Big Bend Country
When people visit El Paso for the first time, they are surprised to discover a thriving and modern city at the far southwest tip of Texas, says Valerie A. Garcia, director of sales for Visit El Paso. “The Sun City is unlike any other city in Texas, let alone anywhere else in the United States, thanks to its rich history, picturesque natural desert beauty, and blend of vibrant cultures. We are the only Texas city with a mountain within the city limits, and we share a tight-knit relationship with our sister city, Ciudad Juarez. With all this, we offer special and unique opportunities for meeting and event planners.”
El Paso Convention Center, in the heart of downtown, is just 15 minutes from El Paso International Airport (ELP), Garcia adds, noting more than 10 nonstop flights to and from the city. The center has 133,100 square feet of usable space, including three halls and 17 breakout and meeting rooms. Just across the street, the 351-room Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection has 32,000 square feet of function space, including two ballrooms seating 760 theater style and the 8th floor Skyline Room for smaller events. Also downtown, the 131-room Plaza Pioneer Park has 7,600 square feet of event space; the 200-room DoubleTree by Hilton El Paso Downtown has 7,141 total square feet of function space; and Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown has several event spaces, including the 1,100-square-foot Train Station Conference Room. According to Visit El Paso, there are more than 10,500 guest rooms in the city.
La Nube, a new children’s museum and science center, opened downtown in August 2024. “It features interactive exhibits, immersive science displays, and creative spaces, making it a fantastic addition for meeting planners looking to enhance their events,” Garcia says. The museum can host events for 600 guests.
El Paso is a top destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing. It has one of the largest urban parks in the nation, Franklin Mountains State Park.
