Small Market Meetings February 2026

A SWEET Spot for Events!

SO MUCH. SO CLOSE.

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FLOAT YOUR BOAT

When winter is cold and gray, a lot of people book a cruise. It’s a quick way to change the scenery and, depending on the destination, soak up some sunshine.

Beyond those leisure trips, cruise ships can also serve as floating meeting and event venues. Cruise lines show increasing interest in the meetings market, as they design new ships with dedicated meeting spaces, employ staff to help plan onboard meetings and events, and offer buyouts of entire ships for large conventions. If you’re considering getting on board with this trend, here are some upsides to meeting on cruise ships.

Convening on a cruise ship has its advantages

Setting sail for simplicity

Meetings have so many moving parts, and cruise ships seem to eliminate a good many of them. If you’ve ever taken a cruise, you understand that the basics — food, lodging, onboard entertainment and amenities — are covered, and add-ons are few, with beverage packages, onshore excursions and amenities like spa services being the most common. For meeting groups, the deal is much the same but even better because needs like meeting spaces, high-speed connections, coffee breaks and audiovisual equipment are all included in the base fee (although there can be small setup fees). Everything a meeting needs is handled on board, and business centers are often placed near meeting rooms. And there’s so much built-in entertainment that planners don’t have to map out every minute. But, if they do want to add on some events, there are lots of options, from yoga sessions to start the day and buyouts of onboard restaurants to a night of karaoke and dancing.

Ships shaping up

More ships are being built with dedicated meeting spaces. Royal Caribbean’s Ocean Class series, for example, has onboard conference centers for up to 400. Even on ships without dedicated meeting venues, public spaces are easily converted. Sizeable theaters that are used for music and other entertainment and are outfitted with professional-grade lighting, audiovisual and sound, work well for business presentations or keynote speakers. Celebrity Cruises offers appealing possibilities for events, like its Sky Observation Lounge, where 300 people can toast the sun as it melts into the sea, and a Rooftop Terrace, outfitted with a sound system, living room-style seating and a movie screen. And, as new ships come online, planners will have even more options. New vessels this year include the Viking Libra, a 998-passenger ship that is powered by hydrogen so there are no emissions, and Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, a monster of a ship with 28 dining options and the largest water park at sea.

All hands on deck

Major cruise lines have event planning staff in place who work with clients on all the details, from guest cabins to meeting spaces, special events, trade shows and extras like onshore excursions. Several third-party planners also specialize in cruise-based meetings or events. OceanEvent works with ships of all sizes, from yachts to fullsize cruise ships, matching its suppliers with the needs of the meetings and conventions that its clients are holding at sea. Landry & Kling works on organizing group tours and incentive trips using a worldwide database of possible vessels and partnerships with cruise lines. Its project managers handle a lot, including making recommendations to clients, working on program details with cruise lines and handling contract negotiations.

Aye, captain!

These days, you don’t have to be a pirate to commandeer a ship. Cruise lines are more than willing to work with a group to book an entire vessel. Some conventions might be large enough to take over a 3,000-passenger ship; others, like executive boards or top sales incentive groups, will be a better fit for a yacht. There’s a lot to be said for these kinds of takeovers: every inch of the ship is yours to use as you wish; the ship’s route, itinerary and shore excursions can be customized; all digital messaging on board is dedicated to the group; everything from napkins to menus can be branded; team-building events like pickleball, rock climbing, scavenger hunts and laser tag can take place simultaneously; and networking is easy and natural because everyone on board is part of the same flock. With so much entertainment for all ages, a buyout can also be a winner for conferences or meetings that include family members.

Elevated and economical

Extras like gallons of coffee for breaks and microphones and podiums for speakers can bump up costs at traditional conference hotels and convention centers. Cruise ships typically don’t charge meeting clients for meeting space or audiovisual equipment like projectors, sound systems and lighting. And because the interior design of ships tends to be pretty decked out, there’s no need to spend money on decor. Other upsides? Most ships offer free high-speed internet (in some cases, there may be extra charges), and the staff-to-passenger ratio is high, one of the pluses that leisure travelers never fail to notice on a cruise. Landry & Kling estimates a conference can save as much as 30% when it is held aboard a ship. There’s also evidence that meetings at sea have appeal. For example, when Expedia Cruises met on the Carnival Celebration in 2025, it was the company’s largest annual meeting ever, with 650 people aboard the seven-night cruise meeting.

BEYONDBarbecue

MEETINGS

OWENSBORO IS EMERGING AS A MIDSOUTH MEETINGS HUB

BY MAC LACY

The 2026 Small Market Meetings Summit takes place May 13–14 in Owensboro, Kentucky, an internationally known wellspring of musicians and barbecue enthusiasts that rests on a busy stretch of the Ohio River in the far western part of the state. The city has a long history of entertaining regional meeting delegations and is banking on the Small Market Meetings Summit to increase its national prominence for the industry.

“We’re well-established regionally and have entertained meeting delegations for decades due to our setting on the Ohio River and our traditions in bluegrass music and barbecue,” said Teresa Jones, destination account executive for Visit Owensboro. “In 2026, we’ll host meetings including the Going On Faith Conference with 200 or more delegates, the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association with 360 delegates, the Kentucky Ambulance and EMS Conference with 250 delegates, and the Kentucky Jailer’s Spring Conference with 200 delegates.”

“The Small Market Meetings Summit is a perfect place for us to expand our visibility to meeting planners across the country,” Jones said. “Our convention center features expansive meeting space and outdoor terraces overlooking the Ohio River. We’re looking forward to showing that to everyone in May. And we’ll have a new sports complex and fieldhouse ready to go next fall, so we’ll publicize that at the conference as well.”

“We like to say we’re too big to be small and too small to be big,” Jones said. “We offer a safe and walkable downtown, and our local coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques treat delegates like guests. Due to our music and barbecue heritage, we have well-known people come to town, and they love the fact that they can come here and just be themselves. Nobody makes over them too much.”

MEETINGS

SMALL MARKET SUMMIT

KEY MEETING VENUES

BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum showcases Owensboro’s standing as the home to bluegrass music, a genre often characterized by its “high lonesome sound” and pioneered in the mid- to late-20th century by performers like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Earl Scruggs. Monroe is considered the “father” of bluegrass and grew up in nearby Rosine, Kentucky. In addition to the museum’s collection of instruments, hall of fame member memorabilia and themed merchandise, the facility offers two upper floors of meeting or event space for planners to utilize. A 4,000-square-foot event hall with riverfront balcony, state-of-theart 447-seat theater and outdoor stage with seating for up to 1,500 guests are just a few highlights.

RIVERPARK CENTER

Owensboro’s RiverPark Center is a landmark on the Ohio River — a regional performing arts center that many cities twice its size would envy. Comprising almost 100,000 square feet in all, this center includes a 1,479-seat auditorium, a multipurpose theater, an outdoor entertainment patio, event spaces and meeting rooms. Planners have all facilities at their disposal unless they are booked. Professional audiovisual, lighting and acoustical systems are available. The RiverPark Center’s lobby is also available for pre-events, registrations or receptions. Outdoor events can be booked on the center’s Truist Plaza, which offers impressive river views.

