STS Meeting Guide 2024 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

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Get away from it all to

Kentucky State Parks

Whether for 20 or 400, we will help you find the perfect environment. Take advantage of knowledgeable interpreters at one of our 17 state resort parks for a personalized tour or hike during your visit to discover what makes Kentucky so unforgettable.

Speak to a group sales professional to learn more about Kentucky State Park opportunities: paige.thompson@ky.gov or call 502-892-3343. parks.ky.gov/meetings-weddings #kystateparks

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

MEET OFF THE

Beaten Path

Discover waterside charm, world-class amenities and easy access on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast. Explore superb hotel and venue offerings, including the brand-new Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. Learn more at PureFloridaMeetings.com.

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NEW IN THE SOUTHEAST

GOLF AND SPA

ONE OF A KIND

GETTING GREENER

FAMILY FUN

These new and improved venues hold exciting opportunities for meetings.

Southern resorts offer abundant opportunities to mix business with pleasure.

Meeting planners will find a variety of unique venues throughout the Southeast.

Venues and destinations around the region are investing in sustainability.

A GARDEN PARTY AT CASTLE AND KEY DISTILLERY NEAR LEXINGTON

ON THE COVER

Clockwise from top left: A golf course at Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel in Mississippi (courtesy Sheraton Flowood Refuge); a sustainable meeting experience at the Fayetteville Public Library in Arkansas (courtesy Fayetteville Public Library); Lexington’s Central Bank Center (courtesy VisitLEX); Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Lake of the Ozarks (courtesy Lake of the Ozarks CVB)

Meeting attendees bring the family along to these popular destinations.

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FOR ADVERTISING CALL KYLE ANDERSON AT 859-253-0455

Courtesy VisitLEX

CONTENTS

CUSTOM CONTENT

To explore Northwest Arkansas’ surprises, start in Springdale

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

orthwest Arkansas is packed with surprises. Vintage railcars carry passengers across trestles and through mountains. In the town where Walmart began, worldclass art hangs in a bold, beautiful museum. At a popular taproom, cider made from local apples proves worthy of national awards. Through the region, a 40-mile paved path for bikers and pedestrians links communities. Half a million people live in and around four cities: Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville. The cities stack up north to south, so close together that traveling along I-49 from Bentonville at the top to Fayetteville at the bottom takes only 30 minutes.

A SPRINGDALE SAMPLER

Springdale (pop. 90,000) is the most central, and it is a frequent homebase for meetings at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, a 61,000-square-foot facility next to the 206-room Holiday Inn Springdale/Fayetteville Area and near some 800 limited-service hotel rooms. Springdale’s attractions can also serve as off-site venues, including several that are downtown, where revitalization projects are under way and construction will soon start on Springdale’s first downtown hotel, a Hilton Tapestry. The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, based in downtown’s train station, offers chartered trips aboard vintage railcars that can last a few hours or all day. “For a group that wanted to have a board meeting, we set up a long table in a rail-

EXPLORE SPRINGDALE Wesley Oliver 479-927-6413 wesley@chamber.springdale.com Explorespringdale.com

car,” said Wesley Oliver, director of tourism and communications for Springdale’s Chamber of Commerce. “As they met, they watched the scenery roll by.” Near the train station, the taproom at Black Apple Cider also does private events. Black Apple was recently named the nation’s #4 cidery, and even if groups can’t make it in for a sip, they can arrange a cider delivery. At downtown’s Shiloh Museum of Ozark History interactive exhibits and memorabilia tell how this region was slowly transformed from the wilderness Native Americans found 15,000 years ago to the economic force it has become since Walmart, Tyson and other major corporations arrived. Those companies have brought in people from all over the world to live and work in Northwest Arkansas. That diversity is expressed in many ways, including food and music. A good example is a convention’s off-site event at the Apollo on Emma, where a mariachi band played and a Mexican dinner was served. “About half of our population is Hispanic, so we are known for having the best Latin American food in the region,” said Oliver.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Of course, given the region’s compactness, most groups venture beyond Springdale, whether it is for a float trip down the Buffalo River; a bike tour on the Razorback Greenway down to Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas; or a dinner at Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, where guests, surrounded by fine art, can gaze out across still waters and see bridges that magically link the museum’s galleries. It can be a sparkling beginning or end to a stay in this surprising corner of Arkansas.

EDUCATION TAKES CENTER STAGE AT STS EVENTS BY MAC L ACY

ATRIUM ON TENTH IN COLUMBIA, MISSOURI, IS A NEW VENUE IN A REPURPOSED 1880S BUILDING. Courtesy Atrium on Tenth

he Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has earned its reputation as one of the travel industry’s best content generators at its annual meetings, and it oftentimes places its events in smaller destinations across the region. While timely content is typically the driving factor for STS meetings, the organization’s understanding of the value of using smaller destinations is often a consideration for its events as well. “We do take our content seriously,” said Monica Smith, president and CEO of the organization. “We stay on top of trends that face our members, use research that defines those trends and find speakers that can address them. Our members give us lots of feedback on subject matter that will help them become better at their jobs.” STS will host its 2024 Domestic Showcase, which promotes group travel to the Southeast, March 20–24 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and will host its signature educational event, Marketing College, June 2–7 in Macon, Georgia. Both receive yearround attention from Smith and her staff. “Our presenters at Domestic Showcase will address effective branding, marketing strategies, tourism economics and group travel trends,” she said. “These are topics our members have requested for their attendees.” As for selecting a mid-size city that offers major appeal, she says Little Rock fits the bill. “It’s been nearly 20 years since Domestic Showcase was in Little Rock, and it’s an exciting time to go back,” she said. “They have

