With destinations known for Nascar, an appealing year-round climate, and a rich Civil Rights history, the South has a wide array of options to entice meeting planners and their guests. These locations offer ample meeting space to get down to business, as well as unique activities—think music festivals in Birmingham, Alabama, and a visit to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach, Florida—to keep attendees engaged in their downtime.
Back to the 25 Best Smaller Markets for Meetings list
Population: 65,000
If You Were Considering: Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta; Nashville
Known For: The one-of-a-kind Liberty Bridge, which is supported by a single suspension cable and cantilevered toward a waterfall; the Blue Ridge Mountains; traditional Southern charm
Largest Meeting Space: The TD Convention Center—one of the area’s largest meeting spaces—features 280,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, and 2,000 hotel rooms within four miles.
Transport: Located 13 miles from downtown, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is served by five major airlines. The city is 1.5 hours from Charlotte and 2.5 hours from Atlanta.
Who's Met There: SYNNEX Corporation; N.C.A.A.
Selling Point: Greenville has been referred to as “the new Austin” due to its dining scene that now stands at more than 110 restaurants representing at least 27 countries. The city is also affordable and has plenty of hiking and biking options.
Population: 150,000
If You Were Considering: New Orleans; Tampa; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta; Orlando
Known For: Its beauty and old-school charm; the riverfront; coastal cuisine; horse-drawn carriages, quaint cobblestone streets, manicured parks, and tree canopies
Largest Meeting Space: The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center offers a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 367-seat auditorium.
Transport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is served by four major commercial airlines and a couple of regional carriers. The destination is also served by Amtrak.
Who's Met There: National Association of Counties; National Agricultural Aviation Association; International Association of Emergency Managers
Selling Point: Savannah is home to the nation’s largest historic district. Recognized as one of the country’s most walkable cities, visitors will find some 300 shops, restaurants, pubs, tours, and attractions within a one-square-mile area.
Did You Know? Tybee Island, a nearby barrier island and small city, boasts the state’s oldest, tallest lighthouse.
Population: 212,000
If You Were Considering: Atlanta; Nashville; Memphis; Louisville, Kentucky
Known For: Barber Motorsports Park and Museum, which was recently named a national monument; Vulcan Park and Museum; University of Alabama at Birmingham; its Civil Rights past
Largest Meeting Space: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex has more than 320,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, plus a theater, an arena, and a concert hall.
Transport: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, 10 minutes from downtown, is home to four major airlines operating 114 flights daily to 26 airports.
Who's Met There: National Speech and Debate Association; National Senior Games; Premier Shows
Selling Point: Birmingham is centrally located in the South and is quite affordable. Local chefs regularly draw the attention of the James Beard Foundation Awards; Food & Wine recently announced a move to the city from New York. Music festivals also take place year-round.
Population: 60,000
If You Were Considering: Orlando; Tampa; Atlanta
Known For: Daytona International Speedway, home to Nascar’s Daytona 500 race
Largest Meeting Space: The Ocean Center has more than 200,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting space, and is 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean.
Transport: Daytona Beach International Airport provides nonstop service to Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York on three major commercial carriers. For drivers, the city is just off of I-95 and I-4.
Who's Met There: International Conference & Expo on Advanced Ceramics & Composites; America Outdoors Association/Outdoor Expo; Shriners Imperial Session
Selling Point: Visitors can see the Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Upcoming hotels include Delta by Marriott Daytona Beach, the Hard Rock Hotel, and an upgraded Hilton Daytona Beach.
Population: 114,000
If You Were Considering: Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta
Known For: Good climate year-round; water and land tours
Largest Meeting Space: The Wilmington Convention Center is the largest center on the state’s coast. It holds as many as 2,000 people.
Transport: Delta and American Airlines serve Wilmington International NC Airport, which has direct flights from New York, Washington, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. East-west artery I-40 leads to Wilmington.
Who's Met There: Ironman North Carolina; FedCon; North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs
Selling Point: The city combines historic charm with modern design, plus new attractions and pedestrian access to entertainment and shops.
Did You Know? Staples of Wilmington, like the Cotton Exchange, are on the Riverwalk.
