Southeast US Meeting & Event Planning City Guide

Artistic Asheville features the U. of North Carolina campus the site of a Civil War battle; meeting and event planning there includes Magnetic Theatre.

No more than 40 years old, Atlanta Perimeter Center is the metro edge of Atlanta; meeting and event planning programs can include the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center.

Planning meetings and events in Augusta often involves the verdant fairways of Augusta National Golf Club, but many other meeting venues are also brimming with gracious facilities and flowered landscapes.

Baltimore is both Edgar Allan Poe’s final resting place and the home of director John Waters; meeting and event planning in Baltimore include stellar sites like the National Aquarium.

Meeting and event planning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital, has been on the rise since Hurricane Katrina; venues include the Baton Rouge River Center.

Birmingham has many sites relating to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement; meeting and event planning includes the Carver Theater and Alys Stephens Center.

Known for its beautiful architecture and long waterfront, meeting and event planning in Charleston features good food and cultural activities, including the world-famous Spoleto Festival.

Meeting and event planning in Charleston offers the advantage of a variety of unique, historical venues amid the natural beauty of the Appalachians.

Charlotte, the Queen City, is the nation’s second-largest banking center (after the Big Apple); its meeting and event planning itinerary should include the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Meeting and event planning in Charlottesville combines the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, award-winning wineries and arts and culture – all within two hours from Washington, DC.

Chattanooga, the origin of the tow truck, no less, hosts a nine-day music festival, Riverbend; meeting and event planning includes Hunter Museum of American Art.

When planning meetings and events in Clarksburg, planners will discover small-town with big businesses – like the U.S. Small Business Administration and the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Two miles from the beach and a short drive from Tampa, Clearwater offers top facilities for meeting and event planning in Florida, including small downtown hotels, sprawling resorts and the Harborview Center.

Meeting and event planning in Columbia includes a blend of entertainment districts and special Columbia event venues like historic homes and antebellum mansions.

A Gulf Coast destination for sport fishing, golf, and designer outlet shopping, Destin is also a prime spot for planning meetings and events. Venues vary from upscale resorts to beachside restaurants.

The former base of Bull Durham Tobacco, Durham is now a major biotechnology, medicine and information technology center, and a popular setting for meeting and event planning in North Carolina.

A contemporary city that is overflowing with natural beauty, meeting and event planning in Florence comprises venues of the arts, culture and historical aspects of the Pee Dee region.

Ten million visitors a year flock to Fort Lauderdale, and it's not just for the beaches: business travelers find the city a convenient location for meeting and event planning thanks to new hotels and meeting venues.

Year-round sunshine and diversity of venues make meeting and event planning in Florida's Fort Myers a pleasure. As well as the mid-size hotel venues in Fort Myers itself, check out Cape Coral, Captiva Islands and Naples.

Meeting and event planning in Fort Smith is a real opener: the quantity and quality of large-scale meeting space will accommodate groups of up to 5,000, while the small-town American charm of its riverfront venues will delight them.

South Carolina's Greenville has more parks than skyscrapers, making it a beautiful, green destination for planning meetings and events. Host elegant receptions in Falls Park, with Liberty Bridge lit up in the background.

Meeting and event planning in Harrisonburg gives groups an instant historical immersion: the city is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as a designated Virginia Main Street Community.

Planning meetings and events in Huntsville is easy, thanks to its space center, lively events and easy commute to some of the hottest cities in the South, including Nashville, Birmingham and Chattanooga.

Slow down and escape from the craziness of Miami and Orlando by planning meetings and events in nearby Jacksonville. Affordability and accessibility are key selling points of this south Florida hotspot.

When planning meetings and events in Jonesboro, your best friend is Arkansas State University, which has some of the largest meetings infrastructure in the city. But also consider art galleries, restaurants and cultural attractions.

Within a day’s drive of over 50% of the nation’s population, Knoxville is the perfect place to consider when planning meetings and events. Venues range from historic Foundry on the Fair Site to the exotic Knoxville Zoo!

Meeting and event planning in Lafayette can take advantage of its unique French, Spanish and Caribbean heritage, which make it the hub of entertainment in the eight-parish Acadiana.

Located in the geographic center of the country, Little Rock boasts meeting and event planning that can include unique venues like the Arkansas Arts Center.

Historic antebellum buildings and entertainment venues, including the elegant Grand Opera House, are just some of the meeting and event planning options in Macon, the “Song and Soul of the South.”

The 1950s Rockabilly’s Diner and Graceland are just some of the unique meeting and event planning options in Memphis, a city immortalized for its rock and soul.