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

The Owensboro Convention Center treats delegates to an outdoor setting reminiscent of a Mark Twain novel. Multi-container barges pushed by diesel-powered tugs run both ways on the Ohio River, just a few hundred yards beyond the center’s outdoor balconies. The center offers 102,000 square feet of available space, including a 44,000-square-foot exhibition hall and the 8,900-square-foot Kentucky Legend Pier that stands above the river, plus additional ballroom, breakout and pre-function space. Much of its riverside space offers floor-to- ceiling windows that emphasize the outdoor landscape.

KEY MEETING VENUES

HEALTHFORCE KENTUCKY INNOVATION SIMULATION CENTER

The need for more trained healthcare workers led to the creation of this new statewide meeting facility that will be equipped to accommodate highly specialized healthcare organizations’ meetings. Qualified groups as small as 12 delegates or as large as 300 will attend training sessions booked by healthcare entities’ meeting planners. The 350,000-square-foot center will open early this year and will include cutting-edge immersive environments for treating emergencies as well as surgical and diagnostic suites and other specialized training rooms.

OFF-SITES & ENTERTAINMENT

WESTERN KENTUCKY BARBECUE

Barbecue may outrank chili as America’s most regionalized delicacy. Some of the best-known varieties include Kansas City barbecue, Memphis barbecue and western brisket, or Texas-style barbecue, but Western Kentucky barbecue holds equal esteem among this food’s biggest fans. Owensboro is the home of Western Kentucky barbecue, which generally features barbecued mutton, chicken and pork smoked over an open pit and basted in a vinegar-based sauce. Mutton comes from sheep and is offered as a main dish or as a complement to pork or chicken in Owensboro’s barbecue restaurants.

Delegates will likely enjoy a meal or items from Moonlite BarB-Q or Old Hickory Bar-B-Que. Somewhat unique to this barbecue scene is the inclusion of burgoo, a traditional stew-like side that typically consists of pork, mutton, chicken, potatoes, lima beans and corn.

BBQ AND BARRELS

Owensboro is home to an internationally known barbecue event that was produced for many years as the International Bar-B-Q Festival. Today, that event is named BBQ & Barrels and will be held May 8–9, just a few days before delegates arrive for the Small Market Meetings Summit. Owensboro has a rich bourbon heritage that has been added to the barbecue event to give it even more authentic appeal. Concerts at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, bourbon tastings, offerings from various barbecue vendors and local festivities will bring hundreds of bourbon and barbecue fans to Owensboro.

MEETINGS

OFF-SITES &

ENTERTAINMENT

ROMP FESTIVAL

Owensboro’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum hosts the annual ROMP Festival, one of America’s best-known bluegrass and traditional music events, held just outside of town at the spacious Yellow Creek Park. Chairs, blankets, kids’ activities, nature trails and even a fishing lake combine to create a family atmosphere that defines this popular music festival. The 2026 ROMP is being held June 24–27 and includes a lineup of talent that will draw thousands of music fans over its four days. Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Michael Cleveland and other prominent musicians are scheduled to appear.

GREEN RIVER DISTILLING

Delegates who are bourbon fans will not want to miss Green River Distilling, which produces “the whiskey without regrets.” Operating on the same grounds where it began in 1885, this Owensboro distillery is a member of the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail and offers bourbon tours, tastings, VIP experiences, cocktail classes and other activities at its beautifully restored facility. It also maintains a popular tasting room in downtown Louisville that offers many of the same opportunities to enjoy its bourbons.

OWENSBORO RACING & GAMING

Owensboro Racing & Gaming is a new Churchill Downs venue that opened in 2025 on a 20-acre setting just outside of town. It features 600 state-of-the-art historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and multiple food and beverage offerings. The contemporary facility has become a favorite leisure option for meeting delegates in Owensboro.

Scan the QR Code to register for the 2026 Small Market Meetings Summit in Owensboro, Kentucky. visitowensboro.com

MEETING LEADERS

JACQUELYN WILSON

“Travel

changes so fast, it’s mind-blowing. It takes constantly wanting to learn, wanting to build your knowledge. I want to keep abreast of everything that’s going on.”

JBY REBECCA TREON

acquelyn Wilson’s career in travel was inspired by a 1980s and 1990s television show —

“Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” hosted by distinctive British host Robin Leach — that sparked an interest in seeing the world.

“He would always close out his show with ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams,’” she said. “When he featured the Napa Valley Wine Train, I was in love. I said to myself, ‘I am going to get on that train!’ Fast-forward to me at 63 years old, and I’ve been on the train probably eight times.”

Wilson is the owner and operator of New Journeys 2 Travel, a bespoke travel agency she launched in January 2023, where she plans custom travel and events for corporate, church and family groups from 20 to 100 people.

In high school, Wilson was a successful student who earned a scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, but she left after two years to be a wife and a mother. When she found herself divorced with three young children to raise, she quickly became a licensed real estate agent. The ups and downs of the housing market proved a challenge to someone needing a

steady income, however, and that’s when she answered an ad in the newspaper for a travel agent position. The company was Comp-U-Card International (CUC), a membership-based consumer services company that offered travel, shopping, dining and other services.

After about three years at CUC, Wilson moved on to World Travel Partners, which worked with large companies like Arthur Andersen on corporate travel and events. She eventually joined American Express, where she was responsible for handling the executive team’s travel needs, but her duties went far beyond just flights and hotels. Wilson helped plan complete meeting itineraries where every detail — from meals and workshops to swag bags — was included.

Wilson went to work at Virtuoso in 2011, creating the company’s resolution department, which was responsible for fixing ticket and schedule change issues. Error rates went down to less than 1% under her program.

“That was what my passion was,” Wilson said. “Virtuoso was the best company I ever worked for. I put in 12 years with them, and I learned so much, and they allowed me to do more, to get very good at what I do.”

When COVID-19 hit, departments

across the company were liquidated by the end of the year, including her own. A friend of hers who had her own independent travel agency, Hayes Executive Travel, brought a small number of agents under her umbrella so the agents could retain their licenses. It inspired Wilson to want to start her own company.

Wilson’s first clients were people she knew from church, but her reach has grown in just a few short years to include many people referred from past customers and corporate clients. She specializes in coordinating every part of a meeting, event or trip, from building an itinerary to arranging transportation, booking event spaces and more, ensuring that her clients can host and attend seamless meetings.

Wilson credits her success to the knowledge she has been able to continue to build on every step of the way — and she says she’s still learning.

“I take a lot of classes,” she said. “I go to a lot of travel events. Travel changes so fast, it’s mind-blowing. It takes constantly wanting to learn, wanting to build your knowledge. I want to keep abreast of everything that’s going on in travel because I want to keep going.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

NAME Jacquelyn Wilson

TITLE

Owner/Meeting & Events Travel Consultant

ORGANIZATION

New Journeys 2 Travel

LOCATION

Irving, Texas

BIRTHPLACE

Grapeland, Texas

EDUCATION

University of Phoenix, bachelor’s in marketing, 2013

CAREER HISTORY

• Leisure Agent, Comp-U-Card International, 1989–1992

• Travel Agent, World Travel Partners, 1992–1994

• Executive Agent, American Express Travel, 1994–2001

• Senior Resolution Travel Consultant, Virtuoso, 2011–2020

• Hayes Executive Travel, Independent Agent, 2022–2023

• Owner/Meeting, and Events Travel Consultant, New Journeys 2 Travel, 2023–present

Cutting Costs, Boosting Profits

MEETING PROS SHARE SECRETS TO DOING MORE WITH LESS

BY RACHEL CRICK

Dollars just don’t stretch like they used to.

