Centrally located on Florida’s West Coast, the Bradenton Area Convention Center is excited to welcome groups to its new, state-of-the-art venue—which is already booking events for 2026 and beyond. Following an impressive $54 million transformation, the Convention Center provides 95,000 square feet of meeting space, ideal for hosting conferences, trade shows, and corporate retreats for up to 3,800 guests.Bringing virtually any vision to life is easy, thanks to the space’s versatile setup. A stunning new Grand Ballroom can seat up to 800 guests banquet style. An open Exhibit Hall is well-suited for large-scale events, from galas to general sessions. The venue also has multiple breakout rooms that can be used altogether or individually, as well as two outdoor gathering plazas for taking advantage of the beautiful year-round weather.
Additionally, the new Convention Center features its own in-house, full-service caterer: Gulf Islands Hospitality. A seamless option for food and beverage, Gulf Islands Hospitality offers diverse dining options, including selections inspired by the destination’s signature Floribbean cuisine. Whether it’s a welcome breakfast full of fresh Florida produce or an executive luncheon celebrating traditional Caribbean dishes, the culinary team are experts in creating menus that nourish and delight all palates.
Stay on site & in style
Also located on the Convention Center campus and connected by a climate-controlled walkway, the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa is the destination’s headquarters hotel for meetings and events. Recently built in 2024, it features a contemporary aesthetic, 252 spacious rooms, 10,000 square feet of its own event space, and a myriad of upscale amenities for attendees—from rooftop dining and spa services to entertainment at the outdoor amphitheater and private Beach Club access.
Add authentic Florida experiences to the agenda
Whether it’s creative teambuilding ideas or fun ways for attendees to spend their downtime, the Bradenton Area delivers with Real. Authentic. Florida.™ experiences.
Breathtaking beaches: Just a short ferry ride away, the pristine beaches of Anna Maria Island are always a favorite. After meetings wrap, attendees can unplug and unwind on the refreshingly laid-back and low-rise shores—great for catching rays, waves, and especially sunsets.
Endless outdoor adventure: With more than a dozen nature parks and preserves, the Bradenton Area offers endless opportunities for attendees to reconnect with nature—and one another—whether hiking scenic trails or paddling through tranquil waterways. A variety of boating excursions are also available, from fishing expeditions to sunset cruises.
Rich arts and culture: Bradenton’s inviting urban core also features premier institutions for opening minds and boosting creativity. Groups can explore stories of the past at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (also home to a state-of-the-art planetarium and manatee rehabilitation center), enjoy a live performance at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, or take an art class at the Herrig Center for the Arts.
Memorable dine-arounds: Dining throughout the Bradenton Area means experiencing local flavor in its purest sense—from tropical fruits picked hours before serving to restaurants that will cook your seafood catch. In addition to the irresistible food, meals are often enjoyed with waterfront or rooftop views, on the dock, or with one’s toes in the sand—for a truly unforgettable experience.
Contact: Jack Hoza, Convention Sales Manager 941-729-9177; meetings@bacvb.com |