Miami, a multicultural metropolis with year-round warm weather, offers meeting and event planning options that range from large convention centers and hotels to cruises, gardens and museums.

Meeting and event planning in Mobile Alabama comprises modern accommodations and rich cultural history. Don’t miss visits to antebellum mansions and the Mardi Gras Museum.

Montgomery has versatile venues for meeting and event planning and unique cultural attractions such as Old Alabama Town outdoor history museum.

For those planning meetings and events, family-friendly Myrtle Beach offers sandy beaches, golf and impressive venues like Kingston Plantation.

When planning meetings and events in Nashville, definitely include visits to iconic landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry House and B.B. King’s Blues Club.

When planning meetings and events in New Orleans, don’t forget to consider visits to the top-rated Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the Americas.

For meeting and event planning, popular Norfolk offers a seaside setting, venues like the Waterside Convention Center and unique spots like the Tiffany Gallery.

With its renowned theme parks and impressive number of hotel rooms, convention-friendly Orlando makes it easy on those planning meetings and events.

For meeting and event planning personnel, especially for winter events, Panama City has one distinctly overwhelming advantage: 320 days of sunshine per year.

Meeting and event planning Pensacola features historical attractions, 52 miles of sugar-white beaches, a thriving arts scene and more than 40 different venues totaling over 150,000 square feet.

When meeting and event planning in Pine Bluff, planners set aside time to enjoy the natural scenery and amenities of this beautiful, mid-south destination. An afternoon on the links or bass-fishing tournament would be ideal.

Home of the state capitol and one of the country’s biggest research parks, Raleigh meeting and event planning pairs hospitality with top-shelf venues like the Raleigh Convention Center.

The strong history of Virginia’s capital city hasn’t held it back from forward progress, and those planning meetings and events in Richmond benefit from improvements like the downtown revitalization.

When planning meetings and events in Roanoke, try to incorporate views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are spectacular here. Venues that incorporate regional culture include urban facilities and nearby resorts.

Riverfront views, antebellum architecture, contemporary elegance--Savannah meeting and event planning can choose from the distinctive Telfair's Jepson Center or historic First City Club.

With a mix of Cajun flair and spirit, Shreveport meeting and event planning include the luxurious Southern Trace Country Club and the Hilton Shreveport Hotel.

With a lively culture, beautiful history and perfect weather, Tallahassee meeting and event planning include the Colonial-style Mission San Luis and the elegant Brokaw-McDougall Hall.

Waterfront views, warm weather and tropical flora all play a part in Tampa meeting and event planning. Be sure to check out the versatile A La Carte Event Pavilion or the historic Centro Asturiano de Tampa.

Virginia Beach’s strong tourism infrastructure translates to easy meeting and event planning. Venues range from contemporary art centers to an aquarium.

For meeting and event planning in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC offers historic waterfront venues in Alexandria and beautiful outdoor spaces in the West and East Potomac parks.

Meeting and event planning in Wilmington includes a number of facilities, first of which is the new Wilmington Convention Center. Other venues include Wilmington Railroad Museum and the USS North Carolina.

Alabama Gulf Coast, a barrier island of beaches, stretches from Florida through Gulf Shores to Fort Morgan; meeting and event planning here includes the Lighthouse Resort.

Meeting and event planning in Albany will uncover a host of pleasant surprises: unique meeting space, down-home eats and lingering traces of hometown hero, Ray Charles.

Consider meeting and event planning in Alexandria when you’re looking for destination with comfort food, Cajun flare and small-town charm. The city has more than 2,000 hotel rooms, plenty of meeting space and a central Ark-La-Tex location.

Meeting and event planning in Amelia Island is a different experience than in Southern Florida; theres an old Florida feel among the moss-draped oak trees and the Victorian seaport village.

When meeting and event planning in Auburn / Opelika, know that the golfers in the group will most likely to fall in love with this destination.

When meeting and event planning in BWI’s neighborhood, take advantage of the upscale communities that surround this very busy airport.

Boca Grande, on Gasparilla Island near Tampa, is known for its pristine beaches of beautiful shells; meeting and event planning includes the Gasparilla Inn & Club.

When meeting and event planning in Boca Raton, tell to pack your group to pack their best duds! They will be hobnobbing with the rich and famous in one of the U.S.’ oldest millionaires’ retreats.

Featuring a vibrant, tree-dotted downtown with galleries, boutique shops and restaurants, Bradenton meeting and event planning can be done on the mainland and on Anna Marie Island and Longboat Key.

When meeting and event planning in Bristol, Tennessee, make time for a visit to the Bristol Motor Speedway – one of the most popular on the NASCAR Circuit. Bluegrass music and Southern cooking add to the lure for groups.

