Since 1954
The power of community
Since 1954
The power of community
Welcome to Austin and to SOLAR 2026. This visitor’s guide is designed to help you plan your trip, navigate the city, and make the most of your conference experience. Bookmark this page and check back for updates as the conference approaches.
Getting to Austin / The Palmer Events Center
Did you know that this year’s conference venue, the Palmer Events Center, holds a LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency and sustainability, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council? The center operates on 100% renewable energy through Austin Energy’s Green Choice Program and features an 185 kW PV array (see satellite photo). We are thrilled to host our event at such a forward-thinking facility that perfectly aligns with our mission at ASES.
Wifi is free and open to the public; no password is needed to access it.
Austin is served by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), approximately 8 miles from downtown and the Palmer Events Center.
Transportation from the Airport:
Austin is accessible via major highways, including I-35, US-290, and TX-71. Parking garages and surface lots are available near the Palmer Events Center and throughout downtown. A garage at 801 Barton Springs Rd is about a 5-minute walk and charges $6/hr. You can reserve a spot using SpotHero if you want a guaranteed spot ahead of time.
Parking at the Palmer Events Center: Detailed information on parking fees and garage entrance locations is available on the Palmer Events Center’s Parking page. Please note that they are a cashless facility. Austin Water currently has a project underway on Riverside Drive, and the roundabout is scheduled to close during your show. Riverside garage access will be available from westbound Riverside with a left turn into the driveway.
Address: 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
Located along Lady Bird Lake, the Palmer Events Center sits between downtown Austin and the South Congress district. The venue is within walking distance of parks, trails, restaurants, and hotels.
Austin offers a wide range of accommodations, from large hotels to boutique and budget-friendly options.
Discounted Hotel Blocks:
Recommended Areas:
October is a popular time to visit Austin. Attendees are encouraged to book lodging early.
HOTELS
| Hotel Name | Address | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy Suites South Congress | 300 South Congress Ave | Hotel Page |
| Extended Stay America Suites Town Lake | 507 South First St | Hotel Page |
| Tommie Austin JDV by Hyatt | 506 San Jacinto Blvd | Hotel Page |
| The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel | 701 Congress Ave | Hotel Page |
| Hilton Garden Inn Downtown | 500 N I-35 | Hotel Page |
AIRBNBS
| Neighborhood | Beds | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd St | 3 | View Listing |
| Lake Austin Blvd | 2 | View Listing |
| W 5th | 1 | View Listing |
| W 6th | 3 | View Listing |
| W 6th | 1 | View Listing |
| W 7th | 2 | View Listing |
| W 7th | 2 | View Listing |
| W 7th | 1 | View Listing |
| W 7th | 1 | View Listing |
| W 6th | 1 | View Listing |
| Wyndham Austin Resort | 2 | View Listing |
| W 7th | 1 | View Listing |
| W 3rd | 1 | View Listing |
| E 3rd | 2 | View Listing |
| E 3rd | 1 | View Listing |
| S Lamar | 3 | View Listing |
| S Lamar | 1 | View Listing |
| Zilker | 3 | View Listing |
| Bouldin Creek | 1 | View Listing |
| S Lamar | 3 | View Listing |
| S Lamar | 1 | View Listing |
| Bouldin Creek | 2 | View Listing |
| Bouldin Creek | 3 | View Listing |
| Bouldin Creek | 2 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 4 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 3 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 1 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 3 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 2 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 1 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 1 | View Listing |
| S Congress | 1 | View Listing |
Austin is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene.
You’ll find:
South Congress and Downtown Austin offer many dining options within walking distance or a short ride from the venue.
If you have time before or after conference sessions, consider exploring:
For more details, visit Austin Visitor’s Guide
In alignment with the mission of the American Solar Energy Society and the renewable energy community:
ASES is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible conference experience. Accessibility services and accommodation details will be shared closer to the event.
Updates will be shared through:
We look forward to welcoming you to Austin for SOLAR 2026 and to three days of learning, collaboration, and connection!