With new restaurants, venues and major infrastructure improvements underway, the time is always right to plan your next meeting or event in Rochester, NY and Monroe County.

New & Renovated Meeting Venues

  • Major upgrades are on the way for the award-winning Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Thanks to a major investment by the State of New York, the Floreano Convention Center will be undergoing more than $68 million in improvements – a significant transformation that will impact our community for years to come!  
  • Be one of the first groups to host an event at the new Arbor Loft venue in downtown Rochester. Newly opened in June 2025, the Arbor Loft is a bright, European-inspired event space that blends modern elegance with timeless charm.
  • Also a part of the Arbor Venues portfolio, the timeless Arbor Midtown presents an opportunity to groups and organizations to host a conference or formal event in a historic ballroom in downtown Rochester. The building was originally constructed in 1926, boasting natural stone travertine flooring, marble-clad columns, hand sculpted wall friezes and floor to ceiling windows. Through the restoration process, efforts were made to restore all of the original 1920’s elements while modernizing and brightening the aesthetic.
  • The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester, a full-service hotel with meeting and ballroom space, is currently undergoing renovations of the meeting space and guestrooms, expected to be completed Summer 2025. The DoubleTree is conveniently located to local colleges and universities and is just a ten-minute drive from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.  
  • Under new management, the Inn on Broadway is undergoing exciting restoration and renovation to revitalize the historical Rochester institution. Included in these renovations is a refreshed fine dining and steakhouse experience with Gio’s Prime 26 and Vanni’s Jazz Lounge, a soon-to-open jazz club and lounge.

 

Non-Traditional Venues

  • Rochester is known for its award-winning craft beer scene, boasting more than two dozen breweries along with multiple wineries and distilleries. Host an unforgettable event at Rohrbach Brewing Company (with the option to rent out an entire beer hall!), Black Button Distilling or Casa Larga Vineyards. See a full list of Rochester area breweries, wineries and distilleries to explore additional choices.
  • Have you ever considered hosting a meeting on the water? The Rochester area is home to several different tour boats that can be chartered for your next meeting or event. The Colonial Belle departs from the Erie Canal town of Fairport, and is the right size for a larger group, while Corn Hill Navigation operates the Riverie out of Downtown Rochester and Sam Patch from Pittsford, is better suited for a group of 40 or less.  
  • Rochester is known for its many museums and cultural institutions. A large expansion and new exhibits at the iconic Strong National Museum of Play present even more meeting space choices for planners at this must-visit museum.
  • Treat your attendees to an unforgettable view with an event at Prive, an upscale private accommodations rental and event space located on the top floor of the Metropolitan Building in downtown Rochester. Enjoy stunning views, a sleek design aesthetic and quality finishes as you view Rochester from an elevated perspective.

 

New Dining Experiences

Rochester’s food scene punches far beyond its weight. Treat your attendees to a fantastic meal at one of the area’s newest restaurants. These locations are idea for off-site events, dine arounds, and in some cases, the entire space can be reserved for your group. (For a full list of caterers in the Rochester area to consider for your event, click here.)

 

 Enhanced Group Experiences  

  • Team-building activities and group tours
  • Group give backs with local nonprofits and community initiatives, including volunteer opportunities with organizations including Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity, House of Mercy, Rochester City School District, Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, Foodlink, Child Advocacy Center of Rochester and the Golisano Children’s Hospital (among many others). To plan a group volunteer experience while meeting in Rochester, contact Visit Rochester’s event services team.

 

Airport Enhancements and New Flights

  • Improvements are underway at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, including a new visitors center on the lower level! In addition to improvements at the airport, new non-stop flights are regularly announced.
  • New airlines and routes servicing the ROC airport include the following. Check the airport’s website for the most up-to-date information on flight routes and options.
    • Avelo to Nashville, TN
    • Avelo to Wilmington, NC
    • Avelo to Orlando/Lakeland, FL
    • Southwest to Las Vegas
    • Southwest to Tampa
    • Southwest to Ft. Myers