That’s a conundrum planners confront daily as they combat inflation, sellers’ markets and rising attendee expectations. Profitability is a two-part equation consisting of cutting costs and boosting revenues, but just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it will be easy. Planners may wonder how to balance stagnant budgets with rising costs, what line items they can rework, and which add-ons will give them more margin.

Here’s what three event experts had to say about profitability in 2026.

MAXIMIZE RELATIONSHIPS

The relationships planners form within the events industry can end up making or breaking their budgets.

In 2026, some vendors are enjoying a surge of demand — and, with that, they’re charging extra for everything from in-house A/V to notepads and pens. The best way to avoid these unnecessary fees is to carefully review contracts and ask questions, according to Robyn Davis, owner and director of events at RCD Events Worldwide and former president of SITE Southeast.

“A lot of hotels really like it when an inexperienced planner comes in or an admin that’s planning because they might not know to ask certain questions,” she said.

Reviewing contracts carefully can help planners avoid unnecessary costs. They can build in conditions like fixed pricing and the flexibility to use outside vendors that can help them reduce prices later or maintain lower prices for recurring events. They should also ask if other vendors can do the same job for less or will bundle their services.

“Don’t take that first price offering,” said Kim Cooper, senior event manager at EP Events. “See if there’s something that they can bundle or get competitive quotes and compare. If somebody comes back with way lower prices than another vendor, and you would have just gone with that first person, that’s just setting yourself up for profit loss.”

Ultimately, forming strong relationships within the events industry is a great way to avoid incurring extra costs because those connections can add a layer of flexibility. For instance, a vendor who has a great relationship with a planner may

“When you design the experience around an outcome first, the budget almost kind of manages itself.”

Kim Cooper

SENIOR EVENT MANAGER

EP Events

Experience: 12 years

“The way that event organizers and planners are budgeting really has to do with measuring the ROI. What is the purpose and the goal of the meeting? Who really needs to be there? Who is the key target for that meeting?”

be more likely to cut them a break for a rapidly changing head count or an additional need that comes up.

“Partnership is really important when it comes to financial flexibility and making sure that you’ve built that relationship with your vendors first,” said Julianne Read, founder and speaker at E + E Fundraising & Events.

Sometimes planners forget the easiest method for securing a discount: simply asking. This is made easier with strong relationships. “You want everything into your contract, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get,” Davis said. “So don’t be afraid to ask.”

WHAT TO RETHINK

There are many aspects of meetings where planners may be overspending out of habit rather than necessity. Examining these line items with fresh eyes can cut costs and keep events on budget.

Sometimes an event’s location can’t change. But if the location is flexible, it’s worthwhile to consider smaller, more walkable host cities to cut costs. In addition to offering more competitive pricing, walkable districts cut down on group transportation costs.

Julianne Read

FOUNDER AND SPEAKER

E + E Fundraising & Events

Experience: 14 years

“Companies should not discount using those second-tier cities because there is a huge discount in that,” Davis said. “There are some fabulous cities with fabulous experiences, and you get a whole lot more bang for your buck, versus high-demand cities who know they’re in demand and charge a premium.”

Another line item to look at is food and beverage. While it’s important to keep attendees fed and happy, it’s okay to get creative.

“What event planners are looking for are ways to get a better, more authentic experience at a lower price,” Read said. When it comes to making choices on food and beverage, “rather than doing a full meal, we might do more of a cocktail hourstyled check in or evening approach.”

Opting for small plates at a reception-style event will cost less than a traditional banquet. If a sit-down dinner is a must, family-style meals offer cost savings. Food trucks and local vendors are also a great option.

If it’s a recurring event, planners can look at past data about attendance at mealtimes and other social events where food is offered. If 70% of their attendees missed breakfast last year, opting for a continental breakfast rather than a full buffet could be smart.

Swag is another item worth rethinking.

“A lot of people spend a lot of money on swag, but a lot of this stuff gets left in their hotel rooms,” Cooper said. “If it’s a hotel you work with a lot, you can ask housekeeping to go in and see if any swag items were left in the room, and that’s a data point you can take back to your client.”

In the initial planning stages, it’s important for planners to examine the purpose for their event and let that guide their budget. For example, if the event’s primary objective is to reward employees and incentivize them to continue to perform well, cutting the experience and the entertainment is not the way to go, but the location might be flexible.

ADD-ONS TO BOOST PROFITS

Adding revenue streams to events can be a great way to pad the budget — it just requires a little extra creativity.

One way to boost revenue is to make certain experiences optional and charge for add-ons.

“If there’s an added outside experience or an elevated version of that experience, we have done add-ons for that,” Read said. “If there’s an event at a ranch, and they’re doing basic horseback riding, attendees can do that, but for a VIP experience we charge more for, they can do a chuckwagon meal.”

This method also allows attendees to customize their experience at events. Tiered ticketing systems with everything from VIP options to early-bird discounts can be used to either add income or improve cash flow at the beginning of an event.

“If profitability isn’t planned on day one, it’s going to be rarely achieved on day 100,” Cooper said. “So looking at tiered ticketing, upsells, VIP workshops — if it’s a popular brand, selling merch could also be an upsell as an alternative to free swag.”

Another potential revenue stream involves being savvy with digital or hybrid event components. These are already a good idea to capture additional revenue from prospective attendees who might like to attend in person but can’t due to scheduling or travel conflicts. Digital presentations or workshops can also be sold at any time after the event. These assets can even be used to add value to sponsorships.

“If you’re looking at making a hybrid event, and you want to extend some visibility, you could offer 15-second advertisement videos before every digital recorded session that’s being sold post-event so that they’re still getting that visibility even after your event,” Cooper said. “Sponsors want engagement; they don’t just want signage and visibility anymore. They really need to see that ROI.”

In addition to vendor partners, connecting with a CVB can get planners rebates or discounts that add up to considerable savings.

“You should always reach out to the DMO or the CVB because they often have perks or rebates that they can provide to your company, and it costs you nothing,” Davis said. “So I’ve gotten things like $4 per person that they’ll give you to put back into your program.”

“Going to the industry functions, forming those relationships, having people you can ask for help ends up saving your company or your clients money in the long run.”

Robyn Davis

OWNER, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

RCD Events Worldwide Experience: 25 years

NOW PLAYING

These new venues have great potential for sports events

BY RACHEL CRICK

Let the games begin.

Small-market destinations across the country are courting all types of sports events to come to their communities, from professional games to youth championships. That’s because sports events represent billions in revenue and countless jobs. But many facilities that accommodate these events aren’t confined to athletics; these venues are multifaceted multitaskers, seamlessly switching from youth sports tournaments to trade shows and meetings.

Here are five new multipurpose sports venues in capable second- and third-tier cities that will be kicking off soon.