just opened a new fine arts center, have new exhibits at the Clinton Presidential Library, have great new downtown restaurants and are home to Little Rock Central High School, an iconic site for America’s Civil Rights Movement.” For STS Marketing College, which uses a three-year curriculum to award a TMP (Travel Marketing Professional) designation to its graduates, the organization takes advantage of a campus setting at Macon’s Mercer University. Most students attend the Marketing College on their employers’ dime, and Smith said STS wants to be sure it provides relevant content that will offer a return on the employers’ investment. “We have to make a business case to many bureau heads for why they should send an employee to Marketing College for a week each summer over three years’ time,” she said. “To do that, we involve many speakers to address topics on sales, research, community engagement, public relations, digital marketing and others. This year, we hope to add an online course for our CMP graduates who want additional training.” Smith added one thought as a recommendation for meeting planners in their evaluations of potential sites. “Local culture separates one meeting destination from another,” she said. “Always start with a city’s convention bureau and ask about local culture that delegates would enjoy. That can make the difference between a good meeting and a great one.”

with a capital P. When you come to Baton Rouge, you’ll make the most of every minute – both on and off the clock. Because down in Louisiana, we know how to have a good time and there’s nowhere more “Louisiana” than Baton Rouge - Louisiana’s Capital City. Plan your stay at VisitBatonRouge.com

NEW SOUTH S in the

Ongoing development is bringing exciting meeting venues online

BY PAUL A AVE N GL ADYC H

T THE NEW EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT RESORT FEATURES SPACIOUS PUBLIC AREAS AND A VARIETY OF MEETING ROOMS.

here’s always a new place to meet in the South. The post-pandemic years have seen a plethora of new hotels, convention centers, resorts and off-site event venues being built, expanded or renovated in the southeastern United States. Here are a few that offer plenty of space and amenities for groups, along with fun activities and team building.

Courtesy Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach

2024 SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY

Meetieng Guid

THE ATRIUM ON TENTH

Columbia, Missouri Originally built in 1880 in the heart of Columbia, Missouri, The Atrium on Tenth is situated between three universities. The building itself has gone through many iterations in its long life, including as a car dealership and a funeral home. It was converted to an event space in 2016. Eclipse Catering and Events took over management of the facility in 2022, renovating the bar and upstairs bridal suite. The classic building features tall ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, gold Chiavari chairs and polished concrete floors. There are three event spaces. The Great Room can host 350 seated for a banquet or 500 for a standing reception. The Lower Atrium mimics the Great Room but has a full bar and can accommodate 125 for a reception or 50 to 60 guests for a sit-down dinner. The conference room can easily seat 40 people conference-style. Rental includes tables, chairs and linens in 30 different colors and patterns. For groups that want enhanced sound quality, such as for a wedding or dance, the facility recommends they bring in their own A/V equipment. theatriumontenth.com

WAYNESVILLE INN AND GOLF CLUB

Waynesville, North Carolina Waynesville Inn and Golf Club in Waynesville, North Carolina, got its start in 1926 when famed golf architect Donald Ross chose an old dairy farm as the setting for his Carolina nine golf course. Originally it was named the Waynesville Country Club. The old dairy barn

WAYNESVILLE INN AND GOLF CLUB

Courtesy Waynesville Inn and Golf Club

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON MYRTLE BEACH OCEANFRONT

Courtesy DoubleTree by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

COLUMBIA’S ATRIUM ON TENTH

Courtesy Atrium on Tenth

THE EVENT CENTER AT FRANKLIN’S SOUTHALL FARM AND INN

Courtesy Southall Farm and Inn

was turned into a clubhouse with a card room and dance hall. Since then, the property has changed hands a few times and has grown and expanded to include lodging, conference facilities and more golf. The Raines Company purchased the property in April 2021 and spent two years completely renovating it. It reopened to the public in July 2023. It was rebranded as Waynesville Inn and Golf Club and added to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Situated on 165 acres, the property has 72 guest rooms and three newly constructed four-bedroom cottages. The new owners transformed the 27-hole golf course into an 18-hole, 6,500-yard championship golf course with bent grass tees, fairways and greens. Waynesville Inn has 9,000 square feet of outdoor event space that can host 300 attendees and 6,000 square feet of indoor event space that includes its two restaurants. waynesvilleinnandgolf.com

DOUBLETREE RESORT BY HILTON MYRTLE BEACH OCEANFRONT RESORT

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina DoubleTree Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is in the midst of a major property-wide renovation that is expected to be completed on May 1. The new resort, which includes Ellie Beach Resort, will be dual branded as a DoubleTree and Tapestry Collection by Hilton. All of the hotel’s 452 guest rooms have been redesigned, and its three-story, 29,568-square-foot conference center will receive new décor, wall treatments, carpet and paint. The meeting spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows and offer access to covered balconies that face the water. The three 8,500-square-foot ballrooms can be divided into 19 meeting or breakout spaces and can accommodate 10 to 1,000 guests. The facility has an 8,532-square-foot exhibit hall. There are also several smaller meeting rooms and hospitality suites available. The 27-acre DoubleTree Resort has a new main building, which houses the lobby, guest registration, restaurants and a food market. The resort is adding a new infinity pool and cabanas, three large water slides and a splash pad to the Ellie Beach Resort. A 600-foot lazy river will make its debut this fall. Outdoor venues will include firepits, hammocks, an event lawn and outdoor recreation spaces. Both resorts have beachfront locations with access to Springmaid Pier, which offers year-round fishing, seasonal boating and water sports.

