativity, it’s perfect for companies seeking serious output with a little play. Book a sleek space at The Line Austin or host at ACL Live at the Moody Theater for something with stage presence. Pro tip: aim for January through March to beat the heat and enjoy the city’s cooler, crowd-free charm.

5. Savannah, Georgia – Historic Charm with Modern Edge

Best for: Spring incentive trips and client-facing events

Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and unexpected sophistication—Savannah offers something different from your usual Southern city. Plan a scenic kickoff at The Alida’s rooftop overlooking the river, or a gala under the oaks at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. With blooming azaleas and mild temps in March and April, it’s an ideal shoulder season destination for guests who appreciate aesthetics and hospitality.

6. Sedona, Arizona – Strategy in the Red Rocks

Best for: Intimate C-suite retreats and vision-setting gatherings

For decision-makers who need clarity, Sedona’s landscape does half the work. Host your event at L’Auberge de Sedona for creekside tranquility, or choose a modern venue like Amara Resort with access to the town’s famed vortex hikes. The red rock backdrop offers the perfect canvas for focused work during the day and stargazing at night. Planning for February through April keeps you ahead of peak tourist season and gives you milder weather.

7. Nashville, Tennessee – Corporate With a Side of Country Cool

Best for: Kickoffs, sales meetings, and brand-heavy experiences

If your event needs to feel more like a vibe than a schedule, Nashville delivers. Go beyond Broadway and tap into high-end venues like The Cordelle, Noelle, or The Bell Tower for your sessions and dinners. Add in a songwriter round, whiskey tasting, or private artist performance to make your guests feel like insiders. Late winter and early spring offer lower rates, cooler weather, and fewer crowds—perfect timing for corporate groups.

8. Palm Springs, California – Retro Glamour with Room to Breathe

Best for: Incentive trips and creative brainstorming

This mid-century oasis is more than a poolside paradise. It’s also packed with polished venues like The Parker, Korakia Pensione, or The Saguaro, where color and creativity meet. Ideal in January through April before the desert heat kicks in, Palm Springs is perfect for combining morning productivity with afternoon leisure. Bonus points for scheduling a hot air balloon ride or sunset dinner in the nearby Indian Canyons.

9. Portland, Maine – Summer by the Sea, with Sophistication

Best for: Small conferences and networking-forward gatherings

When you want the ocean breeze without the chaos of bigger coastal cities, Portland, Maine is a gem. With its historic charm, walkable downtown, and upscale New England food scene, it’s tailor-made for late spring and early summer events. Host at Brick South at Thompson’s Point or The Press Hotel, then unwind with a lobster bake or a sunset sail around Casco Bay.

10. Park City, Utah – Snowy Strategy or Summer Solace

Best for: Winter retreats and post-holiday kickoffs—or mountain escapes in June

Park City has year-round appeal. Plan a cozy, ski-season retreat at Stein Eriksen Lodge or book a summer experience with trail hikes, outdoor concerts, and fireside chats. Corporate groups love the flexibility here: from slope-side networking to spa day add-ons, it’s easy to build an agenda that balances high performance with high altitude leisure.

Let’s Get Planning

From the high-desert charm of Santa Fe to the lake breezes in Chicago, these U.S. destinations prove that corporate events can be anything but expected. And the best part? You don’t need a passport to make your next gathering unforgettable.

Looking ahead to late 2025 or spring/summer 2026? EVA’s got the talent, tools, and turn-key experiences to bring your event to life—wherever the setting. Let’s build something extraordinary.