SCHEELS SPORTS PARK SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

The brand-new Scheels Sports Park is setting Springfield, Illinois, apart in the youth sports market. The complex features the world’s largest air-supported sports dome at over 190,000 square feet, offering a climate-controlled space that can house six basketball courts and 12 volleyball courts. An administrative building next to the dome houses the Springfield Clinic, as well as office spaces that will be rentable. The park’s outdoor amenities include eight multipurpose, lighted turf fields, which can be configured for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse, as well as two championship fields and The Yard, a 27,000-square-foot event space, which will host concerts and special events.

The park celebrated a soft opening in late 2025. Outdoor sports events are already booked for spring, and the grand opening is slated for May. By that time, the park will have completed a marketplace building, which will offer a full-size catering kitchen. The Legacy Pointe development where the park is located also features a Fairfield Inn and Springhill Suites. scheelssportspark.com

Above: The Scheels Sports Park contains the world’s largest airsupported sports dome, measuring over 190,000 square feet.

WEST HENDERSON FIELDHOUSE

HENDERSON, NEVADA

Just 15 minutes away from the Las Vegas strip, the city of Henderson, Nevada, offers a taste of Vegas with a bonus: affordability, fewer crowds and a long list of amenities to please planners and attendees alike. In 2025, Henderson added to its events arsenal and broke ground on the $70 million West Henderson Fieldhouse, which will be operated by KemperSports.

“The area is great for youth sports because we have so much in our area,” said Ed Kirby, national sales executive at Visit Henderson, NV. “There’s great hotels with gaming and restaurants, 300 miles of hiking trails, Lake Las Vegas and lots of family activities in the area.”

The facility, which is expected to be completed in September, will be 160,000 square feet, including two levels, four basketball courts that can be converted to volleyball courts, two hybrid turf fields, a full-service restaurant and bar, and a family entertainment area. Its multipurpose community rooms will offer space for hosting meetings and events. The fieldhouse is expected to generate millions in economic impact and over 200 permanent jobs, and it will offer a 20% discount on amenities for Henderson residents. The West Henderson Fieldhouse is adjacent to the Henderson airport and near several

limited-service hotels, as well as a short drive from full-service resorts like the M Resort Spa Casino. cityofhenderson.com

KENAN CIVIC ARENA

LOCKPORT, NEW YORK

The city of Lockport, New York, can be found about 30 miles north of Buffalo and 20 miles from Niagara Falls. The small community has a population of just over 20,000, but in the coming year, it will get an upgrade that will serve all of Niagara County. In 2025, the Kenan Center announced plans to create a brand-new Kenan Civic Arena.

This will replace the Kenan Center’s existing 60-yearold arena. The new facility will total 73,000 square feet with a 50,000-square-foot field expanse, including a turf field for soccer, lacrosse, football and track. In addition to a contemporary design and repairs, the new arena will feature upgrades for Wi-Fi and tech compatibility and will meet accessibility requirements.

It’s estimated the arena will bring upwards of 200,000 attendees each year to festivals, trade shows, sports events, concerts and other shows. The new arena is being built on the same property and is slated to open in September.

kenancenter.org

Clockwise from left: An aerial view of Scheels Sports Park; an exterior rendering of the West Henderson Fieldhouse; a rendering of West Henderson Fieldhouse interior

GREATER WILLIAMSBURG SPORTS & EVENTS CENTER WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA

Thanks to its family-friendly attractions like Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia, is an ideal location for both youth and adult sports tournaments and events. This appeal will be bolstered in 2026 with the arrival of the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. The KemperSports facility broke ground in 2024 and was designed to host sporting events on weekends while being open during the week to address the community’s recreational needs.

“What makes this facility unique is the fact that a lot of complexes in our area only turn on the lights if there’s events there, but we’re open to the community,” said Dana Youst, executive director of the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority.

The center is scheduled to open in August and will boast 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, 36 pickleball courts, an adventure gym and 100,000 square feet of turf, the largest indoor roll-out turf system in the U.S. It will total 200,000 square feet of space with many configurations to support both sports tournaments and corporate events. GWSEC’s in-house culinary team will provide exclusive catering. gwsportsandeventscenter.com

ONTARIO SPORTS EMPIRE

ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA

Just east of Los Angeles, the city of Ontario is adding another major asset to its sports and events market. The Ontario Sports Empire is as impressive as it sounds — at around 190 acres, it’s the largest sports complex of its kind in Southern California.

The development will include a new 6,500-seat minor league baseball stadium (home to the Los Angeles Dodgers Single-A affiliate), as well as a community sports complex that wraps around the stadium. It will feature 20 long fields; eight full-size baseball and softball diamonds; 14 youth diamond fields; four football fields; and two championship diamond fields. That’s in addition to concession stands, plazas with shaded seating and multiple playgrounds. The stadium is expected to open by April, while the rest of the complex is expected to open in October.

Ontario Sports Empire will also be home to Stadium Village, a hub for entertainment and hospitality, which will include a 227-room full-service hotel. There will also be public gathering spaces for community events. The sports complex is expected to draw over a million visitors annually and will be managed by Sports Facilities Companies.

ontariosportsempire.com

THE NEW SOUTH

These venues are debuting new opportunities for meetings

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

From Alabama and Mississippi to North Carolina and Virginia, the hospitality industry is getting a boost from new and refreshed resorts, hotels and convention centers. Here are six new spots that offer meeting groups a mix of scenic settings or urban environments in which to host their events.

THE COOPER Charleston, South Carolina

The Cooper is a 191-room luxury waterfront hotel that sits on Charleston Harbor in Charleston, South Carolina. It opened for meetings and events in December, but overnight guests won’t be welcomed until March 1.

The hotel is steps away from Joe Riley Waterfront Park and is the only luxury waterfront hotel in downtown Charleston. The project is the first of many in the city’s plans to revitalize its historic waterfront and serves as a bridge between the harbor, the park and the peninsula’s iconic cultural center.

With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the facility can host a range of groups, from small gatherings of executives in the Palmer Boardroom to 600 guests on the Grand Lawn for waterfront receptions. The Asten Ballroom, which can be divided into four separate rooms, can host up to 540 guests for banquets, while the Salon can accommodate groups of 10 to 150.

The hotel offers panoramic views of the water and Ravenel Bridge. It also has four restaurants, a wellness spa and saltwater infinity pool overlooking the harbor. The Cooper’s marina offers direct access to harbor cruises and guest transportation, including a 43-foot Hinckley yacht and custom Scout boats.

thecooper.com

CHEAHA STATE PARK LODGE

Delta, Alabama

Cheaha State Park in Delta, Alabama, broke ground on a new lodge and meeting venue on top of Mount Cheaha to replace the original Cheaha Park Hotel. The facility, which is being funded through an $85 million bond measure approved by voters in 2022, is expected to be completed early this year.

The Cheaha State Park Lodge will feature three hotel towers with a total of 32 guest units that will be connected by breezeways clad in copper-colored aluminum to reflect the sun and align with the summer solstice. All the guest rooms will have private balconies with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley below.

The project also includes a rooftop bar and a meeting space for conferences and events. The new hotel towers will be connected to the existing Vista Event Center, which previously served as the park’s restaurant. The center will be renovated to serve as the lobby and reception area of the lodge, along with office space for staff, a retail space and coffee shop.