MEETINGS WITH A VIEW

Looking for a place to host your next meeting, conference or convention? Look no further than Corbin, KY. Conveniently located off of I-75 exit 25 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Corbin is home to 2 premier meeting and conference centers. The Corbin Arena features a 31,250 square foot floor and a 19,261 square foot concourse, making it perfect for conferences and tradeshows. Directly below the Arena is the Corbin Center, a 20,000 square foot facility complete with an executive board room, five classrooms and an 85 x 63 square foot multipurpose space. After the meeting get out and enjoy the Original KFC, Cumberland Falls State Park, the Laurel Lake and our vibrant and eclectic downtown! We can’t wait to host you…..Corbin LOVES Company!

cor bink

m ytour ism.co

606-528-886

Meetieng Guid

SOUTHALL FARM AND INN

Franklin, Tennessee Southall Farm and Inn is a brand-new event venue about 20 minutes outside of Nashville, in the rolling hills of Franklin, Tennessee. Set on a 325-acre working farm, the 62-room inn has greenhouses on one side and rows of heritage crops, orchards and gardens on the other. There are also 16 cottages available for rent. Southall has several event and meeting venues on property, including The Orchard, its spacious event center, which features high ceilings, exposed beams and natural light. The facility can host events for up to 250 guests, or it can be divided into classrooms and breakout spaces. There are also two boardrooms for smaller gatherings. An amphitheater on the shores of Lake Mishkin can accommodate 350 guests, and the Conservatory Terrace is an open-air venue alongside Southall’s greenhouse conservatories and courtyard that is perfect for a welcome reception or cocktail party. It can hold 65 guests under canvas canopies. It also features a lawn with custom Adirondack chairs. The Jammery is Southall’s preservation kitchen, which can also double as a small meeting venue. Other venues include The Hilltop Pavilion, which overlooks the valley and includes an expansive lawn and a large deck with an outdoor cooking area. The Covered Bridge is located near the lake and can host up to 100 guests for a banquet. southalltn.com

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT RESORT

Virginia Beach, Virginia Built as part of the Cavalier Resort complex, the brand-new Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is a short walk from the beach. Opened in February 2023, the property features free made-to-order breakfast every morning at Arbuckle’s Bar and Grill, a complimentary evening reception, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The property is about a 10-minute drive from Ocean Breeze water park and Motor World amusement park. The Virginia Beach Aquarium is four miles away. The hotel has 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and 157 guest rooms. The Mainsail Ballroom is the property’s largest event space. It can host 150 for a banquet or 300 for a reception. The Mainsail pre-function space can host 150 for a reception. On the property’s second level, there is a smaller meeting room and a boardroom that work well for breakout spaces. For outdoor cocktail receptions or social hours, groups can host events on the pool deck, which can accommodate 200 for a banquet. Arbuckles and Tacos-N-Tequila, an open-air beachfront Mexican cantina, offer group dining experiences.

INFINITE SPACE FOR OPPORTUNITY Meet in Rocket City Home to the world’s largest space museum, “Rocket City” is an iconic destination to host your next event. Featuring impressively sized venues, a diverse culinary scene, and vibrant art & entertainment districts, Huntsville, Alabama, will exceed your expectations.

1-800-Space-4-U | huntsville.org/meetings

HuntsvilleCVB

VisitHuntsvilleAL

MeetHuntsville

Where connections meet character Sure we’ve got a first-class conference center with over 95,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. We also have one-of-a-kind venues that connect your attendees with Tifton’s unique personality. Whatever you’re looking for we have the space, plus more than 1,300 hotel rooms, over 100

59 75

restaurants, and the perfect location just off I-75 in south Georgia. Let us plan your next event.

20 20

185

Tifton

th i nk tif t on g a. c om 229.382.8700

WORK PLAY P and

Southern golf and spa destinations mix business with pleasure

BY PAUL A AVE N GL ADYC H

T MEETING ATTENDEES CAN ENJOY PAMPERING AT A NUMBER OF HISTORIC AND MODERN SPAS AROUND HOT SPRINGS.

he Southeast’s temperate weather makes it a prime spot for meeting planners who want to include a round of golf or a spa visit in their conference planning. Here are five golf and spa destinations where meeting attendees can soak in natural hot springs, pamper themselves at the spa or play several rounds at championship golf courses.

Courtesy Hot Springs CVB

2024 SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY

Meetieng Guid

AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA RESORT AND SPA AT GRAND NATIONAL

Opelika, Alabama Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National is off the beaten path but close enough to Auburn and Opelika to make it accessible. There are 200 guest rooms and 15,220 square feet of event space, including 13 event rooms and 12 breakout spaces. The largest space can hold 500 guests. The resort is less than a mile from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club, which was built around Sougahatchee Lake and boasts 54 holes of championship golf. A free shuttle takes visitors to and from the course. Meeting groups that want to set up tournaments can organize them through Grand National. The Spa at Grand National offers massages, facials, salon services, fitness classes, and men’s and women’s lounges. There is a heated indoor pool and two outdoor pools, one with a splash pad and waterslide. The poolside Splash Bar has live music nightly, and heaters are available for when the winter weather turns colder.

