Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541144
10 B M & T ••• November/December 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com H O T E L H A P P E N I N G S SAVANNAH CONVENTION CENTER BREAKS GROUND ON SIGNIA BY HILTON HOTEL, EXPECTED TO OPEN IN 2028 From L-R: Mark Smith, Board Chairman, Georgia World Congress Center Authority; Joe Marinelli, Savannah- Georgia Convention Center Authority Board Member; Bert Brantley, Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority Board Member; Ron Stephens; Chairman of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, Georgia House of Representatives; Mayor Van R. Johnson II, City of Savannah; Doug Songy, Chairman and Co-founder, Songy Highroads; Gary Steffen, senior vice president and global category head, Hilton; Doug Gehret, senior vice president, U.S. and Canada Operations, Hilton; Kelvin Moore, General Manager, Savannah Convention Center; Kevin Duvall, Chief Executive Officer, Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Credit: Gray Focus Media The Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority and global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) recently broke ground on the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah, expected to debut in mid-2028. Owned by SGCCA and developed in partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), which also manages the Savannah Convention Center, the hotel will serve as the Savannah Convention Center's headquarters hotel and will be managed by Hilton. Following the highly successful 2024 opening of Signia by Hilton Atlanta, Signia by Hilton Savannah builds on the brand's Georgia expansion and will bring a premier hotel directly to the convention center's growing riverfront cam- pus. The property marks the debut of Hilton's approachable luxury meetings-and-events-focused brand in Savannah and is poised to redefine the guest experience for both leisure and business travelers. "Today is a grand day for Savannah, Chatham County, and the State of Georgia," said SGCCA Board Chairman Mark Smith. "This hotel will ensure that our Convention Center will perform at maximum capacity augmenting our vibrant tourism industry and creating upward mobility and prosperity for all." "Signia by Hilton Savannah's signing and groundbreaking represents an integral milestone as we continue to expand our presence across Georgia where Hilton currently wel- comes travelers at approximately 270 hotels," said Amy King, vice president, luxury & mixed-use development, Hilton. "We are honored to partner with Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority to introduce the city's first Signia property in the heart of Low Country and contribute to the city's con- tinued tourism growth." "The addition of the new Signa by Hilton Savannah, along with the recently expanded Savannah Convention Center and three new hybrid ferry's transporting attendees back and forth across the Savannah River, all help to make Savannah one of the most unique convention experiences in the coun- try. This all adds up to being a game-changer package and giv- ing all planners a new destination to explore," said Joseph Marinelli, President & CEO, Visit Savannah Songy Highroads and Matthews Southwest Hospitality are co-developers of Signia by Hilton Savannah. The property will offer more than 34,000 square feet of world-class meeting space which includes a 13,000 square foot ballroom, five food and beverage outlets, an outdoor pool and Club Signia, a pre- mium offering for guests that elevates the entire stay. The hotel reflects the Signia brand's signature blend of modern elegance, elevated amenities, and seamless service. It will be directly connected to the convention center, offering guests immediate access to one of the Southeast's most dynamic venues for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. "Breaking ground on our second Signia by Hilton in Georgia marks a defining step forward for the brand's growth in the Southeast," said Meghan Fitzgerald, brand leader, Signia by Hilton. "Savannah's rich heritage and vibrant ener- gy make it an ideal setting for this elevated hospitality expe-