8 Out-of-the-Box Jacksonville Venues for Business Meetings
When you think of Florida, you think of vacation. But it might be time to think of Florida as a place where you can get down to the business of having fun.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable meeting experience at a boutique venue on our white-sand beaches or a large convention space amid world-class museums, we are up for business and down for fun. From unique dining destinations to a variety of nightlife options, it’s easy to have fun at your next business event in Jacksonville—the Flip Side of Florida.
With more shoreline than any other Florida city, a world-class dining scene, and cool, historic neighborhoods, Jacksonville tops the agenda as the meeting room of choice for your next corporate retreat or business meeting.
Don’t believe us? Take a look at these amazing Jacksonville business meeting destinations that will blow away guests, in a city that has a sunny disposition all year long
1. Sweet Pete’s
The sweet spot for offsite events is Jacksonville’s Sweet Pete’s, a candy emporium and factory whose candy-making classes are an irresistible team-building experience. Sweet Pete’s accommodates groups from 10 to 100 and also offers candy-cocktail cooking classes for adults.
2. Conference Center at the Main Library
Jacksonville’s main library has a pretty magnificent conference center, with spectacular sculptures adorning its lobbies and business or seminar meeting spaces for groups of any size. The conference center’s photogenic beauty makes it a popular wedding event spot, especially on the rooftop courtyard with views of the downtown Jacksonville skyline.
3. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
One of the premier event spaces in Jacksonville is the Cummer Museum, an art museum and picturesque outdoor garden that offers views of the St. John’s River. But inside, event and occasion rental packages for up to 100 people offer options like an auditorium with a stage and a screen, a grand reception space, an event art gallery, and two tiers of gardens ideal for lunches, dinners, and cocktail receptions.
4. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Home to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and a host of other great concerts and shows, the Jacksonville Center also makes for a great meeting, dinner, or reception space. Onsite catering is available, along with a 20,000-square-foot lobby and a fun Florida riverfront location.
5. Local Craft Breweries
There’s a whole new generation of up-and-coming Jacksonville microbreweries, including Aardwolf Brewing Company, that will let you hold a meeting in the taproom. 20+ craft breweries can be found on the Jax Ale Trail, many with great space to accommodate events.
6. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo is a wild option as a meeting and cocktail party venue, as elephants and giraffes strut within sight of the panoramic windows. The zoo also has some fascinating animal-themed meeting and team-building rooms that tend to the flock with terrific hospitality.
7. The Best Golf Courses in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has nearly half a million yards of greens and some prestigious courses, including TPC Sawgrass of THE PLAYERS Championship fame. Many of Jacksonville’s top golf courses are teed right up with turnkey meeting spaces for company meetings and outings, with meal service or cocktail parties on site.
8. Decca Live
Decca Live is a multi-level music venue and rooftop bar on Downtown Jacksonville’s riverfront. The epicenter of entertainment in the Bold City, the venue opened in January of 2025 and and hosts a diverse range of musical performers. Decca Live’s first floor is an open space and houses the main stage, while the second floor is open to the main floor in a mezzanine style layout. The club capacity is 1,000 attendees, and the venue includes a lounge-style and open-air and covered rooftop space, with views of the St. Johns River.
Full of cool attractions under the Florida sun, Jacksonville is an unbeatable River City for hosting conferences and more. So shore up plans to have your next meeting or retreat in Jacksonville, where professional gatherings put business in the front.
For a full listing of unique Jacksonville meeting venues, search our online database.