BARNSLEY RESORT

Adairsville, Georgia Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Georgia, Barnsley Resort is situated on 3,000 acres. There are 140 guest rooms spread between the 55-room Inn at Barnsley Resort and 39 cottages in an English-inspired pedestrian village. The 18-hole Jim Fazio golf course at Barnsley spans 378 acres and winds around a lake, forests and gardens. One of the most sought-after golf courses in Georgia, it boasts some of the fastest AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA RESORT

Courtesy Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa

A HORSEBACK EXCURSION AT BARNSLEY RESORT

Courtesy Barnsley Resort

THE REFUGE GOLF COURSE AT SHERATON FLOWOOD

Courtesy Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel

greens in the Southeast, elevation changes off the tee and a great collection of par-three holes. The Spa at Barnsley Resort features 10 treatment rooms, a coed lounge, relaxation areas, a steam room and saunas. It offers 50-minute and 80-minute treatments. The Manor House Ruins make a great backdrop for any event. The Manor House Pavilion is an outdoor venue adjacent to the ruins for 230 guests. The Georgian Hall features a wood-burning fireplace and space for up to 500. The Tenth Tee is an outdoor space with views of the resort’s golf course and 10-acre pond. barnsleyresort.com

SHERATON FLOWOOD THE REFUGE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Flowood, Mississippi About five miles from Jackson, Mississippi, the Refuge Hotel and Conference Center is near some of the state’s most popular destinations, including the Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. The hotel has 200 luxury rooms and a 27,584-square-foot conference center with 11 event spaces. The Grand Ballroom is the largest space at 9,780 square feet. It can easily host 810 for a banquet or 1,080 theater-style. The room can be divided into three smaller rooms, and a large prefunction space can accommodate 600 for a reception. The Junior Ballroom can host 430 for a banquet or can be subdivided into four rooms. There are also two smaller meeting spaces. The Refuge Spa offers massages, facials, nails and body treatments. The Refuge Golf Course was originally designed by Roy Case and was carved from 200 acres of wetlands.

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

Hot Springs, Arkansas Hot Springs, Arkansas, is unique in that part of its historic downtown is within the boundaries of Hot Springs National Park. The historic Bathhouse Row is part of the National Park but sits across the street from the city’s charming shops and restaurants. Visitors come from around the world to soak in the area’s thermal spring water. The oldest structure on Bathhouse Row, built in 1892, was recently remodeled into Hotel Hale, a boutique hotel with soaking tubs in every room. The Buckstaff Bathhouse was built over natural hot springs and has been operating since 1912. Quapaw Bathhouse is a modern spa with historical touches. It has four public thermal pools set at different temperatures. Hot Springs Country Club is the go-to place for golf. The 18-hole Park Course was built in 1898 and renovated in 2001. The Arlington Course is a challenging 18-hole championship course that was built in 1927 and recently renovated by Master’s Champion Ben Crenshaw. The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa is in the heart of the National Park and features nearly 500 guest rooms. The multi-use conference center can host banquets for up to 650 and classroom setups for up to 1,000. hotsprings.org

Meetieng Guid THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS’ COBB COURSE

FINE DINING AT GLADE SPRINGS

Photos courtesy the Resort at Glade Springs

Tour life with the Lowcountry tides. No Crowds A Quiet Downtown Unique Shopping & Dining On streets where rich history and modern amenities meet, you’ll ﬁnd plenty of waterfront places and spaces to meet in and savor authentic Lowcountry culture and cuisine.

Ljeﬀries@beaufortsc.org | 843.525.8526

THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS

Daniels, West Virginia The 200-room Resort at Glade Springs is in a gated community surrounded by three golf courses. It is also just 10 minutes away from the Grandview overlook at New River Gorge National Park, one of the top attractions in West Virginia. The resort is considered one of the top full-service conference centers in the state, with more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The Inn has several large meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 330 for a banquet and up to 425 for a reception. The Bright Terrace can accommodate 100 for a banquet, and the lawn can host 325 for a reception or 250 for a banquet. The clubhouse has several meeting rooms that can host between 60 and 80 for a banquet and 110 for a reception. The clubhouse terrace is large enough to host 325 for a reception, and the 2,400-square-foot pavilion can host 200 for a sit-down dinner. As part of their events, meeting groups can organize a golf outing or tournament on the resort’s championship Cobb Course. Groups can add games at two other on-site golf courses that are run by the local property owner’s association. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be arranged from any of the resort’s four on-site restaurants. In their free time, attendees can play tennis, go bowling, or enjoy the indoor pool, arcade or escape room. Spa Orange offers a full range of spa and beauty services. The resort also offers excursions to New River Gorge National Park. gladesprings.com

ShelbyKY Has the best of Kentucky. The smoothest bourbon and the most beautiful horse farms. The tastiest food. The wildest outdoor adventures and the coziest places to stay. Pair that with our authentic Southern hospitality, and you’ll see why ShelbyKY is recognized as Your Bourbon Destination and the Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World. In other words, ShelbyKY is everything you love about Kentucky.

