Top 10 Reasons to Meet in Raleigh, N.C.'s Airport District
Friday, July 26, 2024, 3pm
When deciding where your group should meet in Raleigh, N.C., the Airport Meeting District is an exceptional choice. The area is filled with top-notch accommodations, plenty of memorable dining options and unique group activities, all within easy reach of RDU International Airport.
Here are 10 reasons why the Airport Meeting District is ideal for your next gathering.
Exceptional hotels
The Airport Meeting District offers a variety of excellent hotels catering to both luxury and convenience. The newly opened The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport provides modern accommodations with high-end amenities, perfect for business travelers. The property offers 236 guest rooms and suites and over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
The recently renovated Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek offers spacious suites, complimentary breakfasts and evening receptions, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay. The 154-suite property offers more than 6,000 square feet of meeting space. And combined with the adjacent Hampton Inn & Suites RDU/Brier Creek (135 rooms), the two properties offer 10,000+ square feet of meeting space!
Ease of access
The district's proximity to RDU International Airport is a significant advantage, making it easy for attendees to arrive and depart. The airport serves Raleigh, N.C., with two terminals and nonstop flights from 60+ other markets.
Additionally, downtown Raleigh is just a short drive away, offering quick access to some of the destination's most popular cultural and vibrant attractions. Midtown Raleigh is also nearby, including four different shopping, entertainment and dining districts all within a short drive of each other. This convenience means you can seamlessly transition from meetings to exploring the City of Oaks.
RDU International Airport, itself
RDU International Airport (RDU) is a highly rated airport that serves the Raleigh area with efficiency and ease. Recently ranked one of the top five large airports for customer satisfaction in the latest J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, RDU features modern amenities, a variety of dining options and an easy-to-navigate layout. The airport makes traveling a breeze for your attendees!
RDU is continually growing and improving—in May 2024, it was identified as 2023's fastest-growing Top-50 airport in the country and also broke its previous record for passenger traffic in 2023 and added four new airlines, 25 new destinations and 49 new routes. The airport will have added three new international destinations by the end of 2024, bringing the total to 10, the most RDU has ever served (see currently served international destinations here).
Ongoing construction projects are aimed at expanding terminal capacity, enhancing passenger services and upgrading infrastructure to better accommodate the increasing number of travelers. This commitment to development ensures that RDU remains a top choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
Brier Creek
Brier Creek Commons is a dynamic shopping area within the Airport Meeting District known for its blend of retail, dining and entertainment. The center features a wide array of stores and restaurants, providing everything from daily necessities to luxury items. This convenience makes it easy for business travelers to find whatever they need (or just want!), close to their hotel.
A culinary haven
Food lovers will be delighted with the dining options in the Airport Meeting District. The iconic Angus Barn is a must-visit, renowned for its prime rib, extensive wine cellar (one of the largest wine cellars in the country!) and charming rustic ambiance. The award-winning steakhouse also includes the lively Wild Turkey Lounge, which is open daily with a light menu and full bar selection of beer, wine and fine spirits. Other nearby dining options include Carolina Ale House, Brier Creek Beer Garden and Capital City Chop House.
And if you're in the mood for a drink after dinner, three of the area's 40+ craft breweries call the Airport Meeting District home: Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Sumit Vohra’s Lonerider Brewing Company and Gizmo Brew Works. Lynnwood Brewing Concern is located within Lynnwood Grill, featuring one of Raleigh’s most popular rooftop decks, while Lonerider has become one of Raleigh’s fastest-growing craft beer producers, offering weekly tours and tastings. Gizmo is a small brewery and tap house with a welcoming, neighborhood feel.
The great outdoors
The Airport Meeting District offers beautiful green spaces, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Ready to escape the noise and find serenity in the outdoors? Lake Crabtree County Park is a nearby oasis with over 520 acres of natural beauty, including trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas. Or head to William B. Umstead State Park!
William B. Umstead State Park is a picturesque outdoor setting for a nice hike, bike and more. With 22 miles of hiking trails and another 13 miles of multiuse paths for horseback-riding or other activities, groups will find this excursion well worth their while. Water sports are also available in the warm months, and the campgrounds make for fine post-event retreats.
Group activities
For those seeking adventure, Triangle Rock Club is a premier indoor climbing facility and fitness center located near the airport. With facilities in North Raleigh and Morrisville, the center offers a range of climbing walls (including a towering, 55-foot climbing wall at the Morrisville location, one of the tallest in a five-state radius!) and classes suitable for all skill levels, making it a fun and engaging way to stay active.
Additionally, the Morrisville location offers a unique, multipurpose room designed for luncheons, meetings and team-building activities where your attendees can enjoy a sweeping view of the 55-foot climbing wall. Tailored to your event's needs, the room boasts various layouts and is available for full or half-day rentals. The room's equipped with a projector, screen, HDMI/computer cables, whiteboard, flip-chart stand and podium.
Another fantastic group activity is Rush Hour Karting in Morrisville. Your entire crew can enjoy the fast track to a seriously good time! Rush Hour Karting offers indoor, high-speed karting—visitors can hop behind the wheel of European-designed karts that boast max speeds of up to 40 mph. Race around hairpin curves, high-speed straights and winding turns to claim your place in the winner’s circle. This adrenaline-pumping experience is perfect for team-building or simply letting loose after a productive day of meetings.
At the Morrisville location, the Legends and Champions Room provides full AV presentation capability with capacity for 200 people. The Masters Meeting and Golf Room provides full AV presentation capability, has capacity for 20 people and includes access to golf simulators. A full-service restaurant, bar and sports tavern is on-site with space for groups and catering, plus the venue also offers axe throwing, arcade games, 4-D, virtual racing simulators (for those not quite ready to step into a moving kart) and virtual reality experiences.
Top-notch meeting facilities
The Airport Meeting District is equipped with great meeting facilities designed to ensure success. Hotels like The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport, Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek and Hampton Inn & Suites RDU/Brier Creek offer extensive meeting spaces with modern technology and professional support services, ensuring your event runs smoothly. The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport, which opened in 2023, features 14,499 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 guests. Additionally, the Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek and the adjacent Hampton Inn & Suites RDU/Brier Creek together provide over 10,000+ square feet of meeting space.
Other full-service meeting hotels with more than 2,500 square feet of meeting space are the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport - Brier Creek and Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Durham Airport.
To view a list of meeting facilities in the Airport District, click here.
Shopping and entertainment
In addition to the aforementioned Brier Creek Commons, the district is close to several other shopping and entertainment venues, such as Alexander Place Promenade and Crabtree Valley Mall. With over 200 stores (including Michael Kors, Coach, Apple, The North Face, Tommy Bahama, H&M and more) and yummy food options, it’s easy to spend hours at Crabtree.
Rich cultural experiences
Proximity to downtown Raleigh provides easy access to the city's rich cultural scene. Visitors can explore CAM Raleigh, enjoy performances at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts or stroll through historic neighborhoods and vibrant districts. City Market is home to art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops. The original cobblestone streets are lit by lamps and filled with 19th-century charm.
These cultural experiences offer a perfect balance to the business-oriented environment of the Airport Meeting District.
Raleigh's Airport Meeting District combines convenience, comfort and a diverse range of amenities, making it excellent choice for groups. Whether you're planning a larger conference or a small business meeting, this district is ready to serve up success!
Have questions or want to know more about Raleigh, N.C.? Contact our sales team today!