From the Appalachian Mountains west to the Mississippi River, Tennessee covers some of the most breathtaking, and music-filled, ground in the country. This leisure tourism and meetings-friendly standby is indeed chock-full of gorgeous landscapes, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as distinctive music scenes in cities from Memphis to Nashville.
Of course, Tennessee also provides planners with all the necessary amenities to equal a successful group event, including airlift, a variety of convention facilities and an abundance of attractions that double as off-site venues for memorable group gatherings.
Memphis
Known for its musical offspring such as Elvis Presley and Isaac Hayes, and as one of the country’s barbecue capitals, Memphis also prides itself as an accessible and vibrant city for group events.
“Most planners recognize Memphis is a cool city with a great vibe, but most also tell us they didn’t realize we have so much to offer,” says J. John Oros Jr., executive vice president and COO of the Memphis CVB, citing more than 50 uniquely Memphis attractions, including Graceland, Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum. “Plus, we have a sizzling nightlife and live blues music can be heard in most every bar and club throughout the city. From a destination marketing organization perspective, Memphis continues to be an impressive overall convention package.”
Many of the city’s popular attractions are also its most sought-after venues for group events.
For starters, Graceland is a must-visit national treasure for any group convening in Memphis. It’s not only one of Tennessee’s main attractions, according to Oros, but also a great choice for everything from an intimate corporate retreat to a larger convention. Planners can count on Graceland’s special events department to create a most memorable event complete with the magic of Elvis.
The late Mr. Presley has a bit in common with everyone’s favorite web-footed critter, as another of the city’s traditions is the daily duck walk at the Peabody Memphis. The historic hotel acts as a terrific group venue, featuring more than 80,000 square feet of function space as well as banquet and catering services.
Meanwhile, music—along with more Elvis memorabilia—is on the agenda at the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, dedicated to some of the nation’s greatest melody-makers. Groups can use the venue for receptions, dinners and other events.
Two other renowned Memphis cultural institutions are also top spots for off-site events: the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968; and the Pink Palace Museum, located in a grand 1920s mansion and featuring an IMAX theater and planetarium.
Nashville
Like Memphis, Tennessee’s capital is quite proud of its musical heritage. Nicknamed “Music City,” Nashville boasts a wide variety of genres for visiting groups to enjoy, including bluegrass, gospel, rock, pop and classical. The Nashville CVB is the right place to start with questions regarding incorporating music into a meeting agenda.
“We want people to have an authentic ‘Music City’ experience when they visit,” says Kay Witt, senior vice president of sales at the Nashville CVB.
Of course, she adds, country music is most often identified with Nashville. It’s the home of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and more. And all of these can be used as off-site venues for group events.
The Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years, and the Opry House, the current home of the Grand Ole Opry, are both very popular sites, Witt says. Both accommodate private, scaled-down Opry shows as well as backstage tours. Groups can also use the stages for seated meals or standing receptions.
“It is a true Nashville experience to stand on the same stage as some of the biggest names in music history,” Witt says.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another fabulous venue option. Its downtown location is convenient to hotels, restaurants and other attractions. According to Witt, delegates can tour the museum, have dinner in the rotunda that houses the actual Hall of Fame, enjoy a private concert from a Nashville songwriter, and even help the songwriter pen a new tune.
Another unique option for groups to enjoy is “The Great Debate: Fiddle vs. Violin,” Witt says, explaining that the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, home to the Grammy award-winning Nashville Symphony and situated across the street, team up to show off the great musical diversity Nashville has to offer. Guests can enjoy a private show at both venues in one night, she adds.
Many planners have also taken advantage of Nashville’s vibrant nightlife when entertaining their groups. Nashville’s world-famous honky tonks can be rented out for private events or planners can work with the Nashville CVB to create a special “party pass” that will allow delegates to enjoy live entertainment at several of downtown’s most popular clubs.
“Nashville is a one-of-a-kind city that offers a truly unique and authentic experience to all who visit,” Witt says. “The city’s off-site venues are more than just places to house a meeting or event. They have a history and personality that evoke a sense of awe and set the stage, so to speak, for a successful meeting.”
Chattanooga
A centrally located Southeast charmer, Chattanooga is filled with an array of restaurants, unique shops and family-friendly attractions, all within a walkable and safe downtown, according to Steve Genovesi, vice president of sales and marketing at the Chattanooga Area CVB.
“Most weekends are filled with tourists coming from Atlanta, Nashville and other nearby locations,” he says. “The number of unique off-site venues has tripled in the last few years, and they are all within very close proximity to major hotels and the convention center.”
