WELCOMING THE FAITHFUL

These destinations specialize in religious meetings and events

BY RACHEL CRICK

Wholesome attractions, breathtaking natural scenery and overflowing hospitality — this is what makes a city ideal for religious meetings. These meetings consist of everything from lively churchwide conventions to tranquil retreats, and they cater to a wide range of ages, so they should take place in destinations with an equally wide range of things to see and do.

To wow their attendees and elevate their meetings, religious leaders should consider planning their next events in these exceedingly friendly and affordable cities.

BRANSON, MISSOURI

While it’s home to only 12,000 residents, Branson, Missouri, gets roughly 10.5 million visitors each year. This small town’s claim to fame rests on its ability to entertain visitors of all ages, making it an ideal host city for all varieties of religious meetings.

“It’s definitely a tourism area, that’s really our only industry,” said Yvonne Long, senior sales manager at Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. “We’re kind of this little oasis in the middle of the Missouri Ozarks.”

The city’s other draws include 40 theaters with 120 shows; amusement park rides; and 10 golf courses, which earn it a place among the top golfing destinations in the U.S. It’s also known as an extremely affordable destination.

In addition to the city’s wide selection of theaters and performing arts venues that can host meetings, the Branson Convention Center offers more than 220,000 square feet of space and is attached to a

Hilton. The convention center features 14 breakout rooms and a ballroom that can seat nearly 2,500 attendees.

Branson’s lodges and resorts also offer plenty of venues for religious meetings. Chateau on the Lake, situated next to Table Rock Lake, offers nearly 44,000 square feet of event space. Big Cedar Lodge, another resort on the shores of the lake, has 20,000 square feet of event space and offers amenities like horseback riding, golf and boat rentals. explorebranson.com

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

From horseback riding on the beach to relaxing at an oceanside park, attendees can enjoy their downtime in countless ways in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition to the natural beauty and tranquility of the sand and surf, this community is also home to a long list of family-friendly attractions for religious groups of any age or activity level to enjoy, such as entertainment districts and a threeand-a-half-mile-long boardwalk. But perhaps one of the biggest upsides to hosting a meeting in this coastal community is that despite its range of amenities, Virginia Beach maintains a quaint feel that religious groups will enjoy.

“When you come to Virginia Beach, you have Virginia Beach,” said Scott Warren, convention sales manager at Visit Virginia Beach. “You’re a big fish in a small pond.”

The Virginia Beach Convention Center is located just blocks from the ViBe Creative District. Its contemporary design features lots of natural light, wood and water features throughout, and 150,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space. It has a 31,000-square-foot ballroom, divisible into three sections, for groups to meet in.

Religious groups will also enjoy meeting in local performing arts venues such as the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and Zeiders American Dream Theater. Virginia Beach is home to several museums that double as distinctive venues for an event, including the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and the Military Aviation Museum. visitvirginiabeach.com

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE

Named for the fog that often clings to their dense forests, the Smoky Mountains are known for their majestic beauty. At their base, the town of Pigeon Forge is alive with appealing, family-oriented attractions for religious groups to enjoy.

“We’re so fortunate to be located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountain National Park,” said Jennifer Smith, sales manager at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Plus we’re home