When planning meetings and events in Cabarrus County, make sure your group loves NASCAR. If they do, then area attractions like Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway, and Concord Motorsports Park will make them happy, indeed.

Florida’s Cape Coral has 400 miles of waterfront; known simply as The Cape, its meeting and event planning offerings include the Cultural Park Theater.

Captiva Island, long a celebrity hangout, was once joined to Sanibel Island (before a 1926 storm wreaked havoc). Meeting and event planning choices include South Seas Island Resort.

Chapel Hill, home to the U. of North Carolina, is one corner of Research Triangle and a hotbed for music; meeting and event planning choices include the Coker Arboretum.

Made up of a diverse landscape of cities and towns, meeting and event planning in Charlotte Harbor ranges from luxury resorts to cozy cottages. The region is also full of unique shops and restaurants specializing in local seafood.

Chesapeake is nearby the historic Great Dismal Swamp, where Washington tried to make his fortune. Meeting and event planning offerings include the Chesapeake Planetarium.

Meeting and event planning is better on the beach – so why not Clearwater Beach on Florida's sandy shores? Arrange lunch on a cruise boat or host team-building in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

While meeting and event planning in Columbus, an army town since 1908, may seem limited, the facts indicate that this Georgia town along the famed Chattahoochee River has many big-town flourishes.

Meeting and event planning in Columbus is like finding a vintage Southern town, with its architecture intact, replete with down-home charm.

Meeting and event planning in Dothan (known as the "peanut capital of the world") holds many surprises, including great golf, comfort food, and the National Peanut Festival.

The Dali Museum and Mirror Lake Lyceum are just two of Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida's venues for meeting and event planning; bayside hotels and the Baywalk complex's gourmet restaurants are other top options.

When planning meetings and events in Fort Walton Beach, bring your sunglasses! The white-sand beach (actually made of quartz crystals) is blindingly beautiful on a sunny day.

Meeting and event planning in Franklin, the seat of Williamson County, is made easy by big neighbor Nashville. Air access, entertainment and natural beauty? No problem.

Home to the University of Florida, meeting and event planning in Gainesville begins with its college town ambiance but quickly expands to natural attractions like waterways, waterfalls and pine forests.

Anyone planning meetings and events in Richmond should consider venues in Glen Allen, an upscale district 15 miles away – particularly its Dominion Club with rotunda, amphitheater, golf course and lakeside lawn.

Greensboro is a clean, environmentally aware city for planning meetings and events in North Carolina. Its attractive location on the Eastern seaboard is enhanced by a recent revamp of the city's historic downtown district.

To those planning meetings and event in Greenville, the chief advantages are its commercial, cultural and medical industries of the region, as well as being home to East Carolina University.

Easy access makes Gwinnett a convenient choice for planning meetings and events in Georgia. Within Atlanta's metro area, it is served by four major interstate highways as well as Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Meeting and event planning in Hagerstown, where a plethora of Civil war battlefields and cultural activities crossroads of the Civil War, can be found, is a fascinating experience for groups that enjoy history.

Meeting and event planning in Hampton, a charming town with a laid-back waterfront, can be pure relaxation paired with history. The area is known for having a longstanding naval tradition, as well as being family-friendly.

Home to the University of Southern Mississippi and Camp Shelby (a major training site for National Guard and Reserve units), Hattiesburg meeting and event planning attracts those who relish small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities.

Meeting and event planning in Hilton Head (named for an English sea captain) is simple: nearly everything is within walking distance – especially the links.

Meeting and event planning in Hot Springs, the Southeast’s value destination for meetings and conventions, is always easy. This traditional resort town boasts a host of space and unique attractions.

When they're ragin' for Cajun, then planning meetings and event in Houma can really fit the bill. From plantations and bayou shack to Mardi Gras celebrations, Houma's the place.

Meeting and event planning in Inner Harbor, the heart of Baltimore hospitality, is where some of the most amazing venues like National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center, are found.

Meeting and event planning in Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, naturally benefits from the flow of business that it part of government, but amenities, such as a well appointed convention center and lip-smacking Southern fare, are also welcome.

Meeting and event planning in Jackson is easy, thanks to the city’s well-appointed meeting hotels and two expansive multi-purpose meeting facilities.

Planning meetings and events at Mile 0 in Key West isn’t for everybody. Best known for its laid-back, weird vibe, this island paradise forces groups to kick off the shoes, crack open a crab and tip back a beer.

Golf and tennis fans should look no further while meeting and event planning. Kiawah Island, a 13.5 square-mile plot, boasts luxurious and affluent offerings including the AAA 5 Diamond Sanctuary Hotel.

