Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/244474
•Pg_68-82__BMT_pg86-162 1/9/14 1:23 AM Page 74 AREA GUIDES CHATTANOOGA THE "RIVER CITY" HAS WHAT YOU NEED BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Chattanooga is one of the South's top travel destinations. In fact, the New York Times named Chattanooga, TN one of the "Top 45 Places to go" in the World. Only four US destinations were named and the Scenic City was the only place outside of California. And it's no wonder. Tucked between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the beautiful Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America's most breathtaking cities. But that's just the beginning of what the Scenic City has to offer. There's a world of outdoor adventure, amazing restaurants, live events, art and world-class attractions waiting for you here. Past and current meeting planners remark on the "Chattanooga Experience" of personal attention from the city's detail-oriented team that leaves atten- dees and planners happy they choose Chattanooga and eager to return. This Tennessee location is centrally located in the Southeast. Bordering Georgia and Alabama, Chattanooga is within two hours of Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham. The Chattanooga Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown, offers 185,000 sq. ft. of function space. Column free exhibit area totals 100,800 sq. ft. in four halls. There are 21 meeting rooms ranging in size from 812 to 1,800 sq. ft. that can be configured to spaces ranging in size from 1,624 to 5,400 sq. ft. The 19,000-sq. ft. ballroom can be divided into six equal sections. Pre-function space is at 40,000 sq. ft. and there are 11 loading docks. This venue is the first center in the nation to incorporate "day lighting" technology. This technology allows sunlight to filter in through 30-ft. ceiling openings and complement the building's artificial light. This lighting has proven "mood-enhancing" capabilities. High-speed Internet access and networking capabilities are available for conventions, trade shows, and meetings. Also located in Chattanooga, for smaller to medium size meetings, The Renaissance Center offers 7,500 sq. ft. of spectacular space, state-of-the-art sound system, fireplaces, outdoor pagoda and much more for all your social and business functions. The Chattanooga Marriott Hotel with 342 rooms and 7,712 sq. ft. of meeting space physically adjoins the Chattanooga Convention Center. There are an additional 1,650 hotel rooms closely surrounding the convention center in the downtown area. The convention center is also serviced by the free electric shuttle route, which includes access to restaurants, attractions, shopping outlets and much more. Multicultural groups will not only find plenty to do at the traditional attractions Night time image of downtown Chattanooga 74 B M & T ••• November/December 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Credit: Robert Hainer