Atlanta Joins Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, Seattle in Recording Skyrocketing Surge in Business Travel Along with New Business Events, Trade Shows and Conferences

Published on November 22, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In 2025, Atlanta joins Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, and Seattle in experiencing a skyrocketing surge in business travel, bringing new business events, trade shows, and conferences to the forefront. These cities, long known for their business prowess, have witnessed a significant increase in corporate travel, making them top destinations for business professionals and industry leaders. The growing business travel surge is reshaping how companies plan their travel, with more conferences and trade shows than ever before driving this monumental shift.

Atlanta, like Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, and Seattle, is capitalising on this surge, attracting thousands of visitors each year to its expanding roster of business events and trade shows. From high-profile conferences to international trade fairs, these cities are setting the stage for a new era in corporate travel. As the skyrocketing surge in business travel continues to fuel growth in these markets, companies are flocking to these cities to capitalise on the opportunities they present.

The business travel landscape is evolving rapidly. With cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, and Seattle leading the charge, the corporate world is in the midst of an exciting transformation. This skyrocketing surge is not just a trend – it’s a global shift that every business professional should pay attention to. Don’t miss out on this critical movement!

The Skyrocketing Surge of Business Travel in 2025: Why Top U.S. Cities Are Leading the Way!

In 2025, business travel has reached new heights. Major cities across the U.S. are seeing an incredible surge in corporate travel, events, conferences, and trade shows. From Atlanta’s bustling convention scene to Dallas’s dominance in corporate travel, the numbers are shocking. These cities are not just on the rise – they are now setting the global standard for business travel. Let’s dive deep into this business travel boom and why these cities are capturing the corporate world’s attention!

Atlanta, Georgia: The Undefeated Leader in Corporate Travel Growth!

There’s no denying it: Atlanta is at the top of the game. According to the latest BCD Travel data, Atlanta ranks as the #1 city for business travel in the U.S. in 2024. The surge in corporate travel here is staggering, with the city leading in both flight bookings and hotel stays. This rapid growth has reshaped the local economy, especially in business travel infrastructure. Major conventions, including the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) and a slew of high-profile trade shows, are adding to the city’s rising business profile.

In fact, the growth is so massive that costs in Atlanta have jumped a jaw-dropping 42% since the pandemic lows. With new business events scheduled throughout the year, such as the Georgia World Congress Center’s 2025 roster, the city is firmly cementing its role as the nation’s corporate hotspot. Atlanta is not just about business – it’s about empire building for the future of corporate travel!

Dallas–Fort Worth: The Powerhouse of Corporate America!

The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is a powerhouse that businesses simply can’t ignore. Ranked #2 in business travel after Atlanta, DFW is on fire! A staggering number of car rental bookings, a crucial component of business travel, are now happening in this region. Corporate giants flock here for high-level meetings, events, and global conferences. The Texas giant’s business ecosystem is thriving, and demand for business travel services is reaching levels never seen before.

In fact, DFW is among the most booked destinations for business travel in the entire U.S. As trade shows, like the National Restaurant Association Show, continue to grow, the corporate market here is booming. It’s clear that Dallas has mastered the art of attracting major business events. Hotels are seeing record bookings, and corporate venues are witnessing a level of traffic that hasn’t been seen since pre-pandemic times. Texas has officially become the land of business opportunity, and DFW is leading the charge.

Chicago: The Ever-Powerful Corporate Capital

Chicago has always been a hub for business travel, and in 2025, it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Ranked #3 by BCD Travel, Chicago’s business travel scene is expanding rapidly, with costs soaring 50-55% above pandemic levels. McCormick Place, one of the largest convention centres in North America, is packed with trade shows, conferences, and corporate events throughout the year. The city’s rich cultural scene, combined with its booming business district, creates an unmatched synergy for corporate travelers.