Meeting and event planning in Kingsport, where groups can enjoy outdoor activities with modern amenities, is readily accessible from three states: Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.

Meeting and event planning in Lake Charles means plenty of opportunities to celebrate Cajun-style. From Mardi Gras to a 12-day pirate blowout, groups can learn what it means to party like you mean it.

Situated as it is approximately 25 minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort complex, 45 minutes from downtown Orlando, and 35 minutes from downtown Tampa, Lakeland offers a powerful advantage for family friendly meeting and event planning.

When planning meetings and event in Lynchburg, planners often showcase the area’s beauty (between the Blue Ridge Mountain and the James River), as well as its accessibility to DC, Raleigh and Richmond.

Meeting and event planning in Marco Island, along the Gulf of Mexico, is can be beautiful and serene experience. Attendees will enjoy the delicious and plentiful seafood and superb sunsets.

Bounded by New Orleans and Mobile, the Mississippi Gulf Coast shouldn’t be overlooked for meeting and event planning; consider the beaches, fresh seafood and golf.

Planning meetings and events in Naples is great: Stunning beaches, world-class golf and fine dining for those, plus proximity to Everglades National Park.

Meeting and event planning in Newport News (part of the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area) offers ample opportunities to savor seafood and enjoy unique Newport News attractions, some of which double as fantastic private meeting spaces.

The North Georgia area provides abundant recreational opportunities for planning meetings and events, plus accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to cozy cabins.

When meeting and event planning in Ocean City, take advantage of the natural environment for team building and beach Olympics, and have opportunities for accompanying families to join in.

Between the sea and the Everglades, Palm Beach meeting and event planning benefits from its 100-year history as a leisure destination…and 47 miles of beaches.

From its beautifully restored 19th century homes in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, meetings and event planning in Parhersburg combines top-notch meeting venues in a scenic destination where convention groups can meet and play.

Take flight with event and meeting planning in Peachtree City. Local venues include the Dixie Wing, which can host events amid rare WWII-era fighter aircraft.

Meeting and event planning in Portsmouth, one of the cities of Virginia's Hampton Roads coast, offers accessibility, fascinating historical venues and up-to-date amenities.

When meeting and event planning in Rock Hill, planners can choose from a wealth of traditional meeting and events facilities, including historic homes and elaborate ballrooms.

Meeting and event planning in Salisbury can mean immersion in small-town festivities like the annual Delmarva Chicken Festival or other outdoor activities where groups can will enjoy the beautiful environs.

Sarasota is Florida's cultural coast with stunning beaches and sophisticated attractions; here, meeting and event planning include the expansive John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the bayfront Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

When meeting and event planning in Smithfield, rally the group around the Ava Gardner Museum, Smithfield’s most famous resident. And don’t forget to have a little barbecue.

Meeting and event planning in South Walton offers the advantage of 26 miles of sugar-white sand beach, turquoise waters and 15 distinct beachside neighborhoods. Venues in South Walton can cater to groups of up to 1,600.

With a blend of historic elegance and modern conveniences, St. Augustine offers meeting and event planning in top-notch resorts like Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village and Marriott Sawgrass Resort and Spa.

White sandy beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, beautiful sunny weather--St. Pete Beach meeting and event planning can choose a stay at Don Cesar Beach Resort or a cruise on Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise.

With a blend of Mediterranean-style and modern attractions, St. Petersburg offers meeting and event planning in beautiful locations like Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club and Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront hotel.

Sulphur meeting and event planning is not complete without hitting the trail - either the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail or the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail.

Planning meeting and events in Tuscaloosa, where business friendliness is a civic characteristic, is made easier by a host of university conference centers, more than 40 hotels and inns and a variety of stunning historic special event venues.

Home to two dynamic entertainment and retail districts, West Palm Beach meeting and event planning comprises venues among palm-lined avenues, waterfront panoramas, museums and a vibrant cultural scene.

Wheeling meeting and event planning features attractions that will captivate convention guests and their families, such as Capitol Theatre, which offers Broadway musicals, symphony performances, movies and everything in between.

A popular tourist destination (welcoming four million visitors annually), meeting and event planning in Williamsburg includes 17 conference venues that are used to hosting policy and upper echelon corporate meetings.

Meeting and event planning in Winston-Salem? Take advantage of vintage venues and cultural attractions, in addition to the excellent dedicated meeting space.

Bluefield meeting and event planning combines historic venues, excllent dining and easy access to and from this southern gateway.

Meeting and event planning in Sandy Springs allows groups to enjoy Atlanta without all the big-town bustle. International access is a breeze, thanks to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.