The existing pool will be turned into an observation deck and event pavilion that can host up to 100 guests. It will also serve as a trailhead for Pulpit Rock.

Cheah State Park, founded in 1933, features 2,799 acres of Appalachian foothills and mountain landscapes. alapark.com

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER

Raleigh, North Carolina

The Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina’s capital is preparing for a dramatic expansion that is expected to be completed by 2029. The development targets LEED Gold certification in sustainability and will include an additional 298,100-square-foot facility, which will bring the convention center’s total event space to 798,000 square feet. The new facility will add a 50,000-squarefoot flex space, an 18,000-square-foot ballroom and 13 new meeting rooms. It will also have rooftop terraces and outdoor spaces.

As part of the expansion, a brand-new 550-room Omni Hotel will be built, and the Red Hat Amphitheater will be moved a block away to make room for the new building. The new amphitheater is expected to have a capacity of 6,000 to 6,500.

The current convention center has 500,000 square feet of event space, including a 32,000-square-foot ballroom that can host 1,960 for a banquet or nearly 4,000 theater style and a 146,843-square-foot exhibit hall that can host groups of nearly 9,000 for a banquet. The ballroom can be divided into four separate spaces and has an adjacent 11,500-square-foot reception and registration area. There are 20 additional meeting rooms and a mezzanine that overlooks the exhibit halls and provides easy access to the attached Raleigh Marriott City Center hotel.

raleighconvention.com

LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL LOUISIANA

Bossier City, Louisiana

Located along the Red River in Bossier City, across from Shreveport, the new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana features 549 guest rooms and suites, including five penthouses.

The property has 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 12,125-square-foot ballroom, pre-function space, two smaller meeting rooms and an executive boardroom. The ballroom can accommodate 680 for a banquet, and the pre-function space can host 450 guests or vendor exhibits.

There are six dining outlets on-site that groups can use for events of 20 to 95, including Ridotto Grand Cafe, The Prime Rib,

Luk Fu and Sports & Social. Live! offers full or partial buyouts of all its restaurants and bars. The Bourbon Room at The Prime Rib is an opulent private dining room for 20.

PBR Cowboy Bar is a perfect spot to host themed events, and attendees can take a stab at riding the bar’s mechanical bull. The venue hosts karaoke, dancing and comedy nights.

Live entertainment is available throughout the facility. In their free time, meeting guests can book a cabana at the pool or spend some time in the casino, which offers more than 40 table games and 1,000 slot machines.

louisiana.livecasinohotel.com

NATCHEZ CONVENTION CENTER

Natchez, Mississippi

In the heart of historic downtown Natchez, Mississippi, the 32,000-square-foot Natchez Convention Center recently completed a comprehensive renovation and modernization of the entire facility, including upgraded event spaces and public bathrooms, six new breakout meeting spaces and an exhibit hall renovation that converted cinderblock walls to plaster and vinyl wall coverings.

As part of the renovation, the center re-covered all of its partition walls and acoustic panels; replaced carpet and the exhibit hall ceiling; added millwork archways leading down the first-floor corridor; bought new chairs; and upgraded staging and audiovisual equipment.

The color scheme, which was neutral brown, has been changed to a more modern blue-gray. There is a large pre-function area for receptions and event registration, as well as a catering kitchen and an approved list of caterers.

New artwork was added to the facility, including a Wyatt Waters watercolor art collection depicting iconic Natchez scenes and a timeline graphic that illustrates significant dates in the community’s history.

The facility, which opened in April 2002, sits at the end of Main Street, overlooking the Mississippi River. It can host groups of 1,200 for a banquet, and its exhibit hall spans 18,000 square feet. natchezconventioncenter.org

Bring The Real Florida Magic to your next event by choosing Central Florida’s Polk County. From flexible meeting spaces to unique accommodations to countless activities and attractions, everything you need to succeed is here. Learn more at Visitcentralflorida.com/meetings-conventions.

JW MARRIOTT RESTON STATION

Reston, Virginia

The new JW Marriott Reston Station opened in September in Reston, Virginia — the first JW Marriott property in Virginia. It offers easy access to Dulles International Airport, downtown Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland.

The property features 247 guest rooms, including executive suites, junior suites and one presidential suite. It also offers 14 Mindful Rooms equipped with yoga mats, massage guns, eye covers and other elevated amenities.

The hotel has 40,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 6,100-square-foot ballroom. The space can host groups of up to 1,500 for a reception and 800 for a banquet. By June, the hotel will have a junior ballroom and a 3,500-square-foot space that can be divided into seven smaller rooms. There are four meeting rooms and the Blank Canvas, a 1,700-square-foot room with an LED wall.

On the fifth floor, there is an executive lounge and a fitness center that opens onto a terrace with a chef’s garden. That space can also be used for receptions or dinners.

The Simon at Reston Station is an upscale eatery that serves mid-Atlantic flavors, while the Schar Bar is known for its cocktails. marriott.com

Fort Smith Remains a Pioneer

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

Sixty years ago, Fort Smith opened a civic center downtown to bring people to the city. And, as city grew, that small facility also expanded, becoming the striking and versatile Fort Smith Convention Center.

The center is easy to spot, with two tall rotundas that stretch skyward. The Fort Smith Symphony makes its home in the center’s 1,331-seat theater, where plenty of keynote addresses, awards ceremonies and opening sessions are also held. Eight meeting rooms provide breakout space. The center’s 40,000 square foot column-free exhibit hall feels more expansive thanks to 34-foot ceilings.

The 255-room Wyndham Hotel Fort Smith City Center is attached to the center, with 15,580 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,656-square-foot ballroom. The 138-room Courtyard by Marriott is across a parking lot from the center.

LATEST ADDITION: U.S. MARSHALS MUSEUM

Fort Smith was originally founded as a frontier fort, and its military ties have remained as its population nears 100,000. It’s the home of the the 188th Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard and a military training center at Fort Chaffee, where Elvis got his first military haircut, recounted in a recently renovated Chaffee Barbershop & Military Museum.

There’s an abundance of local pride, and a great example is the work of local volunteers, who succeeded in bringing the U.S.

Marshals Museum to the city. They pointed out that more U.S. Marshals and deputy marshals died riding out from Fort Smith during frontier days than in any place. After Fort Smith was chosen as the site, a local family donated riverfront land for the museum.

Since the museum opened in 2023, it has earned high marks for immersive exhibits that describe the wide-ranging role U.S. Marshals have played, from tracking down fugitives and protecting witnesses to managing disaster relief.

It’s also become a popular venue, with small spaces and larger ones like its atrium, where the river is on display through 40-foot-tall glass walls. The Arkansas Governor’s Conference and the Retired African American State Troopers have had events there.

And it’s not the only museum in town. Visitors can tour downtown museums devoted to local history, regional art and trolleys. Local restaurants — including Mexican, Italian, barbecue and seafood — are a couple of blocks from the convention complex. “They are all hometown and have been here a long time,” said Amy Jones, director of sales for Discover Fort Smith.