High steppin’ Bourbon Sippin’ Shelbyville • Simpsonville • Shelby County, Kentucky

Host your meeting on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Start planning at visitshelbyky.com and shelbykyvenues.com

RARE REMARKABLE and

Make an impression at these one-of-a-kind Southern venues

BY CY N TH I A BARN E S

S GROUPS MEETING AT THE NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM IN BOWLING GREEN CAN ENJOY EVENTS SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC VEHICLES.

ome Southern meeting venues are simply unforgettable. Unique venues make for memorable meetings — the kind that keep attendees coming back year after year. And while conference and banquet rooms have their time and place, a distinctive and unique setting for an after-hours reception or end-of-conference party will make your entire event one to remember. Here are five special places throughout the Southeast that will excite and delight your meeting’s attendees.

Courtesy National Corvette Museum

2024 SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY

Meetieng Guid

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM

Bowling Green, Kentucky Seven decades ago, America fell in love with its first sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette. Sleek, speedy and sexy, the “Vette” burst on the scene in 1953 in all its curvy, fiberglass glory and established itself as the American sports car. The museum dedicated to the Corvette opened in 1994 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, not far from the General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where Corvettes are built. The museum is also a favorite site for meetings and celebrations. “Guests have so much fun at our private events,” said Eliza Nicola, senior sales manager of facility rentals. “The Skydome, our own conference center, the Chevrolet Theater — we have so many options, and of course all of these magnificent cars. What we hear time and time again is everybody says they like to book events here because it’s different than your average hotel ballroom. When you walk in, we have Corvette Boulevard, where Corvettes are lined up that people have custom ordered.” The museum’s conference center has 8,297 square feet of space, as well as a stage, bar and prep kitchen. Other meeting spaces include the Chevrolet Theater, Corvette Boulevard and the Skydome. Planners can choose from full catering and bar options, including the Stingray Grill. Factory tours are also available. corvettemuseum.org

THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

Cleveland, Mississippi Muddy Waters, Elvis Presley and BB King all called Mississippi home. And at a cotton gin four miles outside of Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta bluesmen Robert Johnson, Honeyboy Edwards

A RECEPTION IN THE LOBBY AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

Courtesy Grammy Museum

A WEDDING AT THE AMERICAN ROSE CENTER

By Legacy Photography, courtesy American Rose Society

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON

Courtesy VTC Photos courtesy AR DPHT

A BACKYARD EVENT AT THE BIG HOUSE MUSEUM IN MACON

Courtesy Big House Museum

and Pops Staples created songs that became the foundation of American music. This rich legacy is why the Recording Academy selected Cleveland for the second location of its GRAMMY Museum (the first is in Los Angeles). Built in 2015, the 28,000-square-foot GRAMMY Museum partners with the institute to give students majoring in music real-world experience in the business side of the music industry. “Our interactive exhibits are included when you hold an event at the museum, so guests can do their own tours of the permanent collection and current exhibits,” said Brittany McClendon, the museum’s communications and development manager. “We have a classroom, a conference room and a sound stage for presentations. Groups can hold a lunch or dinner in our large lobby, and we can also arrange things on the front porch.” The museum has several spaces available for meetings, including its 5,400-square-foot front porch, 2,700-square-foot lobby, a 130-seat theater and a smaller conference room. grammymuseumms.org

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND MUSEUM AT THE BIG HOUSE

Macon, Georgia Another music-centric venue is the Allman Brothers Band Museum in Macon, Georgia. Although the band is said to have “invented” the genre known as Southern rock in Florida in 1969, the following year found the band decamping to Macon to record at Capricorn Records. In keeping with the communal spirit of the times, much of the band — girlfriends, groupies, roadies and children — moved into an 18-room Tudor Revival home known as “the Big House,” remaining there until 1973. In 2009, the Allman Brothers Museum at the Big House opened, hosting the largest collection of Allman Brothers memorabilia in the world, including instruments, albums, concert posters and notebooks containing lyrics written by Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Many rooms are preserved as they were when the 1900 home on Vineland Avenue served as the nerve center for the group. The monument to the founders of Southern rock celebrates their legacy and is available for events. Guests can gather on the gracious grounds and enjoy live music at one of rock music’s in-

c a e to l P A

Your Story

Hosting an unforgettable meeting is more than just solid presentation decks. It’s creating connections outside the conference spaces. Bring your team to Oxford, and we’ll bring them together. @VisitOxfordMS

Plan your next event at VisitO xfo rdMS . c o m /Me e t i n g s

Meetieng Guid conic historical locations. The Charles H. Jones Pavilion outside the house can accommodate groups of up to 200. Groups also get access to the museum, although food and beverages must remain outside due to the nature of the exhibits. thebighousemuseum.com

