Houston was named the fifth-best city in the country to attend a conference or convention, according to a new\u00a0ranking from U.S. News & World Report.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Houston was the top-ranked Texas city among the 52 cities analyzed as part of the first-ever report<\/a>, which took into account each city\u2019s available meeting space, affordability, accessibility, safety, sustainability, and appeal as a destination, as well as perspectives from industry experts. San Antonio was the only other Texas city to crack the top ten, with a ninth-place spot, while the top three spots went to Las Vegas, Chicago and Orlando.<\/p>\n The Bayou City\u2019s two major airports, abundance of reasonably-priced hotels and entertainment scene contributed to its high ranking, U.S. News & World Report senior travel editor Elizabeth Von Tersch said in a statement. The city\u2019s mild winters make it an especially attractive choice for first- and fourth-quarter conventions, according to the report.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond its practicality, the city\u2019s unique entertainment options, from Astros games to rodeos, and renowned food scene provide plenty of appeal when professionals are off-the-clock as well,\u201d Von Tersch said.<\/p>\n Houston city leaders were quick to praise the fifth-place ranking as evidence of the city\u2019s growing appeal as a destination for business and tourism, and they said the forthcoming expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center will bolster that appeal.<\/p>\n \u201cBy significantly increasing the size of the George R. Brown Convention Center and the entertainment district, we are investing in Houston\u2019s future and ensuring our city remains a top destination for business, tourism and economic development,\u201d Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. \u201cThis ranking validates that Houston is heading in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n