Chicago’s business travel boom is undeniable. The city has built an empire around corporate growth, leveraging its strategic location and vast infrastructure to offer unmatched business services. With top-tier facilities and an ever-expanding calendar of events, Chicago has become the global corporate powerhouse everyone is talking about. Companies are rushing to Chicago, ensuring that it remains one of the hottest business travel destinations.

Washington D.C.: The Government and Corporate Epicenter

Washington D.C. is not just about politics anymore. With record visitor numbers in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the nation’s capital is quickly rising as a major destination for business travel. With nearly 26 million visitors in 2023, 30% of which were for business travel, Washington D.C. is becoming a beacon for corporate events. The city’s popularity is driven by its strategic importance in both corporate and government sectors, making it a prime location for high-level meetings and events.

Washington D.C.’s robust business calendar includes events like the Business Events Industry Week and the National Conference on Sustainability. These gatherings attract top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders, making D.C. an unmissable destination for corporate travel. The city’s blend of power, politics, and business has created the ultimate corporate ecosystem, where deals are made, connections are built, and future leaders are forged.

Seattle, Washington: The Rising Star in Business Travel

Seattle is not to be overlooked. After a period of recovery post-pandemic, Seattle is back in action, with business travel numbers climbing steadily. The city’s business districts, including the Washington State Convention Center, are welcoming more corporate events, conferences, and trade shows than ever before. Ranked #7 among U.S. business destinations, Seattle is reclaiming its place as a key hub for corporate America. It’s not just the tech companies that are flocking here – the city’s healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors are also drawing in significant business travel.

With downtown Seattle’s foot traffic recovering to pre-2020 levels, the city is seeing an influx of business opportunities. The return of business travelers is creating a boom in hospitality, and local services are stepping up to meet demand. Seattle is becoming the new golden child of business travel, offering a perfect blend of modernity and opportunity for corporate travelers looking to capitalize on the West Coast’s thriving economy.

Boston: The Underdog Business Giant

Boston might not always be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about business travel, but the city is quickly proving its worth. Ranked among the top U.S. cities for corporate travel, Boston’s business scene is booming. The city’s rich history in academia, tech, and healthcare is driving a surge in corporate events and trade shows. The 2024 forecast for business travel in Boston looks brighter than ever, with industries like technology, finance, and biotech dominating the landscape.

Boston is also experiencing a surge in the number of trade shows and conferences, making it a must-visit destination for professionals looking to network, learn, and grow their businesses. The city’s unique mix of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation makes it a top choice for companies looking to expand their presence. As Boston continues to climb the ranks in corporate travel, it’s clear that this historic city is ready to take its place among the elite business destinations.

The Explosive Impact of This Surge on Business Travel and Corporate America

The explosive growth of business travel in these key U.S. cities is not just a trend – it’s a game-changer for the corporate world. Companies are flocking to these cities for a reason: the infrastructure, the events, and the opportunities are unparalleled. The sheer demand for corporate travel is reshaping the way businesses think about meetings, conferences, and trade shows. It’s no longer enough to just show up – businesses need to be at the heart of the action in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Boston.

The impact of this surge is felt across the travel industry. Hotels are expanding, event spaces are being booked months in advance, and transportation services are reaching new heights. For businesses, this means more competition, more visibility, and more opportunities to connect with top-tier clients and partners. But with increased demand comes increased costs. As prices rise and availability tightens, companies must act fast to secure their spots in these booming business hubs.

What This Means for Your Business Travel Strategy

With business travel surging across the U.S., it’s time to reconsider your corporate travel strategy. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses need to invest in advanced planning, early bookings, and a sharp focus on high-value destinations. Cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago are setting the stage for the future of business travel, and missing out on these opportunities could leave you behind your competitors.

To succeed in today’s hyper-competitive corporate environment, businesses must embrace these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. This means prioritizing cities that are seeing explosive growth, investing in top-notch events, and ensuring that their teams have access to the best resources available. The future of business travel is bright, but only for those who act now and capitalize on the skyrocketing surge of corporate travel.

Source: BTN Corporate Travel Index