Welcome to Dallas, y’all
Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, we’ve gathered everything you need to plan your stay. In this section, you’ll find hotel discounts, local highlights, accessibility details, and practical tips to help you make the most of your time in the city.
In Texas, Small Talk is Big
Texans are famously friendly — don’t be surprised if strangers strike up a conversation in line at the grocery store or wave from their front porch. A smile and a casual “how y’all doing?” goes a long way!
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Prepare for Some Serious Heat
Texans take both their hot food and hot weather very seriously. Expect smoky mains, spicy sides, and lots of iced tea (or a cold beer). And yes, the sun means business — wear sunscreen and hydrate like a local.
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Explore the Art, Architecture & Oddities
Dallas has a serious creative streak — check out the Dallas Museum of Art, the modern architecture in the Arts District, Meow Wolf, or quirky spots like Deep Ellum or the Giant Eyeball downtown. There’s more to Texas than two stepping.
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Embrace Local Flair & Creative Energy
From bold street murals to independent shops and stylish cafes, Dallas blends Southern charm with modern edge. Whether you're wandering an arts district or catching a rooftop sunset downtown, there's a little something for everyone around every corner.
Want to learn more about where the conference will take place? Visit our Location page for all the details here↘.
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Restaurant Discounts
Thanks to the Hospitality Alliance at the Plaza near our SDGC25 venue, there are some restaurants in the venue area which will be offering our onsite attendees a 15% discount for meals. You will need to present your conference badge to get the discount. See below for participating restaurants.
Shoals Smokehouse - Where the soulful spirit of Muscle Shoals comes alive through Southern BBQ and the legendary sounds of rock and blues.
JAXON Texas Kitchen - A modern take on a Texas kitchen, fusing the bold, authentic flavors of Texas with a contemporary, energetic setting.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel options around the venue, such as the Texican Court and the Westin Irving Convention Center, both within walking distance. Alternatively, the Holiday Inn Irving Las Colinas is a 3-minute bus shuttle ride to the venue.
​​The following hotels offer discounts to SDGC25 attendees when booking through the provided links. Note, discounted rates end on September 14:
All accommodation bookings should be done directly by attendees. Please note that bookings are subject to availability at time of reservation, and as Dallas is a busy city with a lot of events happening in October, we encourage you to make your hotel booking as soon as possible.
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If you prefer to stay in downtown Dallas, it will take you 15-20 min to The Pavilion venue by taxi, Uber, or Lyft. There is also the DART train that will take about 50 minutes to an hour from downtown Dallas to The Pavilion venue.
There are also plenty of hotel options around the venue and Irving-Las Colinas area, with a wide variety of options for those who are looking for an experience, and for those who are satisfied with a reasonably priced option.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Pavilion venue is fully accessible to attendees with reduced mobility. We recommend that all attendees use the main entrance located between Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Kitchen 101.
Staff members or guests who require accessible parking may use one of the eight (8) reserved parking spots, and an ADA-compliant assistive device is available upon request. For additional details, please visit The Pavilion website↘.
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Additionally, gender-neutral restrooms will be available at the venue.
Additional Details
Bag Check & Coat Room
A complimentary bag check and coat room will be available, staffed by our volunteers. You may securely leave coats, bags, and suitcases during the event.
Lost & Found
Misplaced an item? The Lost & Found will be located at the venue. Report lost belongings or hand in found items to any on-site volunteer.
Dietary Accommodations
We strive to accommodate all dietary needs, including allergies, sensitivities, and specific diets. When registering, please indicate your requirements in the ticket form so we can arrange suitable meal options with our caterer.