AMERICAN ROSE CENTER

Shreveport, Louisiana Everything (and every event) is coming up roses at the American Rose Center, a gorgeous garden at the national headquarters of the American Rose Society in Shreveport, Louisiana. “We have been at this location in Shreveport for 50 years, so we’re celebrating that 50th anniversary” said Claire Bissell, the society’s executive director. “And last year, we completed a $2 million garden restoration project, which included renovating the gardens and updating our meeting and venue spaces, as well as our ballroom. With about 20,000 rose bushes of 100 varieties in 65 separate gardens on more than 100 wooded acres, the center is both fragrant and colorful, with an extended bloom season. “Our large ballroom can accommodate up to about 400 people,” said Bissell. “There’s also a large pavilion on the back of our building where we can open up our glass doors from the indoor ballroom and join that indoor and outdoor space.” Groups can hold outdoor events for up to 1,500 in the gar-

dens at the Rose Center. Indoors, the Klima Rose Hall can seat 200 guests, and the Beaird Reception Hall can accommodate 150 guests seated. All catering, audiovisual gear and other equipment must be provided by third-party vendors. rose.org

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON

Mount Vernon, Virginia The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country, and we have them to thank for the preservation of Mount Vernon, the Virginia plantation where Revolutionary War general and first president of the United States George Washington and his wife, Martha, made their home. The Palladian mansion and 30 outbuildings occupy 500 acres overlooking the Potomac River, about 15 miles from Washington, D.C. The estate has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings, parties and other special events. Groups of up to 1,200 can be accommodated on Mount Vernon’s East Lawn, which overlooks the river. The Mount Vernon Inn restaurant is perfect for receptions, and groups of up to 300 can hold events in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, which also offers fascinating exhibits and short films. Another venue option is the Ford Orientation Center, which can accommodate groups of up to 400. mountvernon.org

When you meet in Bowling Green, the Home of Corvette, we’ll help you curate a supercharged experience that’s sure to rev up relationships! After the day’s sessions at one of several convention and conference centers, offer attendees exhilarating team-building activities at the NCM Motorsports Park or mind-clearing boat tours, yoga and hikes at Lost River Cave. Learn more and virtually explore our meeting spaces at VisitBGKY.com/Meetings.

Meet Me in the

e l M idd IN

WHERE THE HEART OF LOUISIANA MEETS THE HEART OF HOSPITALITY. SCAN ME

SCAN HERE TO

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

Meet me in the middle, where our central location is just one of the reasons to explore everything our area has to offer. From custom itineraries to planning guides and tours, our staff is ready to help you plan an unforgettable experience. Explore historical sites, attend electric events, dine at award-winning restaurants, and see why we’re more than just a great location, we’re at the heart of hospitality.

AlexandriaPinevilleLA.com

N GREEN GROWING and

The Southeast is making strides in sustainability

BY PAUL A AVE N GL ADYC H

T LEXINGTON’S CENTRAL BANK CENTER, WHICH WAS EXPANDED IN 2022, HAS EARNED LEED CERTIFICATION AND MAINTAINS NUMEROUS SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES.

he South is making strides toward sustainable hospitality. From the use of LEED-certified green buildings and renewable energy sources to rooftop gardens, composting and food-rescue plans, meeting venues throughout the region are taking tangible steps to reduce their environmental impact. Here are five sustainability initiatives meeting planners should know about.

Courtesy VisitLEX

2024 SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY

Meetieng Guid

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Fayetteville, Arkansas Fayetteville Public Library has a long history of sustainability. The original Blair Library building was the first registered LEED Green Building in Arkansas. It features solar panels on the roof that generate 6% of the building’s required energy. The glass windows allow in plenty of natural light, and daylight harvest sensors dim the light fixtures. The library underwent a major expansion in 2021 and now offers eight event and meeting spaces and 21 study rooms. The Event Center has more than 8,000 square feet of space with a theater capacity of 700, banquet capacity of 400 and open capacity of 1,300. The Ziegler Reception Room is located next to the Event Center and pre-function space, and is perfect for smaller meetings or receptions of up to 60 people. The J.B. and Jonelle Hunt Family Gathering Glade is an outdoor space that features a 200-person amphitheater that can host concerts, movies or forums. A 16-station teaching kitchen is a great space to host culinary courses or demonstrations. The building’s expansion resulted in a 70% reduction in energy leakage, a 66% improvement in energy usage and a 50% reduction in lighting wattage per square foot. faylib.org

LEX FOR GOOD SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PROGRAM

Lexington, Kentucky In Lexington, Kentucky, VisitLEX operates the LEX For Good Sustainable Business Program. This initiative keeps track of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and meeting and event venues that are actively pursuing sustainability initiatives and have implemented measures such as energy efficiency, waste management, recycling and native plantings. If these businesses meet certain criteria, they are featured on the VisitLEX website and gain access to training and coaching with Bluegrass Greensource, an environmental education partner. Meeting planners wanting to host a more sustainable meeting can choose from different venues that are part of the program. Central Bank Center, which completed a $300 million expansion in 2022, is LEED certified and pays for large event recycling

THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE IN ARKANSAS

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Courtesy Fayetteville Public Library

among other efforts. Its catering company is dedicated to using local foods and flavors. The facility features 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, 16 meeting rooms, 11,000 square feet of flexible event space and a 24,300-square-foot ballroom. visitlex.com

