Conference Travel & Visitor Guide
Welcome to Gainesville, FL! We are thrilled to welcome you to the University of Florida campus. Whether you are traveling across the state or from around the country, this guide is designed to help you navigate your journey, find accommodations, and explore the best of our campus and city.
Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Conference Venue
- Conference Location: J. Wayne Reitz Union, University of Florida (655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611)
- Closest Airport: Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) — 15 minutes away
- Primary Parking: UF Welcome Center / Visitor Parking Garage (1273 Gale Lemerand Drive). Pay-to-park through Passport Parking
- Top Lodging Pick: Reitz Union Hotel (located directly inside the conference venue)
- Navigation Essential: Interactive UF Campus Map
The entire conference will take place at the heart of the University of Florida campus at the Reitz Union.
Getting to Gainesville
Gainesville is located in North Central Florida and is accessible by air, car, or bus.
1. Air Travel
While Gainesville has its own regional airport, choosing a larger hub nearby can sometimes offer more flexible flight paths or budget-friendly options.
- Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
- ~15 minutes from the University of Florida
- Maximum convenience; shortest travel time to campus. Offers rental cars, taxis, and rideshares
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- ~1.5 hours from the University of Florida
- Great selection of national carriers and rental options
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- ~1.5 – 2 hours from the University of Florida
- Largest hub with frequent domestic and international flights
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- ~2 – 2.5 hours from the University of Florida
- Straightforward highway connectivity straight up I-75 and excellent rental car logistics
2. Driving Directions
Gainesville is highly connected by major regional highway systems:
- I-75: The primary north/south interstate corridor connecting Gainesville to major Florida metropolitan hubs
- US-441 & Archer Road (SR-24): Direct local routes leading straight into the university district
Transportation Around Town
- Rideshare (Uber & Lyft): Widely available throughout the entire Gainesville area. This is the most seamless way to travel between local hotels, restaurants, and the airport.
- Regional Transit System (RTS): The city and university operate a comprehensive bus network. Many routes feature frequent loops connecting campus to surrounding residential and commercial districts. You can find bus routes and schedules on the RTS Website.
3. Parking
Campus parking can be competitive. We highly recommend allowing an extra 15–20 minutes before your the first session of the day to park and walk to the venue.
Recommended Visitor Garages & Lots
- UF Welcome Center / Visitor Parking Garage
- Address: 1273 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611
- Details: This is the absolute closest public parking option to the Reitz Union. It provides paid, unrestricted hourly and daily parking for visitors. Pay-to-park through Passport Parking on weekdays. Parking is free on weekends, though it can get crowded quickly.
- Garage 5 Visitor Parking
- Address: 966 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603
- Details: An alternative public visitor parking structure located within an easy 10-minute walk to the Reitz Union. Pay-to-park through Passport Parking on weekdays. Parking is free on weekends.
Parking Tips
- Strictly check signage to avoid parking in restricted staff or student permit zones. Use the interactive UF Parking Map to verify restrictions.
- If staying at a nearby hotel, utilizing a rideshare service directly to the Reitz Union loop can save you significant time.
“Orange” Parking Lots
- Locations: Multiple parking lots within a 10-minute walk of the Reitz Union, including the lot next to the Frazier Rodgers building, the lot next to McCarty Hall, and the lot near East Hall will have signs indicating they are “Orange Parking” areas
- Details: See the photo below for a map of where those Orange Parking lots are located or use the interactive UF Parking Map linked below to see more.
Hotels & Lodging
Medi-Futures has negotiated rates with local hotels for the Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Conference for stays from January 29th, 2027 to February 1st, 2027.
We recommend booking your stay early. Attendees can choose between staying directly on campus at the Reitz Union Hotel or at several premier spots just minutes away.
To book a group rate within the conference hotel block, please use the booking links below.
Rates do not include a 12.5% charge for state and local taxes, fees, and assessments. Additional guest charges may apply.
655 Reitz Union Drive, Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611
Reitz Union Hotel
0 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: January 6th, 2027
Rooms & Rates:
– Standard 2 Double Beds: $149/night
– Standard 1 Queen Bed: $149/night
– Deluxe 1 King Bed: $169/night
– Deluxe 2 Queen Beds: $169/night
Please note:
– Complimentary parking for one vehicle in the adjacent Welcome Center Parking Garage
Use group booking code “ELH-0127”.
