By Polly Mulvaney, Group Sales Manager for Visit Billings
Have you ever boarded a plane or gassed up the car on your way to a meeting or convention? Whether for professional or personal reasons, traveling to connect with colleagues or friends creates lasting connections and economic impact beyond the event itself.
Why Choose Billings for Your Next Business Trip?
Billings, Montana, hosts thousands of business travelers from both in-state and out-of-state who gather at local hotel convention properties to learn, network, get work done, and enjoy our beautiful city. Face-to-face meetings not only contribute to organizations’ bottom lines but also drive corporate culture and communities forward.
Economic Impact of Business Meetings
Business meetings and events typically held during the workweek contribute to a thriving economy. They make a difference to surrounding restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions during what could be a slower time. The presence of guests staying at local business hotels can be the reason a favorite restaurant stays open on Mondays.
The Unique Appeal of Billings
While Zoom meetings are convenient, nothing compares to the energy and vibe in a room that generates ideas and spontaneous conversations. The pandemic taught us the importance of being in the same room together. Billings offers something special where the outdoors seamlessly integrate into a meeting agenda. As the largest city in Montana, we are a vibrant urban destination with local flavor, shopping, award-winning cuisine, arts, and culture. Plus, Montana and our surrounding region provide “bucket-list” experiences that are high on many lists.
Billings Convention Venues
The Visit Billings team collaborates with hotel properties, local businesses, and unique venues to create seamless, welcoming experiences for business travelers. By attending trade shows, hosting pre-event site visits, digital advertising, or creating meeting planner guides, the Visit Billings team raises awareness and piques interest in combining business with the beauty and mystique of Montana.
Behind the Scenes Efforts
Planning large events takes patience, persistence, and commitment, as conventions are planned years in advance. One example is the upcoming National Association of County Agricultural Agents conference, which will bring over 1,400 people to Billings this summer for professional development from June 29 – July 2, 2025. The conference general sessions will be held at the Alberta Bair Theater, with the Northern Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton serving as host properties, showcasing the partnership among three different venues.
How Billings Benefits from Business Meetings
Business meetings and conventions bring significant benefits to our local community. They contribute to the economy by supporting local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, especially during slower times. The presence of business travelers can be the reason a favorite restaurant stays open on Mondays. Additionally, face-to-face meetings foster corporate culture and drive community engagement, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall quality of life in Billings.
Key Points About Billings’ Convention Venues
Billings is well-equipped to host a variety of events, from small meetings to large conventions. Our city offers five primary conference venues:
Billings Hotel & Convention Center (including 15,000 square feet in the new Missouri River Conference Center)
In addition to these, Billings boasts unique venues such as the Billings Depot, Pub Station, and Paper Mill, which provide distinctive settings for various events. The collaborative efforts of the Visit Billings team, local businesses, and hotel properties ensure seamless and welcoming experiences for all visitors, enhancing the appeal of Billings as a premier destination for business gatherings.