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28 B M & T ••• July/August 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BUILT FOR STRATEGY. DESIGNED FOR BIG IDEAS Savannah is famed for its cobble- stone streets, oak-draped squares and undeniable hospitality that lingers long after you've left. But now, the city is making waves for something else entire- ly: the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center. Officially open and welcoming groups from around the world, this riverfront venue blends his- toric beauty with modern functionality in a way only Savannah can. With 660,000 square feet of flexible space, the center is built to host events of all sizes, from intimate board meetings to large-scale conventions. It now features a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, two grand ballrooms (25,000 and 40,000 square feet), 27 meeting rooms, and five fully equipped executive boardrooms. The 367-seat auditorium offers built-in AV, comfortable tiered seating, and acoustics that make keynote addresses and live performances equally impactful. One of the most talked-about fea- tures? A 58-foot hangar door that opens directly to sweeping riverfront views, creating a striking backdrop for recep- tions, product launches, and hybrid indoor-outdoor gatherings. Attendees can seamlessly transition between meetings and rest thanks to 403 connected hotel rooms and a 900- space parking garage steps away. Accessibility continues with Savannah's new hybrid ferries—the Juliette Gordon Low II and Susie King Taylor II offer free, ADA-compliant service every 10 minutes between the convention center and downtown Savannah. New to the center are three public retail dining outlets designed to elevate the guest experience: Savannah Bean at the Brick, a cozy coffee concept The Port, a stylish wine bar The Hangar, an open-concept space perfect for casual bites or informal net- working Recently, Savannah hosted the 2025 CEO Summit presented by Destinations International, where industry leaders experienced the expansion firsthand. "From the moment we arrived, the warmth, pride, and professionalism of Visit Savannah's team and partners were evident at every turn," said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International. "The venues were excep- tional and the hospitality—at every stop—was simply unmatched. Savannah's unique charm and beautiful azaleas were on full display, and it left a lasting impression on all of us." Beyond the square footage and river views, what truly sets this venue apart is the people behind it. The Visit Savannah sales team works closely with planners to deliver a smooth, personalized experi- ence from day one. Their attention to detail and deep local connections help bring events to life in memorable, mean- ingful ways. Whether you're planning a trade show, conference, or executive retreat, the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center offers the space, service, and setting to make it unforgettable. Learn more at SavannahMeet- ings.com. C E N T E R O F A T T E N T I O N Savannah Convention Center