Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
COME DISCOVER TENNESSEE EXPERIENCES AND MEET ALL AT THE SAME TIME B Y C L E T U S R A M S E Y Whether you're planning a family vacation, a conference, a reunion or any- thing in between, the state of Tennessee is eager to accommodate your travel needs. With so many meeting venues, 5- star restaurants, 5-star hotels, museums, outdoor activities, live music venues and festivals — the only thing you'll be won- dering about Tennessee is how you'll fit it all in one trip. They say you don't know where you're going until you learn where you've been, and that saying rings true in Tennessee. The state is proud to be an essential part of African-American history. From histo- ry-making locations of the Civil Rights Movement to insightful national muse- ums, learn about the struggles and tri- umphs of African-Americans who helped shaped our country. • • MEMPHIS • • Welcome to the boutique meetings capital of the Southeast! Planners choose Memphis for its central loca- tion, affordability and customer serv- ice, among other amenities. If you've ever planned an event in Memphis, you might not recognize it the next time you see it. This river city is on the rise, with the fully trans- formed Renasant Convention Center, upgrades at Memphis International Airport and thousands of new hotel rooms (with more on the way). Plus, a transformative sports hub, Liberty Park, is being activated in the center of the city, starting with the grand opening of the Memphis Sports & Events Center. All in the boutique, yet affordable, destination of Memphis, the legendary home of blues, soul and rock 'n' roll — and recently named to Conde Nast Traveler's 23 Best Places to Go in 2023. From the riverfront convention center to unique off-site venues and an array of new sports facilities, Memphis meeting spaces are authen- tic and customizable. The Renasant Convention Center, Memphis largest meeting venue, can accommodate events of just about any size with its 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting, exhibit and pre- function space, 118,000 sq. ft. col- umn-free exhibit hall, 28,000 sq. ft. ballroom and 46 meeting rooms. Memphis is jam-packed with unique museums for just about every style, from history museums and art galleries to family-fun zones and, of course, collections devoted to their rich musical heritage. If you're plan- ning a trip to the Bluff City, check some of the best museums the city has to offer. Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum covers 400 years of civil and human rights history, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to human rights achievements today. • • NASHVILLE • • Music City has been a hit with meeting planners and delegates for decades, but expanded offerings and worldwide attention over the last few years have propelled Nashville to superstar status. With a work hard, play hard attitude, Nashville has per- fected the art of mixing business with pleasure. With two main convention centers offering a choice of an urban or resort setting, an outstanding array of hotels and additional meeting space, a multitude of unique venues and attractions for off-site functions, easy access by plane or car, and a depth of talented professionals with expertise in everything from transportation to sound and lighting, it's easy to pro- AREA GUIDES T E N N E S S E E National Civil Rights Museum • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis 227 Central Station by Hilton 123 Arrive Hotel 62 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Renasant Convention Center Total Meeting Space 300,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 118,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 28,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 46 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Memphis Tourism – (888) 633-9099 www.memphistravel.com photo credit: Charleston C.C B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 71 photo credit: Renasant CC