Old structures are also being repurposed. By early summer, a Bass Pro Shop will open in a rehabbed building. And an old flour mill across from the convention center is now the Bakery District, with meeting spaces, a coffee shop, a bar, a bookstore, games like cornhole and bingo, and an outdoor space where bands play. “It’s a real hot spot,” said Jones.

The same can be said for Fort Smith, as Discover Fort Smith gets the word out to meeting professionals about the financial advantages of meeting there.

“We have some excellent incentives in place for multiyear contracts,” said Jones. “And the bureau also provides a number of free services that save even more.”

Amy Jones C: 479-719-3015

WORK PLAY meets O P

Meetings and fun mix well at these Southeastern resorts

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

Known for its charm and hospitality, the South is home to some legendary resorts that have made it their business to welcome small and midsize meeting groups. Here are six Southern resorts that offer everything a group could want, from hot springs and spas to championship golf and outdoor adventures.

MARRIOTT LEXINGTON GRIFFIN GATE GOLF RESORT & SPA

Lexington, Kentucky

On the north side of Lexington, Kentucky, the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa is known for its natural setting and its easy access to downtown. The 409-room resort features an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship golf course and a bourbon- and wine-tasting loft that offers self-serve bourbon machines with a selection of 15 regional bourbons and whiskeys.

Guests can relax at the resort’s indoor and outdoor pools, gather around firepits in the outdoor lounge area, rent bicycles, play pickleball or book a massage at the spa.

The hotel is located on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, so guests often use the resort as their home base as they explore nearby distilleries.

The resort has 28,900 square feet of event space. The Grand Ballroom can host groups of up to 1,200, and the Terrace Ballroom can accommodate 200 for an event. There are 26 event rooms and 21 breakout rooms available, and an on-site mansion can host wedding receptions or dinners for up to 180 guests. The Bluegrass Pavilion & Patio is a tented, climate-controlled space that is perfect for receptions and cocktail hours. It can seat groups of 400.

marriott.com

THE ARLINGTON RESORT HOTEL & SPA

Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa has been part of the fabric of Hot Springs, Arkansas, for 151 years and has served some of the most famous — and most notorious — names in history.

The first hotel on that site opened in 1875. The current building turned 101 years old on New Year’s Eve, and its owners are in the midst of refurbishing its 478 rooms.

Meeting planners have their pick of nearly 37,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The largest space can host groups of up to 800 for a banquet or 1,000 theater style. Its historic Crystal Ballroom can seat 400 for a banquet. Al Capone used the Fountain Room Grill as his private dining room when he stayed there, and the Magnolia Room overlooks the hotel’s veranda and Central Avenue.

The Arlington has the only double-decker pool in Arkansas, which includes a huge hot tub and a waterfall. The hotel sits on the historic Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs and is the only hotel property with a thermal bathhouse that taps into the thermal mineral springs that gave the town its name. It also has a full-service spa and salon. There is live entertainment in the lobby most weekends. arlingtonhotel.com

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

Biloxi, Mississippi

Part of the MGM Resorts International family, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is the premier convention hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi, with 1,733 guest rooms, including 147 Stay Well rooms and 102 luxury suites. It is also the tallest building in the state, with 32 stories encompassing 3.2 million square feet.

The resort features 13 restaurants; five lounges and bars; 11 retail shops; a spa and salon; swimming pool; Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course; and 1,550-seat theater.

The convention center features 50,000 square feet of meeting space, including the Magnolia Ballroom, which can host 1,100 guests at rounds. The room can be divided into eight smaller spaces and includes a stage and green room. The Camellia Ballroom, which can be divided in half, can host up to 450 for a banquet, and the Azalea Ballroom can seat up to 240. There’s also a small boardroom for 12 guests and a small meeting space for up to 50 theater style.

Attendees can lounge at the outdoor pool, gamble in the casino or take advantage of the many entertainment options available at the

resort. Sports fans will enjoy MGM Golf and a multisport immersion simulator that features more than 40 games, including golf and soccer. beaurivage.mgmresorts.com

THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN & SPA

Asheville, North Carolina

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina, offers the charm of a historic property paired with the amenities of a modern resort. The beautiful stone building features a distinctive red roof and stone fireplaces that date back to 1913. There are 513 guest rooms and 86,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms and 31 classic meeting rooms.

The nearly 18,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom is the largest event space. It can host groups of up to 1,050 for a banquet or 1,865 for a reception. The resort also has nearly 19,000 square feet of outdoor event spaces. The Seely Pavilion is one of the hotel’s newest spaces. It features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the mountains.

The spa offers 20 water features and more than 30 spa treatments. There is also a historic golf course, four restaurants, four bars and lounges, and plenty of nature for guests who enjoy hiking in the mountains or who want to travel the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

The hotel is located just outside of Asheville, and groups wanting to add fun activities to their itineraries can organize day hikes or book the spa for an after-hours get-together with food, drinks and spa treatments.

omnihotels.com

CHATEAU ON THE LAKE RESORT

Branson, Missouri

The 301-room Chateau on the Lake Resort in Branson, Missouri, is situated on the shores of Table Rock Lake less than 10 minutes from Branson’s entertainment district. The only AAA Four Diamond resort in the area, the Chateau is known for its delicious cuisine, its 43,500 square feet of function space and a 14,000-squarefoot full-service spa, complete with an outdoor Roman bath.

There are 19 event rooms at the resort, including the Great Hall, which can accommodate 1,500 for a banquet or 4,000 for a conference. The Versailles and Windsor rooms can host groups of 350 for banquets, and several smaller rooms can accommodate

groups of 100. Smaller groups have their pick of more intimate event spaces for up to 40 guests.

Groups can dine at three on-site restaurants, and guests will enjoy exploring the property’s gardens, nature trails and marina. They can partake in boating, fishing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing and sightseeing or walk along the lake’s shoreline in their free time. The resort is also near four golf courses. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, a kids club, and a movie theater. chateauonthelake.com

STONEWALL RESORT

Roanoke, West Virginia

Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia, sits on the shores of Stonewall Jackson Lake within Stonewall Resort State Park. It features 195 guest rooms in an Adirondack-style lodge, 10 two-, threeand four-bedroom cottages, and eight three- and four-bedroom lake houses, all surrounded by 1,900 acres of secluded rolling hills.

The property has an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course; a full-service marina; boutique spa; indoor-outdoor pool and jacuzzi; fitness center; and game room.

Groups wanting to get out on the water can rent pontoon boats or other watercraft, including kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, or take a scenic tour or theme cruise on the resort’s 100-person lake excursion boat. The resort also sits on a hiking and biking trail system and offers fatbike, sport bike and e-bike rentals. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy playing tennis, pickleball and disc golf, shooting sporting clays, or getting out on the lake for a fishing expedition.

The resort features more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, and many venues offer natural light and spectacular views of the lake and rolling mountains beyond. The ballroom can seat 300 for a banquet or be divided into two spaces. The Roanoke Event Center can seat 350 for a banquet or 400 theater style. There are seven smaller meeting rooms and a boardroom on the lobby level and five meeting rooms on the terrace level. stonewallresort.com

When the setting has a story of its own, your meeting becomes one worth telling. Choose a place alive with culture, creativity, and an award-winning culinary scene that sparks inspiration beyond the agenda. Host a meeting worth remembering in Oxford, Mississippi.

