Meeting planners are the experts at combining serious business with productive networking and a big dash of fun. Rendezvous South, held at the Marriott Shoals in Muscle Shoals, Ala. from Feb. 29 – March 2, was no exception. Over the three-day event, planners from throughout the United States took part in pre-arranged meetings with hotel and destination representatives from across the South to plan future business. They also networked during receptions, meals, tours and musical events, while enjoying the unique area where top musicians from throughout the world recorded hits that became part of the famous “Muscle Shoals Sound.”
Here is a look at some of our memorable moments:
Day 1:
To start the conference, the ConventionSouth banners welcomed Rendezvous South participants.
Offering outstanding views, the 360 Grille at the Marriott Shoals (our wonderful host hotel) was a great place to break the ice at our Opening Reception.
After the opening reception, we visited the Singin’ River Brewery and feasted on area favorites, sampled the local brews, enjoyed the tunes of a local band and cut some rug at our dinner hosted by the Singin’ River Brewery.
Day 2:
Surrounded by the iconic photos of famous musicians and with tunes from the Muscle Shoals Sound playing in the background, we got down to the business of networking in the Marriott Shoals Conference Center Atrium.
In a creatively-designed setting, meeting planners and suppliers participated in pre-scheduled appointments to discuss future events.
Between meet-up sessions, a special workshop, moderated by ConventionSouth founder and publisher Talty O’Connor, allowed planners and suppliers to discuss conflicts and find common ground.
To finish the day, we checked out the sites, including Fame studio and the Alabama Music Hall if Fame, where the world’s most famous musicians recorded hit tunes.
Day 3:
We started out the last day once with an appetizing breakfast from Marriott Shoals.
After breakfast, our attendees attended the last meet-up sessions for pre-scheduled appointments.
Our grand finale, at Swamper’s in the Marriott Shoals Hotel, featured good food, great ambience and a wonderful performance by Will and Janet McFarlane.
