Scenic Chattanooga offers a rugged natural beauty, modern amenities and Southern charm, all from a convenient central location in the Southeast. Located at the crossroads of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, Chattanooga is just two hours away from major metropolitans such as Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham. Situated where three major interstate highways (I-24, I-75, and I-59) meet, the city is an easy destination for guests traveling by car. At the same time, the first-class Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport offers direct flights to eight major cities without the stress of huge crowds and long delays.
Throughout its revitalized downtown and waterfront district, Chattanooga offers a wealth of first-class attractions that can easily serve as the backdrop to a memorable event. Make a splash by renting out private space at the renowned Tennessee Aquarium, which offers facilities for groups as large as 1,000 people. Sip cocktails among the works of American artists such as Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt and Andy Warhol at the Hunter Museum of American Art, which offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. Or, invite guests to experience a piece of Southern history at the Gordon-Lee Mansion, the only building that was used during and survived the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863.
Certainly the headliner for meetings and conventions in the city is the modern Chattanooga Convention Center, which offers over 100,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, 21 meeting rooms and a 19,000-square-foot ballroom. Best of all, planners can take advantage of this versatile facility with a clear conscious, as the center is involved in an ever-growing process of being green. In addition to a comprehensive recycling program, the Chattanooga Convention Center's cutting edge day lighting efforts allow natural light to fill its spaces. This both creates a more productive atmosphere and reduces the need for artificial lighting.
The convention center's green initiatives are just a few of the many ways Chattanooga has made environmental sustainability a priority. The city has established 25 miles of walking paths that preserve the area's natural beauty and allow for alternative transportation routes. Chattanooga also offers a free electric bus service to provide eco-friendly transportation to major downtown attractions. Additionally, the city has launched a new program to plant 1,500 trees in the central business district, thereby doubling its tree canopy and reducing its carbon footprint. Such initiatives promise to make Chattanooga a healthier, more beautiful destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Chattanooga's economy is built upon manufacturing and service industries. The city is home to the headquarters of such companies as BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group, Access America Transport, and The Chattanooga Bakery – the one and only manufacturer of the iconic MoonPie. Chattanooga is also home to a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Tennessee Temple University and the University of Tennessee's College of Medicine.