WATER WELCOMES FRONT

Southern destinations make the most of lakes, rivers and seashores

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

From lakes and rivers to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the South’s many waterfront destinations are perfect places for meeting groups to incorporate fun on the water into their meetings and events.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Savannah, Georgia, sits on the Savannah River, about 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. The area’s waterways are an integral part of the visitor experience, with plenty of options to explore barrier islands or take scenic cruises, either by private boat or aboard the historic Georgia Queen Riverboat.

Attendees can dine along the river or take a short drive to Tybee Island on the Atlantic with its sandy beaches, wooden pier and the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum. Visitors to the island can take an eco-kayak tour, nature walk or sunset cruise to explore the town, its marshes and surrounding waters.

Meeting groups can stay at several hotels in the historic district of the city and take the free ferry to the brand-new expanded convention center across the river on Hutchinson Island.

The Savannah Convention Center offers 660,000 square feet of event space, which includes a 40,000-square-foot ballroom, a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, 27 meeting rooms, a 367-seat auditorium, three new dining outlets and Zoom rooms.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa is adjacent to the convention center, and Hilton broke ground on a 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah hotel in October that is expected to open in 2028. visitsavannah.com

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

The state capital of Arkansas, Little Rock is in the very center of the state on the Arkansas River.

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, which overlooks the river, is a top attraction and meeting destination with more than 10,000 square feet of event space. The 220,000-square-foot Statehouse Convention Center backs up to the river and features an 18,362-square-foot ballroom that can hold 1,300 for a banquet. The Governor’s Halls encompass 82,892 square feet of exhibition space that can be divided into four spaces, and groups can use six smaller meeting spaces and the Toltec Lobby, which can serve as pre-function or event space.

The 418-room Little Rock Marriott, which is connected to the convention center, features 44,747 square feet of event space that can host groups of 1,000. Hotel guests can step outside and be in the city’s 33-acre Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, which spans 11 blocks

and features a History Pavilion and sculpture garden. The Robinson Center, two blocks away, features nearly 25,000 square feet of event space, including a large ballroom and terrace with river views. littlerock.com

MOBILE, ALABAMA

One of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast, Mobile, Alabama, is known for its history, culture, culinary arts and natural beauty. The first Mardi Gras in North America was held there in 1703, and the city embraces that history by continuing this 322-yearold tradition and celebrating it at the Mobile Carnival Museum.

The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center is easily walkable to hotels, entertainment, shopping and restaurants. The convention center looks out over the Mobile River and features 317,000 square feet of event space.

The oldest hotel in the city, The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, is near the convention center and has 238 rooms and 28,539 square feet of event space. The Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel is connected to the convention center via skybridge and has 373 rooms and 39,438 square feet of meeting space.

Meeting groups wanting to get out on the water can book a dinner cruise on the Perdido Queen riverboat, which docks behind the convention center, or visit Historic Blakeley State Park, which offers cruises, hiking and biking trails, battlefield tours and horseback riding. Groups can also tour the World War II battleship USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. mobile.org

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Virginia Beach, Virginia, sits on the Atlantic Ocean and boasts 28 miles of beachfront property and a 3-mile-long boardwalk. The Oceanfront district has many hotels that are steps away from the beach, allowing meeting attendees to seamlessly blend work with coastal experiences.

The Virginia Beach Convention Center features over 500,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a 150,921-square-foot

MONTGOMERY MOVES YOU.

To meetings with meaning.

In Montgomery, history isn’t behind glass—it’s alive, powerful, and deeply moving. Visitors walk in the footsteps of giants, sit where Rosa Parks stood her ground, and engage with stories that resonate across generations. The EJI Legacy Sites, three unforgettable places tracing America’s history of racial injustice and the ongoing fight for social justice, offer itinerary-ready experiences that invite reflection and connection. In a walkable downtown, these impactful sites sit alongside hotels, restaurants, and venues, making it easy to build meaningful moments into any agenda.

Start planning at EXPERIENCEMONTGOMERYAL.ORG

column-free exhibit hall and a 31,000-square-foot ballroom. The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club is an elegant property with meeting spaces and ocean views, and the Virginia Beach Sports Center has 285,000 square feet of space for large gatherings, tournaments or other events.

The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort and Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel offer direct beach access and dedicated meeting facilities. The Spark by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened in July 2025 after a full renovation and rebrand.

For fun, groups can visit Atlantic Park Surf, a new surf lagoon that opened in 2025 that offers live entertainment and dining. To get out into nature, groups can visit First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for kayaking, trails and eco adventures. There are also dolphin cruises, sunset cruises and charter fishing expeditions. visitvirginiabeach.com

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

The Tennessee River runs through the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Tennessee Riverwalk connects hotels, venues, outdoor spaces and attractions. Groups visiting the city can explore Coolidge Park, enjoy riverfront dining and revel in rooftop views of downtown. On the water, groups can kayak or paddleboard on the river, take a scenic river cruise or enjoy a private charter.

Other attractions in the area include the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain, which includes a ride up the Incline Railway and a tour of Ruby Falls, a waterfall and cave experience.

The 185,000-square-foot Chattanooga Convention Center is the largest event facility in the city. It features 100,800 square feet of column-free exhibition space, 21 meeting rooms and 40,000 square feet of pre-function space. It is connected to the 341-room Chattanooga Marriott Downtown, which can host groups of 500 in its Plaza Ballroom. A free downtown electric shuttle connects the convention center to 2,500 hotel rooms. Nearby, The Westin Chattanooga offers 259 rooms and nearly 15,000 square feet of meeting space. Unique venues include Erlanger Park, which opens in April 2026, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo. visitchattanooga.com

Columbus, GA is anything but ordinary. With scenic riverfront venues, inspiring museums, and a walkable downtown packed with great food, fresh hotels, and Southern charm, it’s the kind of place that gets people talking, connecting, and coming back for more. A 2025 ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award winner, Columbus also delivers peace of mind, thanks to a dedicated local team that supports you from first call to final applause, handling the details so your meeting runs seamlessly. Let’s start planning something amazing today.

Go All Out

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of white sandy beaches in an iconic South Carolina coastal setting. Most of the city’s meeting and convention properties are oceanfront with easy access to the boardwalk.

The Sheraton Myrtle Beach hotel connects to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and offers 400 guest rooms and 250,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space, including a 100,000-squarefoot column-free exhibit hall; a nearly 17,000-square-foot ballroom; 17 smaller meeting rooms; and plenty of pre-function space. There’s also a 30,000-square-foot Events Plaza and the 100,000-square-foot Myrtle Beach Sports Center on the campus. The convention center can host groups of up to 6,000.

Several oceanfront hotels offer event space, including Landmark Resort, Marriott Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, and Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. The Marina Inn offers lunch and dinner cruises directly from the hotel, and guests can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, go deep sea fishing or explore the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, which is close to Brookgreen Gardens. There are dolphin cruises, eco cruises and private beaches to explore.

Huntington Beach State Park is nearby, and the community features 90 golf courses, theaters for entertainment and several restaurants that offer dancing and live music.

visitmyrtlebeach.com

West Volusia County is absolutely swimming with meeting and event space for small to medium sized groups. Choose from the Northwest Square or the well-equipped grounds of Stetson University to the expansive Volusia County fairgrounds. Our quaint downtown, thriving art scene and bounty of nature activities provide plenty to enjoy before, or after your meeting.

