Texas has 136 public and private colleges and universities, and they contribute to the dynamic culture of the entire state. For planners, campuses offer creative event venues and opportunities for attendees to participate in the nearby activities. The energy of a youthful population, proximity of cultural destinations, and convenience of retail shops and restaurants in the campus neighborhoods only add to the exciting environment and boost the energy level for an event. Even in the summer, a college or university is a fun and fascinating place to gather.
Planners will find an array of choices that can meet the needs of organizations and inspire new experiences for attendees. Texas has six state university systems, and Texas Meetings + Events has chosen a venue in each one that gets high marks for the right mix of location and amenities.
Texas A&M University
The Texas A&M University system consists of 19 different campuses, but its main campus is in College Station where planners will find multiple venues and rustic local hangouts. If a large event venue is needed, the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center fits the bill with its convenient location on campus near restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The property includes a large glass building with a modern design, standing out against some of the historic buildings on campus.
The center offers over 35,000 square feet of International Association of Conference
Centers-approved meeting and event space, and an 8,300-square-foot ballroom. Directly across from Kyle Field, which plays host to the university’s football games, the venue has ample self parking and valet parking at the hotel entrance. A rooftop pool, continuous break stations, and the hotel restaurant that serves Texas-inspired cuisine will keep guests fed and happy between daytime sessions. Planners can book a block among the attached hotel’s 250 rooms and suites.
Texas A&M is well known throughout the state as a school steeped in tradition and what students and alumni call “Aggie Spirit.” The maroon-and-white color scheme of the hotel mirrors the school pride buzzing around campus. Visitors will be welcomed with the official Texas A&M greeting of “Howdy!” and, in honor of the school mascot, Reveille, the hotel is dog-friendly.
Texas State University
Texas State University in San Marcos is the largest of the Texas State campuses. The small city of San Marcos is centered on the scenic Guadalupe River and is a destination that works well for large groups and conferences. However, for a group under 50 people, the city has a quaint historic venue unlike anything else in the area. The Charles S. Cock House Museum is just west of the Texas State campus and was the home of pioneer and former mayor of San Marcos, Charles S. Cock. The house was built in 1867 with local wood and limestone and is the oldest remaining residential building in the city. It has received the Texas Historical Marker medallion and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The city completed a restoration of the building in 1976.
The house is now a museum that displays period furniture and collectibles going back to the 18th century, as well as family items from the Cock family. The Greek Revival structure has three rooms, a full-size kitchen, and a front sitting porch. Tables can be configured for various needs.
Texas Tech University
Located just a few blocks from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, the Overton Hotel and Conference Center is busy most of the year, but especially during football season. “Texas Tech University is more than just our neighbor,” says Shannon Baker, director of sales and marketing. “We are partners in a range of academic programs, as well as the official hotel of Texas Tech Athletics and Texas Tech Alumni Association. This makes us the preferred hotel of students, parents, alumni, and faculty.”
Guests can easily access the Texas Tech main campus and stadium, as well as the School of Law and Health Sciences Center, from the Overton Hotel. “Location is prime on the list for planners,” Baker says. “We offer a complimentary airport shuttle, and our 15-story hotel offers great views of Lubbock and Texas Tech’s campus. The hotel is [within] walking distance to many shops, nightlife, and restaurants.”
Over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space is available, including a ballroom and several smaller meeting rooms. Planners can request custom catering menus and themed decor. If you want a true Texas Tech event, incorporate the university’s colors of red and black—the event staff keeps a large stock of decor and linens in those colors at the ready. The hotel also gets several requests for tailgate-themed buffets and events. “If you’re ever around for a home football game weekend, take advantage of our Wreck ’Em Alley,” Baker says. “This event is open to hotel guests and locals alike.” The game day celebration features live music, patio games, cash bars, and customized foods. The pregame starts three hours prior to kickoff, and the event continues after the game is over.
University of Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and boasts a rich history of oil production and a robust business culture. The University of Houston is relatively new as a public university compared to other college systems in Texas, only founded in 1977. However, there are well-established options for hosting a business meeting or corporate event nearby. If plans call for an event on campus, gather at the Hilton University of Houston.
Access is made easy for visitors as the venue is just 10 minutes from William P. Hobby Airport and 3 miles from downtown Houston. The hotel offers over 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space spanning ballrooms, conference rooms, private dining rooms, and an indoor amphitheater. The 150-room property is an extension of the university’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership and allows students to learn with hands-on experience. Amenities include a catering team, an American bistro, and a sports lounge. Additionally, guests receive free access to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, where they can play basketball, enjoy rock climbing, swim at the pool, and take a fitness class. When visitors want to shop or attend a sporting event, the Galleria Mall and Minute Maid Park are 15 minutes away.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas (UNT) campus is in Denton, a small city north of Dallas-Fort Worth. The city offers a thriving music scene, and the quaint town square is a lively gathering place for locals and visitors in the know. For meetings and events, the Gateway Banquet and Conference Center offers a 28,000-square-foot multilevel facility at the western entrance to the UNT campus.
The Gateway Center is an integral part of the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management and is used by UNT faculty and students as a teaching facility. With meeting rooms, outdoor spaces, and banquet services, the venue offers multiple options for planners. Up-to-date audiovisual equipment and an experienced support staff help events run smoothly.
Inside, the Club at Gateway Center is a student-run restaurant and another part of the educational experience for the school’s Hospitality Management program, serving as a training environment for students enrolled in restaurant operations courses. Through the coursework and interactions with diners, students gain insight into fine-dining service techniques, management skills, financial and marketing practices, menu planning, and food production. The restaurant offers a casual setting for visitors and can accommodate large parties.
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas (UT) system was founded in 1876 and is the oldest in the state. Recently, U.S. News and World Report ranked the UT flagship school in Austin as the 10th best public university in the country. The city of Austin is growing exponentially and attracts visitors from around the world. The UT Austin campus offers a peaceful oasis with large oak trees and limestone buildings with red tile roofs.
The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center sits at the heart of the UT Austin campus. “Our hotel boasts 85,000 square feet in 53 meeting rooms, allowing us to work with groups in customizing the perfect combination of event flow, proximity, and value for them,” says Josh Delgado, director of sales and marketing. Options include a 300-seat auditorium, a 15,000-square-foot ballroom, and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. “Being tied to the University of Texas at Austin presents groups with unique opportunities to enhance their event programming,” Delgado says. “Guest speakers can include faculty and professors who are subject matter experts to provide knowledge and insight, along with genuine care for a meaningful experience. Our location on the university campus also gives groups an interesting neighborhood to explore. We’re in downtown Austin yet can give visitors space to refresh. Attendees have the option of walking around the campus, to the Texas Capitol, and to multiple neighboring museums in their downtime.”
For energetic, convenient, and professional events, choosing a venue at one of Texas’ colleges or universities will offer attendees an A-plus experience they won’t forget.
