Your Guide to Conquering Trade Shows and Austin, Texas

Welcome to Austin, where the tacos are plentiful, the music never stops, and trade shows are just another excuse to mix business with (a lot of) pleasure. If you’re gearing up for your next event in the Lone Star State’s capital, first off, bravo. You’ve chosen one of the best cities in the country for work, play, and a solid dose of “Keep Austin Weird” vibes. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your trip without burning out (or busting the budget).

Where to Eat (and Instagram Your Food)

Austin isn’t just a city; it’s a mecca for foodies. Here’s where you absolutely need to grab a bite when the trade show snacks just aren’t cutting it:

Breakfast Tacos

If you skip the tacos in Austin, you might as well skip the trip. Torchy’s Tacos is a local institution for a reason (get the Trailer Park taco “trashy”—thank me later). If you’re near the Convention Center, check out Veracruz All Natural for tacos that are so fresh, they're basically farm-to-face.

BBQ Bliss

Texas BBQ is an experience that’s practically a rite of passage. If you’ve got some time, hit up Franklin Barbecue (arrive early; yes, it’s worth the line). Pressed for time? La Barbecue is equally legendary without the full day commitment.

Dinner with a Side of Wow

For something higher-end, check out Uchi (sushi at its finest) or Odd Duck for farm-to-table dishes that will have you questioning every previous dining choice you’ve made. Pro tip: bring a few colleagues and share. More dishes, more flavors, more fun.

Where to Stay (And Actually Sleep)

You need a hotel that keeps you close to the action but doesn’t feel like sensory overload after a long trade show day. Consider these:

• Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: Located in the Rainey Street district, this boutique hotel has stunning rooms, live music vibes, and a rooftop pool for when you’re feeling bougie.
• The LINE Austin: Sitting on the edge of Lady Bird Lake, this swanky spot has mid-century-modern-meets-Texas charm. (Oh, and the lobby coffee bar? Dangerous in the best way.)
• Fairmont Austin: Walkable to the Convention Center, with spa amenities that might just save your sanity after hours on the trade show floor.

How to Get Around (Stress-Free)

Austin is one of those “love it, hate the traffic” cities, so keep your transportation game sharp. Here are your best options:

• Walk or rent a scooter: Downtown is super walkable, and you’ll burn off that brisket while you’re at it. Feeling lazy? Lime and Bird scooters are everywhere and ridiculously fun.

• Ride shares: Uber and Lyft are your best friends. Hit “pool ride” to save cash and maybe make a new friend while you’re at it.
• Rent a bike: For a breezy way to explore, rent a bike and cruise around Lady Bird Lake. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great excuse to escape the trade show chaos.

What to See When Business Hours Are Over

Spending all your time in a conference hall would be a crime in Austin. Here’s what to put on your “you’re only here once” list:

• Catch live music: Austin isn’t the “Live Music Capital of the World” for nothing. Swing by The Continental Club or Antone’s for live bands that’ll make you dance like no one’s watching.
• Sunset at Mount Bonnell: If you’re up for a view (and a short hike), the sunsets here are the stuff Instagram dreams are made of.

• South Congress (SoCo) Stroll: Boutique shops, murals (hello, #IStillBelieveInLove), and enough Austin vibes to fill your soul. Just go.

Downtime? Choose Your Flavor

Not every second needs to be about business. Here's how to recharge:

• Spa day: Relax at Milk + Honey. You’ve earned it.
• Golf: If you’re a golfer, head for Lions Municipal. Networking and a swing? Winning.
• Lady Bird Lake kayaking: For some outdoorsy zen, rent a kayak and paddle your worries away.

Before We Wrap This Up

Austin isn’t just another trade show destination; it’s a vibrant city bubbling with creativity, exciting vibes, and opportunities to relax, recharge, and reinvigorate. Vibrant food? Check. Live music? Double-check. A city that knows how to blend hard work and fun? Ding, ding, ding.