AIRLIE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Warrenton, Virginia Warrenton, Virginia’s Airlie Hotel and Conference Center got its start as a three-story Greek Revival mansion in 1899. After the original mansion burned down, it was rebuilt as a two-story manor house in 1924. Airlie House remains on the property and is used as a wedding and event space. The 150-room hotel opened in 2017, along with eight four-room cottages. Airlie can host groups of up to 280 in its 17 meeting spaces. The largest space is 2,557 square feet and offers views of Lake Stanley and the gardens. The LEED-certified pavilion is shaped like an octagon and features a 360-degree covered veranda for amazing views of the surrounding landscape. A permanent tent next to Swan Lake is a perfect spot to host a barbecue or picnic with a firepit and lawn games. The property has a legacy of embracing sustainability, from its first organic garden to the founding of Berkshire Farm, a 20-acre facility that harvests 20,000 pounds of produce a year. That produce is served at Airlie’s on-site restaurant, Harry’s, and is shared with the community and local food banks. The Butterfly Garden, which was dedicated on Earth Day in 1995, features 46 varieties of native plants that are known to attract butterflies. Instead of driving around the property, guests can use bicycles, which reduces emissions. The facility recycles everything from grease to lamps and composts kitchen scraps in its organic garden. Airlie is also a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat, with buffer zones around lakes and ponds to keep wildlife safe. airlie.com

GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER

AIRLIE CONFERENCE CENTER Courtesy Airlie Conference Center

Greenville, South Carolina The Greenville Convention Center in South Carolina has embraced sustainability throughout its operations, from using environmentally safe cleaning products that help reduce pollution in area waterways to hand towels that meet EPA standards for post-consumer wastepaper content and biodegradable bathroom tissue that is made from 100% recycled paper.

GATLINBURG TENNESSEE Describing Gatlinburg, Tennessee is easy Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountain Park, Gatlinburg is a quaint town is filled with everything a meeting planner needs for a successful event: a beautiful, state of the art convention center, 16,000+ sleeping rooms, comprised of full-service and limited-service hotels,and motels, cabins, and condominiums. Gatlinburg also offers hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as entertainment attractions for every age and interest.

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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-522-4700.

M A K E O A K L AW N YOUR MEETING D E S T I N AT I O N

With more than 18,000 sq. ft. of traditional and unique meeting spaces and a seven-story hotel, Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas is your ideal meetings destination. Our talented hospitality team is here to assist with everything you need, from delectable plated or buffet food choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner to fun, themed decor to customize your event (or, bring in your own decorators — we offer that option, too). LIVE RACING DECEMBER 8 - MAY 4

RACING / SMOKE-FREE CASINO / HOTEL / SPA / EVENT CENTER / DINING VISIT OAKLAWN.COM TO BOOK YOUR MEETING.

In the kitchen, all leftover food is donated to local charities and food banks. Food waste is composted locally and turned into a soil amendment to promote sustainable agriculture and landscaping in Greenville and its surrounding communities. The convention center works with local waste contractors to compact paper and cardboard products and divert recyclables. It also conserves energy by implementing dark days and upgrading to energy-efficient vacuum cleaners, washing machines and dryers. With 280,000 square feet of exhibit and event space, the convention center can accommodate groups up to 25,000. meetgcc.com

PROXIMITY HOTEL

Greensboro, North Carolina Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a LEED Platinum hotel that was designed and constructed using guidelines of the LEED Green Building Rating System. It uses 39% less energy than a conventional hotel by using efficient materials and the latest construction technology. One hundred solar panels cover the rooftop to heat water, and geothermal energy is used to power the restaurant’s refrigeration equipment, which saves water. Proximity reduced its water usage by 33% — saving 2 million gallons of water the first year — by installing high-efficiency Kohler plumbing fixtures. Regional vendors and artists provided materials to reduce transportation and packaging, and the hotel uses low-emitting VOC paints, adhesives and carpets to reduce indoor air contamination. The hotel has 7,300 square feet of meeting space and 147 guest rooms, including 10 suites. The Weaver Room is the largest event space, featuring 12-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. proximityhotel.com GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER

Courtesy Greenville Convention Center

When It Comes To Meetings & Conventions,

Our Stage is Bigger Than Ever.

There are venues, attractions, and experiences that are uniquely Columbus, Georgia that will create a big experience for your conference attendees. Where else can you find four distinctly different Meeting Districts, some of the hippest hotels in Georgia, and the longest urban whitewater course in the world? From our riverfront Convention Center to truly original off-site venues, meeting spaces in Columbus are authentic and customizable.

Intrigued? Contact us to get started. Go All Out

FUN FUNCTIONAL and

Bring the family for meetings in these popular Southern destinations

BY CY N TH I A BARN E S

V WINTERTIME MEETINGS CAN DOUBLE AS EXCITING FAMILY OUTINGS AT WEST VIRGINIA’S SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT.

eteran meeting planners know the secret to boosting their conference attendance: Hold the event in one of the South’s premier family vacation destinations. Busy professionals love mixing business and pleasure by bringing their families to their conferences. And in destinations that cater to visitors of all ages, meeting planners find a combination of exciting attractions and useful venues that make family-friendly events a breeze. Here are five meeting destinations in the Southeast that are also famous for family fun.

