We didn't write this list — planners did. Ask enough of them why they chose Memphis for their meeting or event, and these are the answers you'll hear over and over.
We didn't write this list — planners did. Ask enough of them why they chose Memphis for their meeting or event, and these are the answers you'll hear over and over.
1. MEMPHIS IS A MUSIC CITY LIKE NO OTHER.
In the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll, live music rocks seven nights a week from America's most iconic street (Beale) and legendary music attractions—from The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame and Sun Studio to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Elvis Presley's Graceland—welcome all. Even better, Memphis' musical landmarks and attractions double as meeting, event and breakout venues
2. MEMPHIS' FULLY TRANSFORMED RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER IS ALREADY AWARD-WINNING.
Since Memphis’ Renasant Convention Center debuted its $200M modernization in 2021, the accolades haven't stopped — most recently a fifth consecutive year on EXHIBITOR Magazine's Centers of Excellence list, back-to-back Northstar Stella Bronze Medals for Best Convention Center – Southeast (2024 and 2025), a 2025 Prime Site Award from Facilities & Destinations, and a 2025 ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award — all while hosting groups from futsal teams to the FBI. (You can check out those accolades here).
What can your group expect to discover onsite? A 118,000-SF, column-free exhibit hall, the largest in the region, with flexible space, natural light and mighty Mississippi River views. A 28,000-SF ballroom, an 18,000-SF secondary hall/ballroom, a 2,100-seat theater and 46 breakout rooms round out the 300,000-SF facility.
In Memphis, it's more than a meeting or event — it's an experience. Imagine the sounds and sights of the river city in this video, featuring the new Memphis Sports & Events Center, the fully transformed Renasant Convention Center and other only-in-Memphis venues.
3. THAT'S NOT ALL THAT'S NEW IN MEMPHIS...
2,000 new hotel rooms opened in Memphis between 2020 and 2022, with additional projects planned for the years ahead. Memphis International Airport (MEM) debuted a $245M upgrade to Concourse B in February 2022, and is now underway on its largest project yet — a full Terminal Modernization & Seismic Program built for long-term growth.
Liberty Park, a $200M+ sports and events hub in the heart of the city, has been open and hosting groups since the Memphis Sports & Events Center's December 2022 debut, with its next chapte, the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovation, that is on track to open for the 2026 football season. Two more major additions are landing this year: the Metal Museum's expanded Overton Park campus, with a 350-seat auditorium available for rentals, opens September 5, and the new Memphis Art Museum, a riverfront downtown campus with a rentable glass-walled theater, opens December 6. It's one of the most active stretches of new investment Memphis has seen in years. Learn more here.
4. STILL, MEMPHIS IS A VALUE FOR GROUPS.
Despite its development, Memphis offers groups a lower cost-per-attendee than other cities on the rise, thanks in part to reasonable airport transfers, average daily rate and food & beverage costs. In fact, In fact, Lonely Planet and USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice have raved about Memphis' affordability: the latter ranked the city No. 1 for Best U.S. Destination on a Budget in 2023, and U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Memphis among its Best Affordable Vacations in the U.S. for 2026. Research also shows that nightly hotel rates are 28% lower in Memphis when compared to the national average.
5. MEMPHIS IS EASY TO GET TO (AND AROUND).
Memphis' central location means we’re a short flight, drive or train ride from almost anywhere in the U.S. Traditional airlines as well as value carriers service 100 flights daily between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and 30 nonstop destinations, and Amtrak provides nonstop service to Memphis from Chicago and New Orleans. Once your delegates are here, they'll enjoy our compact, walkable downtown, plus fun and varied transportation options–all at reasonable prices.
WHAT PLANNERS ARE SAYING
6. MEMPHIS IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR PLANNERS.
Considering your budget isn't the only way that Memphis adds value for planners. The Memphis Tourism team works with planners every step of the way, from advocating for your vision to connecting you with local resources, whether you need logistics assistance or a local speaker in your vertical. Should you consider hosting your event at the Renasant Convention Center, it's managed by Memphis Tourism, making your job even easier. Together, Memphis Tourism and Renasant Convention Center have received ConventionSouth Media Group's Readers' Choice Award for six years running.
Tour our Renasant Convention Center photo gallery before you visit in person
Take a 360-degree tour of the Memphis' Renasant Convention Center
7. OF COURSE, MEMPHIS HAS MANY UNIQUE VENUES.
While everyone's talking about the new Renasant Convention Center, planners and delegates have been dazzled by the city's unique collection of meeting spaces and event venues for years – spaces from Elvis Presley's Graceland to one of the world's largest pyramids to Memphis Zoo. More on that here.
8. MEMPHIS IS ALSO KNOWN FOR DELICIOUS FOOD.
Maybe it's our Southern hospitality, but Memphis has a reputation for feeding its visitors well. Whether it's our world-famous barbecue, soul food or these casual and fine-dining favorites near the Renasant Convention Center, your delegates will remember the food as an endearing part of their Memphis experience.
