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Birmingham, Alabama City Guide

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Birmingham Meeting Planning

Birmingham Skyline

Birmingham's unique mix of Southern charm and character, paired with its reputation as the cultural mecca of Alabama, makes this city one of the finest meeting locales in the South. Adding to its appeal is the rebirth of Birmingham's downtown, where about one billion dollars are being invested to develop a 24-hour mixed-use district. To top it off, Birmingham offers it all while remaining the self-described Most Affordable City in the South.

Also lending to Birmingham's reputation as a world-class meeting locale is the impressive Birmingham-Jefferson Convention ComplexBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. From the 220,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall to the 10-story Medical Forum facility, the complex's six venue options are equipped to handle events of all types and sizes. The convention complex also features the on-site 770-room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, the largest hotel in the state of Alabama.

Though the Birmingham-Jefferson Complex may occupy a large piece of the city's meeting space, it manages to offer a stunning number of additional event venues. Planners in search of traditional facilities can make the most of the 13,000-square-foot Bessemer Civic Center, just 20 minutes from the airport, or the 2,400-square-foot Park West Conference & Meeting Center, ideal for formal functions. The 110,000-square-foot Alabama State Fairgrounds have been hosting sports and entertainment events in the area since 1892. Conference centers such as the Carraway-Davie House and Conference Center and the Cahaba Grand Conference Center are also prime options for receptions, banquets, galas and more.

Downtown Birmingham

Also dotted throughout the city are a number of unique attractions that create a distinctive ambiance for events and meetings. One of the most popular cultural sites in the city, the Birmingham Museum of Art features stunning private event spaces, including the Terrace Café and elegant 8th Avenue Lobby, which together accommodate up to 650 guests. Get back to nature at the 10-acre Vulcan Park and Museum, which features both indoor and outdoor event facilities. Or, host events for up to 1,000 people amidst a backdrop of over 900 vintage and modern motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

Birmingham's major industries include manufacturing, banking, insurance, medicine, publishing and biotechnology. The city serves as headquarters for such corporations as Alabama Aircraft Industries, Inc., Saks, Inc., Books-A-Million, Inc., and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Higher learning also holds a strong presence in the city, as Birmingham is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Southeastern Bible College and Samford University, among others.

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About Birmingham / Additional Info

Birmingham Skyline

Nestled in Jones Valley, Birmingham is one of the southernmost cities on the Appalachian Chain, flanked by long parallel mountain ranges, rolling valleys and ambling streams. Founded in 1871 at the crossing of two railroad lines, the city blossomed through the early 1900s as it rapidly became the South's foremost industrial center. In fact, its rapid growth during led to its nickname as "The Magic City." However, by mid-20th century, Birmingham's legendary iron and steel mills were gradually replaced by a work force of medical and engineering professionals, who now make up the over one million residents of the greater metropolitan area.

The traditional heart of Birmingham's downtown is an 85-square-block zone encompassing an interesting blend of architectural periods and styles. Early 1900s skyscrapers are within view of their striking contemporary counterparts, and quiet neighborhoods are nestled in the woods just minutes away. On a plateau between Red Mountain and the city center is one of Birmingham's most celebrated historic neighborhoods, Five Points South. Here, an intriguing collection of architectural styles, including Spanish Baroque and Art Deco, shine in a mix of old and new buildings brought to life by more than a dozen restaurants and bars, specialty shops, a hotel and a theater.

Birmingham's modern history, most notably its role in the Civil Rights Movement, can also be experienced at a number of city attractions. The renowned Birmingham Civil Rights Institute invites guests to experience the drama and spirit of the Civil Rights Movement through replicas of segregated facilities and historic artifacts. Across the street at the 16th Street Baptist Church, visitors learn about the impact of the bombing that occurred here in 1963, killling four black girls. Statues and the circular "Freedom Walk" at Kelly Ingram Park, location of numerous organized boycotts in protests during the 60s, commemorate famous leaders and events of the movement.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Course

Guests can also experience Birmingham's outdoors in a different light by partaking in one of several recreation options. Known for its gorgeous golf courses, the city's Oxmoor Valley Golf Course is part of the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, while the Greystone Country Club hosts Bruno's Memorial Classic Senior PGA tournament each April. Mountain bike or hike the trails of Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park, or picnic among native flora and fauna at the 1,000-acre nature preserve at Ruffner Mountain. Kick things up a notch by catching a race at the Talladega Super Speedway, home to two major NASCAR events each year.

Despite an affinity for history and the outdoors, make no mistake: Birmingham is a city that knows how to let loose. In fact, the city is home to a number of nationally recognized dining and nightlife venues. Enjoy drinks and sandwiches at the kitschy Garage Café, named one of the top 10 bars in the world by GQ magazine. Highlands Bar and Grill has been top-ranked by Gourmet, while Hot and Hot Fish Club is one of Bon Appetit's Great Neighborhood Restaurants of the South. From Southern favorites to international fare, Birmingham's cuisine is sure to be a savory finish to a sweet visit.