Courtesy Snowshoe Mountain Resort

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Meetieng Guid

SNOWSHOE, WEST VIRGINIA

HA HA TONKA STATE PARK NEAR LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Courtesy Lake of the Ozarks CVB

TANGIPAHOA PARISH’S GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER

Skiing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of West Virginia, but think again. Snowshoe Mountain is the largest ski resort in the mid-Atlantic and offers all-season fun for visitors of every age. But what it doesn’t offer may be the biggest draw of all. Located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, there’s little or no cell service. “One thing that I hear from a lot of families when they come visit us is ‘the kids didn’t have cell phone service, so we talked and interacted and played board games,’” said marketing director Shawn Cassell. “I like to say, ‘disconnect to reconnect,’ and that really does happen here.” The resort is situated at the top of the mountain (almost 5,000 feet above sea level), which makes for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Meeting attendees can relax in a hammock alongside Shaver Lake, take a scenic ride on the chairlift or play a round at the resort’s 18-hole PGA Championship golf course. Snowshoe Mountain has over 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the 15,000-square-foot Expo Center. snowshoemtn.com

TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LOUISIANA

Courtesy Tangi Tourism

T h i s

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Conveniently located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Tangipahoa Parish is the self-proclaimed “Strawberry Capital of the World,” with half a million visitors descending each April for the town of Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Festival. The entire parish is a sweet place for families to explore.

i n s p i r a t i o n .

A C R E ,

Meet the coolest college town in the South. And his hip older sister. aotourism.com

A U B U R N

Emily Matise, director of sales for Tangi Tourism, says that visitors must not miss a trip to the Global Wildlife Center. The 900-acre preserve is home to about a thousand animals. “It’s nothing like a zoo,” said Matise. “The entire 900 acres is fenced in. You take a wagon or a jeep tour, and then you’re hand-feeding giraffes and zebras and camels and bison. It’s all about conservation and education, and everyone loves it. The Grand Ballroom at the Student Union at Southeastern Louisiana State University serves as the parish’s convention center and accommodates up to 1,000 people for lectures and 700 for seated banquets. Holiday Inn is the largest convention hotel, accommodating groups up to 125. tangitourism.com

LET’S MEET IN THE

MI DDLE

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MISSOURI

Every year, 5 million people visit Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, which has a surface area of almost 55,000 acres and laps against more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. Missouri is known for its caves, and Bridal Cave is a family-friendly adventure for all ages. One-hour guided tours showcase the fascinating geologic history of the cave. On the surface, Thunder Mountain Park has an observation tower, nature trails, picnic areas, and a rock and mineral shop. There are six conference hotels in the region, with 1,439 guest rooms, 82 meeting rooms and more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space.

FAMILY FUN IN PIGEON FORGE

View our meeting planner guide!

Courtesy Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism

318.255.2031 1.800.392.9032 experienceruston.com

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Meetieng Guid AN INTERIOR VESTIBULE Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks (formerly Tan-Tar-A) ATspace. THE KIMPTON has 560 guest rooms and 76,700 square feet of versatile The Lodge of Four Seasons has 352 guest rooms and 22 meeting rooms. funlake.com

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

Famed for their beaches, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are attractive destinations for anyone who loves the water. “We are such a family-friendly destination in general,” said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales, sports and events for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. “Meeting attendees can have their meeting, and there’s plenty for families to do — everything from going to the beach or doing dolphin cruises to exploring 6,500 acres of Gulf State Park.” Entertainment abounds at the Wharf in Orange Beach, a pet-friendly district that has a 10,000-seat amphitheater, tons of shops and restaurants, a Ferris wheel and a nightly laser light show. “Even our restaurants are family friendly and fun,” said Russ. “In addition to great food, Lulu’s has two rope courses and a beach arcade, and The Hangout has bubble parties. There’s always something to do.” The Perdido Beach Resort offers 344 guest rooms, as well as 44,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting space and banquet facilities. The Lodge at Gulf State Park has 350 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. The Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf has 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. gulfshores.com

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE

A Smoky Mountain hamlet known as the home of Dollywood — singer/songwriter Dolly Parton’s sprawling resort, spa, amusement and water park — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, also the gateway to Smoky Mountains National Park. Admission-free, it’s the most-visited national park in the nation, welcoming more than 12 million guests each year. “I tell people all the time, there’s something in Pigeon Forge to do from the age of 3 to 103,” said Leon Downey, the executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Our only industry is tourism, so family vacations are what we’re all about and have been for 60 years.” Among those things are the 160-acre Dollywood Theme Park, Splash Country, snow sports, a 407-foot observation tower and 2.1mile aerial cable car in nearby Gatlinburg, and underground caverns and museums in Sevierville. Groups from 1,500 to 12,000 can attend events in the LeConte Center, which has a 100,500-square-foot, clear-span exhibit space with up to 17 separate breakout rooms. Riverstone Resort has 130 guest rooms and four meeting rooms, with 3,600 square feet of exhibit space, 350 capacity for theater and 250 for seated banquets. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa can accommodate seated banquets of 140 and theater seating of 170. It has nine meeting rooms and more than 300 guest rooms. pigeonforgemeeting.com

Meetings here are never boring.

HUNDREDS OF ATTRACTIONS MOUNTAIN VIEWS EASY PARKING FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACES

PigeonForgeMeeting.com

info@LeConteCenter.com

Meet us in paradise

Fill your next meeting or conference with marvelous memories. We’ll

GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH TOURISM Alabama’s White-Sand Beaches

elevate your event with Gulf breezes, Southern hospitality, fabulous food, awesome attractions, and—of course—white-sand beaches. FIND OUT MORE AT GSOBMEETINGS.COM | 888.421.8715

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