151 NW 14th St, Gainesville, FL 32603
AC Hotel Gainesville
1.3 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: December 30th, 2026
Rooms & Rates:
– Standard King: $179/night
– Double Queen: $179/night
Please note:
– Discounted valet parking for $20 per vehicle/night
– There is minimal self-parking in this area
1250 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Holiday Inn Gainesville – University Center
1.3 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: January 8th, 2027
Rooms & Rates:
– 2 Queen Beds: $129/night
– Complimentary self-parking
Please note:
– Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
– Complimentary self-parking
212 SE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
2.2 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: January 5th, 2027
Rooms & Rates:
– 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed: $119/night
– 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed: $119/night
Please note:
– Self-parking in nearby pay-to-park lots or garages
– Free breakfast
101 SE 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Gainesville
2.3 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: January 15th, 2027
Rooms & Rates:
– 1 King with Sofa Bed: $139/night
– 2 Queen Beds: $139/night
Please note:
– Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
– Complimentary street parking or discounted garage parking
3877 SW 37th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Fairfield Inn & Suites Gainesville I-75
3.2 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: January 15th, 2027
Rooms & Rates:
– 1 King Bed: $179/night
– 1 Queen Bed: $179/night
Please note:
– There is a minimum stay of two (2) nights at this hotel
– Complimentary self-parking
3726 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
3.3 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: December 30th, 2026
Rooms & Rates:
– 1 King Bed: $119/night
Please note:
– Complimentary self-parking for one vehicle per room
3333 SW 42nd Street, Gainesville, FL 32608
Homewood Suites by Hilton Gainesville
3.6 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: January 15th, 2027
Rooms & Rates:
– 1 Queen Bed Studio with Sofa Bed: $129/night
Please note:
– Breakfast buffet included
– Complimentary self-parking
4015 SW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32608
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
3.7 miles from the Reitz Union
Book by: December 29th, 2026
Rooms & Rates:
– Standard Double Queen: $139/night
Please note:
– Complimentary hot breakfast
– Complimentary self-parking
Local Dining & Exploration
Gainesville boasts a vibrant food and culture scene heavily shaped by the university community and local residents.
- Midtown: Located directly across the street from northern campus on University Avenue. This is a highly walkable, bustling strip perfect for casual lunches, quick student-friendly bites, and mid-day coffee.
- Downtown Gainesville: A short 5-minute drive or rideshare from campus. Downtown features a curated selection of sit-down local restaurants, independent coffee houses, lively outdoor plazas, and local music venues.
- Butler Plaza: Located about 10-15 minutes from the University of Florida, Butler Plaza is Gainesville’s largest shopping and dining destination. Visitors will find a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and retail shopping, making it a convenient stop for meals, essentials, or free time outside of conference programming.
Top Landmarks to See While Visiting
If you have a few hours to spare before or after each conference day, don’t miss these iconic sights:
- The Campus Core: Take a walk past Century Tower or visit The Swamp (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium).
- Nature on Campus: Watch the sunset at Lake Alice (keep an eye out for local alligators!) and see the Bat Houses.
- Cultural Zone: Explore the world-class collections at the Harn Museum of Art.
Weather, Packing, & Accessibility
- What to Pack:
- This is Florida, but January weater in Gainesville can be very chilly, especially in the mornings and at night! We recommend packing layers, a light jacket or sweater, and comfortable walking shoes for navigating the University of Florida campus. A compact umbrella or rain jacket may also be helpful for occasional winter showers.
- For conference days, the Reitz Union can be chilly as well, so we recommend bringing a jacket, cardigan, or blazer jacket so stay comfortable.
- Accessibility Support: We want to ensure a seamless experience for everyone. If you require specific accommodations regarding transportation, lodging, parking, or physical access to any conference programming, please reach out to our planning team ahead of time.
Essential Links
- University of Florida Interactive Campus Map
- UF Transportation & Parking Services Interactive Parking Map
- Visit Gainesville Official Tourism Guide
- Gainesville Regional Airport Website
- Download the Passport Parking App