Soulful Meetings in the Music City State
Authentic food, music royalty and meetings in Tennessee
By Morgan Saltz
Tennessee has been a hub and a witness to legends—historically, musically, culinarily or all three. As a southern state so rich in culture, planners looking to design an event in which the attendees will be truly immersed in the vibe of the destination.
Nashville, Memphis, Gatlinburg and Chattanooga offer the natural beauty of the South, cuisine that is now nationally trending, a contribution to American music that is incomparable and is a staple in the evolution of American history.
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It
Anakeesta Adventure Park
For adventurous team-bonding experiences, enjoy the Tennessee outdoors to the fullest degree with what this destination has to offer. In the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, visitors can take the “Ridge Rambler” to the top of Anakeesta Mountain to discover zip lining, tree canopy walks and gardens.
Beale Street
Live music is celebrated on the world-famous Beale Street in Memphis. Walking in the same space as the prolific music legends who started their careers on Beale Street, you know you are not only walking in the presence of past legends but also hearing live musicians who could become legends themselves.
Read More: Memphis: The Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro
Taste the authentic yet elevated cuisine of Tennessee at Chef Jeff Carter’s soulful restaurant. With each plate created with artistic finesse from ingredients grown on the property, visitors can taste the culture while appreciating modern farm-to-table cuisine.
National Civil Rights Museum
Educate groups while bonding and learning with a visit to this historic location in Memphis. Located in the former Lorraine Motel, the location of the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the museum offers interactive and educational tours and meeting spaces that are incredibly important to American history.
Progressive culinary scene in Chattanooga
Chattanooga has progressively elevated its culinary scene and taken advantage of the benefits of culinary fusion with restaurants/event spaces such as State of Confusion. With a Peruvian twist on Southern comforts, groups can rent out the space or request catering and have an experiential dinner they may not expect.
5 Places to Meet
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
With a large and flexible venue, this space can accommodate guests and events from any industry. Home to the Ryman Auditorium, one of the most revered performance halls in the world, it can host gospel singers and industry speakers alike.
758,911 sq. ft. total event space; 86 event rooms; 106 breakout rooms
Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center Gatlinburg
Experience the great outdoors in a variety of ways by planning a meeting and team-building activities at this adventure-centric venue. With ziplining, ropes courses, rafting, horseback riding and more, all attendees can discover beautiful Tennessee.
7,000 sq. ft. meeting space; 4,800 sq. ft. LeConte Ballroom
An event between The Gulch and Midtown offers accessibility to the culture, music and food of Tennessee. Within walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the National Museum of African American Music, attendees will be immersed in Tennessee vibes.
20,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom; 84,000 sq. ft. total space
The legendary hotel opened in 1869 and lives up to its historical reputation of “charm, elegance, gracious hospitality and rich history.” Its biggest claim to fame–the five resident ducks who make a parade through the lobby twice a day!
16,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom; 11,000 sq. ft. Tennessee Exhibit Hall
How can you visit Tennessee without discussing The King? The iconic venue reminds attendees of the music and cultural contribution that was Elvis Presley. Groups can be sure the event will be memorable as the world-renowned owner was anything but.
464-seat theater; over 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
This article appears in the September/October 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