One idea Genovesi suggests to planners is to take advantage of Chattanooga’s fine-dining establishments, many of which have private rooms that accommodate up to 100 people. He says it’s the CVB’s pleasure to coordinate off-site dine-arounds that incorporate up to 15 restaurants and pubs all situated nearby one another.
The Tennessee Aquarium, a shining star on the state’s map of attractions, can accommodate up to 1,500 people in both its River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings. In the themed rooms of these buildings, delegates mingle with the likes of penguins and alligators, and also enjoy stunning views of the Chattanooga riverfront and Lookout Mountain.
“The social at the aquarium gave our members a chance to network with each other, resulting in the exchange of ideas and the potential for collaborative conservation efforts,” says David Aborn, local coordinator for the 2,000-person international event welcoming members from the Society for Conservation Biology and Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society. “At the same time, having a social event at the aquarium gave members of those groups a chance to see conservation efforts going on in this area, and to enjoy one of the centerpieces of Chattanooga.”
Genovesi adds that some groups have combined outings to the Tennessee Aquarium with a dine-around.
“For example, one group did appetizers at the aquarium and then spilled out to do the dine-around,” he says.
Another fine option for off-site events is the Hunter Museum of American Art, which houses the largest collection of American art in the Southeast and can hold parties for up to 300 people, complete with stunning views of the Tennessee River.
The bottom line, Genovesi says, is that planners who choose Chattanooga for a meeting will save money on transportation costs because of the proximity of key hotels to many off-site event venues.
“Plus, these venues provide automatic themes, so planners won’t have to dress up the venue and spend money on props,” he says.
Knoxville
Knoxville is a bustling and handsome river city with an abundance of great restaurants, museums, shopping opportunities and sports, according to Kim Paul, senior vice president of sales and marketing at the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation (KTSC).
“It’s a warm, welcoming place with its own distinctive history and a spirited arts community, and it’s blessed with the natural beauty of the Tennessee River and Great Smoky Mountains,” she says, adding that Knoxville also has a bunch of attractions that act as unique off-site venues for groups. “In Knoxville you can find art, fun, history or sports. We have a little bit of everything to enhance a special off-site event.”
One of the more popular venues for off-sites, Paul says, is the World’s Fair Park and Sunsphere. Constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere recently reopened to the public and offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of Knoxville from more than 200 feet above the city’s historic World’s Fair Park.
“The 74-foot bronze sphere is truly one of the state’s most unique structures,” Paul says.
A planner might also consider the Knoxville Zoo for an off-site dinner engagement known as “Feast with the Beast,” or plan a water excursion via an old-fashioned Tennessee riverboat or luxury yacht.
“You could also deliver a show of great magnitude on the ‘reception stage’ of the Tennessee or Bijou theaters,” Paul says.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, the Tennessee Theatre is considered a jewel of historic Knoxville, located in the heart of downtown. The Bijou Theatre, considered the best-sounding room in Knoxville, has an atmosphere that perfectly suits live music and the performing arts. Aside from providing a splendid backdrop for off-site gatherings, visitors can check out each theater’s calendar of events, including classical music, vintage films, dance, plays and performances by today’s hottest musicians.
“A group’s experience can be whatever the planner wants it to be in Knoxville,” Paul says. “The KTSC can take the preparation work and planning for the off-site to a new level and assist with the whole event in a turn-key fashion.”
Smoky Mountains Region
Gatlinburg has many fine attributes for group attendees to enjoy, including eclectic shops, restaurants and unique attractions.
“But most of all, visitors refer to the views that surround the city,” says Sharon Rinehart, director of sales at the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, citing the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers a plethora of outdoor activities ranging from hiking and fishing to horseback riding. “Gatlinburg is a great destination for groups of all ages and interests. It’s a place where you can relax and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul.”
Located just inside the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alongside the tranquil LeConte Creek, Twin Creeks Pavilion is one off-site venue where delegates can commune with nature, relax and refresh, according to Rinehart. It offers picnic-style seating for up to 150 people.
“Attendees can feast on a barbecue prepared on an available charcoal grill or by a local caterer, hire a local three-piece bluegrass band and then take a walk through the woods afterward,” she suggests.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park, which overlooks Gatlinburg and the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, is another popular off-site option. An event here wouldn’t be complete without an aerial tram ride and a banquet.
“Attendees will enjoy an amazing meal underneath a beautiful, wooden cathedral ceiling accented by a large wood-burning fireplace,” Rinehart says. “Add all this to the views of the ski slopes and the mountains and your event will equal success.”
Lastly, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies accommodates everything from hors d’oeuvre receptions to sit-down dinners for 20 to 1,200 people. During an event at the aquarium, attendees will get a kick out of an underwater show complete with a personal message from the diver upon request. Among its settings is the Jules Verne Room with a window looking into Stingray Bay.
