Inspired Meetings in the Heart of the Sunshine State
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North Central Florida’s Hub of Educational, Economic, and Cultural Activity
Gather to celebrate, collaborate and grow in a vibrant destination filled with intellectual capital, rich culture and natural beauty. Gainesville and Alachua County draw international business and convention travelers to the area’s state-of-the-art research, medical, event and meeting facilities. Home to the University of Florida, one of the leading public universities in the country, the destination – and the meeting and events held here – are characterized by excellence and the spirit of learning and discovery.
Alachua County offers meeting planners unrivaled convenience and features a wide variety of welcoming spaces, rich in both atmosphere and history. Meeting and convention offerings continue to expand, for an ever-widening selection of first class facilities including the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe with 90,000 sq. ft. of uninterrupted expo space, the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 60+ hotels, 7 full-service conference facilities, gorgeous Bed-and-Breakfasts with meeting and event space and over a dozen unique venue options.
Getting Here is Easy
Centrally located between major Florida metros, Alachua County is an ideal destination for regional meetings. Guests can arrive via the I-75 corridor in just 2 hours or less from Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa and 5 hours from Atlanta and Miami.
Complimentary Meeting Planner Services
The perfect experience begins with great planning and the ideal location. Count on the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County team of destination experts for insights into the area’s unique offerings and for complimentary services to create a seamless planning process and a memorable event, including:
• RFP Sourcing: We’ll connect you with over 60 lodging and meeting properties to find the perfect fit for your next event.
• Personalized Itineraries: Tailored off-site activities to suit the specific interests of your attendees, providing a curated experience they’ll love.
• Branded Swag Items: Add a special touch of hospitality from our team to yours with Visit Gainesville, Alachua County branded items.
Team Building Adventures Where Nature and Culture Meet
Incorporate local charm, creativity, and history into your next event in Alachua County with a variety of itinerary enhancing experiences. Explore world-class museums like the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Butterfly Rainforest, host receptions at the Harn Museum of Art, or engage with hands-on exhibits at the Cade Museum of Creativity and Invention. Discover Gainesville’s rich musical history, home to Hall-of-Fame musicians like Tom Petty and Bo Diddley and experience local talent at various live-music venues. Indulge in an elevated food scene at nationally recognized restaurants and the local craft beer scene with team-building events or celebratory receptions at unique breweries. Support wildlife conservation with interactive sessions at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo or Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, visit one of 8 unique Florida State Parks, or take a guided paddling tour on the Santa Fe River.