Discover A place where soul looms large.

Bring your group to a destination that hits every note—Macon, Georgia, where history, music, and hospitality play in perfect harmony. From soulful landmarks to one-of-a-kind museums and bold local flavors, Macon offers authentic experiences your travelers will love. With modern attractions, group-friendly venues, and a rhythm all its own, Macon makes every stop feel larger than life.

Planning a group getaway?

Start your journey today at VISITMACON.ORG/GROUPS

STORIED SITES S D

History is part of the appeal in these Southern meeting venues

Southern states are rich in history and heritage, making them desirable locations for meeting planners who want to host events at historical venues that will immerse attendees in bygone eras. Here are six historic Southern venues to consider for your next event.

By

HISTORIC BEALE STREET

Memphis, Tennessee

Established in 1841, Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, was a thriving area of Black commerce and culture around the time of the Civil War. After yellow fever hit Memphis in 1879, the population dwindled, and the city lost its charter. A formerly enslaved man acquired land in the area and helped restore the business community. Robert R. Church Park at Fourth and Beale honors him, and the park became a gathering place for blues musicians.

Many of the country’s most famous blues musicians performed on Beale Street, including W.C. Handy, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Louis Armstrong.

B.B. King’s Blues Club, which opened on Beale Street in 1991, can host groups of up to 400. Itta Bena, the speakeasy and restaurant upstairs, is named after King’s Mississippi hometown and can host seated dinners, cocktail parties or receptions for up to 150 guests.

Just off Beale Street, The Peabody Memphis hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. It has 80,000 square feet of event space for up to 2,000 guests.

The New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street, which opened as a movie theatre in 1937, was converted to a music venue in the 1980s. It can host groups of 500. The original Daisy Theatre across the street opened in 1913 and can accommodate 250 people for an event.

memphistravel.com

CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY

Frankfort, Kentucky

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. built a new kind of bourbon distillery in 1887 in Millville, Kentucky, just outside of Frankfort. Inspired by European architecture, it featured a castle, classical springhouse and a sunken garden. Prohibition shut down

the distillery in 1920, and the property changed owners several times over the next century.

In 2014, Will Arvin purchased the Old Taylor Distillery, which was in ruins, and restored it to its former glory. He named it Castle & Key Distillery, and it produces several spirits, including vodka, gin, rye whiskey and bourbon.

The distillery can host events for up to 200 guests. There is an approved list of caterers, and meeting groups are required to include the distillery’s spirits as part of their events. The Springhouse can be used for an outdoor cocktail hour for upwards of 500 guests, and attendees are encouraged to take a guided tour of the distillery as part of their event, learning about its history and how it distills different spirits. After the tour, they can participate in a formal tasting.

The property is located between Frankfort and Versailles, so it’s about a 40-minute drive from Lexington.

castleandkey.com

SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE

Columbus, Georgia

Built in 1871, Springer Opera House is about to celebrate its 155th season producing theater. It was originally built as a theater but morphed into a movie house then became a grocery store and a hotel. The Opera House has since returned to its roots and presents 14 theater shows from September to May. It also runs day camps in the summer offering improv, writing, musical theater and dance classes.

The building is 145,000 square feet. Emily Woodruff Hall seats 650, and the Dorothy McClure Theatre seats about 300. A banquet hall can seat 300 for a seated meal, and six studio spaces can be rented for breakout sessions. Springer Saloon is perfect for a dinner party of 75. The courtyard and veranda can also be reserved for smaller events. The Grand Lobby and Promenade can accommodate 100 seated guests.

The Opera House recently completed a $10.7 million capital campaign to build an open-air stage and park, boost its education program and upgrade its building. The outdoor theater should be completed by April and will be able to host 300 seated guests or 600 standing. springeroperahouse.org

TCHOUPITOULAS PLANTATION AT CEDAR GROVE

Waggaman, Louisiana

The Drouet family built Cedar Grove Plantation on the outskirts of New Orleans in 1790, just before the Louisiana Purchase. The plantation quickly became a large producer of sugar cane and rice. Because the home wasn’t protected by a levy, the family was forced to move it off the river four times. The last time it was moved, the bottom floor was taken off. Now it looks more like a farmhouse than a grand plantation home. The original family sold the property in 1948, and in the 1950s, a madam opened a brothel there. After going to jail in 1963, she decided to get out of the brothel business, so she opened Tchoupitoulas Plantation Restaurant. In 2006, owners of the property renovated the home and added a ballroom, buffet room and chapel to turn it into an event venue. The current owners, Patrick and Laura Higgins, offer a full-service event experience. Groups that book events receive an all-inclusive package with a scratch-made dinner and a dessert buffet, entertainment, tables, chairs, decor, linens, flowers and a full bar.

The facility sits on eight acres on the Mississippi River and can host up to 400 guests. The house is set up in a plantation style, and the pavilion can seat 160. In total, the plantation has 10,000 square feet of event space.

cgtplantation.com

LONGVIEW MANSION

Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Longview Farm in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was the country estate of Kansas City lumber baron and philanthropist R.A. Long. Longview Mansion and 50 other farm structures were built there in 1913 and 1914. The farm included a horse racetrack for 1,000 guests; giant greenhouses that produced prizewinning roses;

barns for cattle and hogs; a hotel for men; housing for employees; a church; a police and fire department; and a community newspaper.

The 22,000-square-foot mansion features 48 rooms, six fireplaces, 14 bedrooms and 10 baths. It was ahead of its time, outfitted with electricity, filtered water, steam heating and indoor plumbing.

Groups can rent out several different locations on the farm, including the first floor of the mansion, which was restored to its former glory in 2018. It can accommodate 270 for an event. The library can host groups of 60 to 70.

The mansion is surrounded by cultivated gardens, wooded sites and native prairie fields with quiet paths, gazebos and lake settings. The beautifully landscaped property has two outdoor ceremony locations for weddings: the Historic Sunken Garden and the West Lawn. The Pavilion is a permanent structure on the property that seats up to 270 guests.

longviewmansion.com

BERKELEY SPRINGS CASTLE

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

Berkeley Springs Castle was built by Samuel Taylor Suit for his wife, Rosa Pelham, in a time when many wealthy city dwellers were building vacation homes in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, to take advantage of the healing waters. Construction began in 1885, but after Suit died in 1888, the home wasn’t completed until 1891.

Over the years, the castle served as a private home, a retreat center, a museum and a boys’ camp. The castle has been owned by the Berkeley Castle Foundation since 2020 and is now used as an event venue and meeting space. There have been murder mystery parties, conferences and weddings held there. The 9,300-squarefoot castle was modernized and expanded over the years. In 2024, the foundation began offering guided tours of the castle.

When guests enter the castle, they emerge in the great hall, which has two large fireplaces, one on each end, a dining room and kitchen. Upstairs, there is an event room that can hold about 85 guests for a catered meal. The downstairs can accommodate 30 for a banquet at round tables. The foundation has a list of approved caterers. berkeleyspringscastle.com