“The venues mentioned are only a few of the area’s locations that offer a unique setting and atmosphere to create an event that is a first for those attending,” Rinehart says.
Another destination that calls the Smoky Mountains region home is Pigeon Forge.
“Pigeon Forge is a focal point for meetings that seek the flavor of an American treasure, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the mountain culture of the Appalachians,” says Joy McNealy, senior sales manager at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
A quintessential attraction/off-site venue in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, the theme park where entertainer Dolly Parton ensures Appalachian culture is celebrated and revered, according to McNealy.
“The park has theaters for group use and abundant food-and-beverage choices,” she says. “And after a meeting’s work is done, the theme park is a huge bonus because of its many shows, working craftsmen and, yes, some great roller coasters.”
Another popular venue that combines business and pleasure in Pigeon Forge is WonderWorks, which features a dinner theater that also serves as space for business presentations. WonderWorks describes itself as “an amusement park for the mind” due to its numerous science-oriented attractions, including Mind Ball Challenge, during which participants compete by staying calm.
“Throughout Pigeon Forge are 13 theaters, so meeting planners have lots of options for finding unusual presentation venues, and several cabin and chalet developments have great facilities for retreats, board meetings and training sessions,” McNealy adds.
While Pigeon Forge houses Dollywood, its Smoky Mountains neighbor Sevierville is Ms. Parton’s hometown, which is also known for great shopping and picturesque views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Among Sevierville’s unique off-site venues, according to Scott King, director of sales at the Sevierville CVB, are the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, which offers USO-themed shows while groups dine under the wings of authentic warbird aircraft, NASCAR SpeedPark, Cirque de Chine and Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium.
At NASCAR SpeedPark, King says, groups can enjoy a catered meal in a private, NASCAR-themed meeting space before engaging in customized team-building exercises, including competitive go-kart races and miniature golf.
Cirque de Chine features China’s top acrobatic troupe in a two-hour spectacular that happens daily from April through December. Groups are encouraged to book a VIP reception and Chinese buffet with the group sales office, and then take a Tai Chi class before enjoying an amazing show.
The Tennessee Smokies baseball team plays 75 home games each season from April through September. According to King, groups can enjoy a game from a luxury suite complete with a catered meal, or stop by early for an outdoor picnic before the game.
“Sevierville offers a variety of sites and experiences that are unique to a small market,” King says. “Best of all, the prices are affordable and most venues are willing to help the planner create the experience that is most ideal for their group.”
Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities area includes Bristol, the birthplace of entertainer Tennessee Ernie Ford and home of the Appalachian Caverns and Bristol Motor Speedway, which features a full schedule of racing events and is available for social functions.
The most popular venues in Kingsport, known for its live music, quaint restaurants and the largest concentration of antiques in the Southeast, according to Jud Teague, executive director at the Kingsport CVB, are the Kingsport Grocery Company and Allandale Mansion, which offer uniquely different options for groups.
The Kingsport Grocery Company, a family-friendly restaurant whose motto is “Eat well. Drink well. Be well,” provides a relaxing and fun atmosphere for the business traveler, Teague says. Allandale Mansion, known as Tennessee’s White House, is a “gorgeous venue,” according to Teague, where groups will enjoy both a tour and either a murder mystery dinner or a casual gathering.
“It is not only the venues that differentiate Kingsport from other cities, but also the Southern hospitality,” Teague adds. “We pride ourselves in rolling out the red carpet for our visitors.”
Johnson City is proud of its more than 200-year history and its unique Appalachian culture, according to Brenda Whitson, executive director of the Johnson City CVB.
“The area is world-renowned for its modern and traditional Appalachian and bluegrass music, authentic cultural and historical experiences and attractions, and invigorating mountainous adventures,” she says. “There are a variety of experiences outside the meeting rooms in the Johnson City area.”
The International Storytelling Center (ISC) is one venue that offers such an experience, as well as accommodating off-site group events. Devoted solely to the art of storytelling, the ISC is a one-of-a-kind venue set on a three-acre park and includes a 200-year-old country inn and 14,000-square-foot education building, as well as an information center, a gift shop filled with storytelling memorabilia and storytelling exhibits.
Two other favorite off-site venues for group events are the Rocky Mount Living Museum, a four-season, living attraction that invites visitors to witness daily interpretations of life in 1791; and the Gray Fossil Site and Museum, which provides visitors with the opportunity to become paleontologists and explore the area’s early history dating back 4.5 to 7 million years.
“We understand that people schedule meetings at various venues to explore and experience the different atmospheres and cultures our nation has to offer,” Whitson says. “This type of exploration provides team-building experiences that cannot be duplicated in the boardroom, and they are often some of the most important and memorable portions of a group’s experience.”
