Planner Resources
Meeting Planners Guide
From inspiration to execution, get the ultimate guide to meeting in the Bradenton Area. Our comprehensive Meeting Planners Guide covers everything from venues and accommodations to dining, transportation, and off-the-clock fun – sharing the insights needed to plan a seamless and standout event.
Host Your Event in the Bradenton Area
The Bradenton Area Convention Center is designed to host a variety of events. Our Exhibit Hall can seat up to 3,800, and has hosted a wide variety of events, including concerts, tradeshows, exhibits, graduations, corporate functions, and more. Coupled with our ballroom and conference center, we can host large corporate meetings, product launches, and educational formats.
Venue Location
Our central location, just three miles west of Interstate 75 (between Tampa and Sarasota), makes the Bradenton Area Convention Center a great choice for in-state groups looking for a nearby escape. Near the scenic Manatee River, it’s also only 12 miles from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, offering nonstop flights from close to 70 destinations for easy traveling. We pride ourselves on making your event one for the books by offering a professional atmosphere with excellent customer service. No matter what your needs are, our team can help bring your vision to life.
Convention center
floor plans
From the 32,400 square foot Exhibit Hall, the 14,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, various breakout rooms, and pre-function spaces, you can configure our versatile Convention Center to create the perfect space for your event. Check out the floor plans to learn more.
Convention center services
Conveniently located near the scenic Manatee River, the Bradenton Area Convention Center is a reimagined convention destination on Florida’s West Coast. Our versatile and state-of-the-art venue offers modern amenities with a marine-coastal charm for the perfect blend of Real. Authentic. Florida.™ for groups of all sizes.
In-House Services
The Bradenton Area Convention Center offers full-service in-house catering through Gulf Islands Hospitality. They can provide a wide variety of cuisines to match all of your attendees’ needs and dietary preferences. If you have any questions, please reach out to our sales team for more information.
The Convention Center also has an in-house audiovisual team to support your event’s production needs, from lighting and sound to displays and streaming equipment.
Exhibitor Information
- The Bradenton Area Convention Center has become the home for many annual exhibitor-based events since its doors opened in 1985. Our 32,400-square-foot Exhibit Hall can hold 180 10’ x 10’ booths.
- Once you book your event, you will be assigned an event manager who will help you from start to finish.
- Vehicles can be placed in the building for display with the following restrictions: vehicles must be moved in and out without the general public in the facility. Vehicles must have less than ¼ tank of gas, and the battery must be disconnected once parked.
Headquarters hotel
Just a few steps away from the convention center is the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Connected through a climate-controlled corridor, the headquarters hotel offers 252 rooms and luxurious amenities like a rooftop bar, exclusive spa, beach club, and much more. It’s the perfect place for attendees to relax and unwind.
Policies
- Service Animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed in the venue.
- No Smoking: In accordance with the FL Clean Air Act, the Center’s smoking policy restricts smoking to designated smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited at all times inside the facility. This policy includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, etc.