Norman is more than a destination; it is an experience, says Dan Schemm, president and CEO of Visit Norman. “We have been shaped by our rich history, local creativity, and our welcoming nature. We take pride in exceeding expectations, offering a vibrant cultural scene, exceptional cuisine, and dynamic venues blending modern amenities with the charm of a close-knit community.”
Norman’s location, near the central part of the country, and proximity to Oklahoma City mean travel is easy for attendees, whether from the region or around the country, Schemm says, and the city provides a distinct local identity. “Here, planners and attendees can explore everything from the vibrant University of Oklahoma (UO) campus to unique local art, world-class museums, and natural wonders like Lake Thunderbird, Oklahoma’s largest urban lake, which offers water sports and fishing, plus hiking and biking trails along the shoreline. Norman also celebrates all seasons, whether you are taking in the excitement of SEC sports, enjoying seasonal festivals, or simply soaking up the beautiful Oklahoma skies.”
Norman has 3,222 guest rooms, with several new and recently upgraded hotels, according to Visit Norman. The 124-studio Residence Inn by Marriott Norman opened in summer 2024. The city’s newest hotel, the 92-room NOUN, located in the popular Campus Corner entertainment district, includes 3,900 square feet of event space and a rebranded Rally restaurant, creating a “vibrant dining and social destination,” Schemm says. Also, NCED (National Center for Employee Development) Conference Center & Hotel, with 940 guest rooms, has completed significant renovations to its 65,000-square-foot fitness center, which includes a weight room, sauna, full-size basketball court, jogging trails, and tennis courts. The facility has more than 75,000 square feet of function space with three ballrooms and 33 meeting rooms to accommodate 850 guests theater style. NCED Conference Center & Hotel is an IACC-certified venue.
The 283-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center has 42,111 square feet of function space, including a 28,800-square-foot ballroom and 21 meeting rooms, and can accommodate 3,160 guests in theater-style seating. JD McCarty Center has a conference space with a 3,150-square-foot conference room and a 208-seat tiered auditorium with power outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. Meeting space at the National Weather Center includes a 9,000-square-foot atrium, a 230-seat tiered classroom, and smaller classrooms and boardrooms. The facility also offers tours with behind-the-scenes looks at UO School of Meteorology, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, and National Severe Storms Laboratory. Oklahoma Memorial Union on the UO campus has more than 25,000 square feet of function space, including an auditorium and two ballrooms. The historic Norman Depot features two rooms with a capacity of 100 people for receptions, seminars, or meetings.
Visit Norman advises planners to consult the UO home football schedule, as games can fill the hotels citywide on game weekends.
