Thinking about planning your next meeting in Burlington, Vermont? Considering our charm, access to the outdoors, and unique spirit, we know you’ve made the right call. From its walkable waterfront and eco-friendly venues to its healthy farm-to-table food scene, Burlington gives planners everything they need to host an unforgettable event.

To learn why the greater Burlington area is earning buzz among certified meeting planners, we sat down with Mari Breen Palace, Hello Burlington’s expert on meetings and events. In this exclusive Q&A, Mari shares insider tips, top venues, and reasons why Burlington should be at the top of your meeting destination list.


Expert Q&A with Mari Breen Palace
 

Why should meeting planners put Burlington, Vermont on their radar?

Mari: Burlington is one of those places where business and inspiration truly meet. We’re a small city that delivers big experiences. We have lakeside venues, boutique hotels, world-class dining, and a vibrant downtown that’s easy to navigate. Planners I’ve worked with love that everything here feels personal and local, yet polished and professional.
 

What kinds of venues can planners expect to find in Burlington?

Mari: Burlington has a variety of venues that accommodate different group sizes and needs. We have full-service conference hotels like the Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection by Hilton and the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont, both with flexible meeting spaces and group accommodations.

Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education, housed in an award-winning space at the forefront of architectural design, showcases a striking central space, modern galleries, an auditorium, and classroom facilities. Hotel Vermont provides boutique charm and local flavor with tech-ready spaces for smaller breakout groups, while venues like The Essex Resort & Spa and the Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms bring in Vermont’s beautiful countryside for offsite retreats and executive gatherings.
 

Three people paddleboard on Lake Champlain

 

What offsite activities make Burlington special for groups?

Mari: Planners love that Burlington offers a variety of authentic Vermont experiences. You can add these right into your meeting itinerary or use them as pre- or post-event incentives. A few favorites include:

 

These experiences are what we consistently find make the Burlington meeting experience unforgettable. They help attendees feel connected to the destination, not just the event.
 

Amtrak train moves through Vermont fall foliage.

 

How easy is it to get to Burlington?

Mari: Traveling to Burlington has never been easier. The newly upgraded and expanded Burlington International Airport (BTV) is just 10 minutes from downtown, with direct flights from major hubs like New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Atlanta. Amtrak serves Burlington with lines traveling from Washington, D.C. and New York City. For regional attendees, Burlington is an easy drive from Boston, Montreal, and Albany.

Once you’re here, everything’s close by. The airport, hotels, restaurants, and meeting venues are all within a few miles of each other. That convenience saves planners time and budget while giving attendees more flexibility to enjoy the destination.

Sweeping view of hills and mountains in Vermont.

 

What meeting trends have you seen in 2025, and how does Burlington fit in?

Mari: We’re seeing a big shift towards a desire for spaces that prioritize natural lighting and access to the outdoors. Vermont, known for its natural beauty, rugged scenery, and proximity to the outdoors—naturally aligns with this trend, blending scenic beauty with accessible venues. Many of the best Burlington area venues also emphasize sustainability, from green-certified hotels to local farm partnerships.

Additionally, meeting planners are looking to get involved with more local volunteer opportunities, seeking experiences that feel restorative and community-oriented. This allows attendees an opportunity to form a personal bond with the location, and give back to the host community over the course of their conference.

 

Rainbow on the Church Street Marketplace

 

What makes the greater Burlington area stand out from other destinations?

Mari: The combination of convenience, character, and community. We have everything a planner needs but without the crowds or high costs of bigger cities.

Beyond Burlington, the surrounding towns Essex, Williston, Shelburne, and Charlotte offer incredible spaces for retreats, culinary tours, and group excursions. It’s easy to build a multi-day agenda that showcases Vermont’s natural beauty and hospitality.

Burlington also has an undeniable spunk. Our creative, community-driven spirit shows in everything from our food scene to our arts culture, making it a place marked by new, outside-the-box ideas.

Snow in the Mountains of Vermont during fall

What kind of support does Hello Burlington provide to meeting planners?

Mari: Hello Burlington offers a free resource for planners. We help with everything from venue sourcing and site visits to local vendor recommendations and custom itineraries. We provide a true insider's perspective because we live and work here. We connect planners to the right partners and experiences to make their event shine.

We want planners to feel confident choosing Burlington for their next 50-person retreat or their 400-person conference. We’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact our meeting planning services here.

Sunset and Sailboat on Lake Champlain

 

What’s your best piece of advice for planners considering Burlington for the first time?

Mari: Come visit! Once planners see Burlington for themselves, they fall in love with it. The lake views, the walkable downtown, and the warmth of the local community are all things you can’t fully appreciate until you experience it.

We can help you plan a personalized site visit, connect you with local venues, and show you what makes this place so special for meetings and conferences.

Plan Your Burlington Meeting with Hello Burlington

Connect with Mari: mari@helloburlingtonvt.com