Ask meeting and event planners why they choose Memphis and these are the answers you'll hear most frequently.
Ask meeting and event planners why they choose Memphis and these are the answers you'll hear most frequently.
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 venue has been awarded 9 times for outstanding service and design, all while hosting groups from futsal teams to the FBI. 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. (You can check out those accolades here).
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, and more than 5,000 additional rooms are in various stages of development through 2026. Memphis International Airport (MEM) debuted a $245M upgrade of its own in February 2022 (a major upgrade to Concourse B), and Liberty Park, a $200M sports and events hub in the heart of the city, is progressing. In fact, the Memphis Sports & Events Center just opened in December 2022 as part of Liberty Park's activation. The projects are part of a $20B wave of investment currently transforming Memphis. 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, Lonely Planet and USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice recently raved about Memphis' affordability: The latter ranked the city No. 1 for Best U.S. Destination on a Budget in May 2023. 2023 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.
Until you visit Memphis' Renasant Convention Center in person, tour our photo gallery and take a 360-degree tour.
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.
