These Southern resorts, attractions, and unique venues belong on any event planner’s bucket list
With a range of different-sized destinations, natural amenities, and thriving communities, the South is replete with opportunities for meeting planners eager to create exclusive experiences for attendees. Here, we showcase some of the hottest venues to help transform gatherings into unforgettable shared moments. These destinations inspire creativity, problem-solving, and teambuilding, making them the highlight of the short business trip and a catalyst for organizations to maximize their potential.
Hotels & resorts
As the headquarters of events, hotels are much more than a place for guests to stay. They can become sanctuaries from the daily grind, freeing attendees to stay mentally present during a meeting.
Some of the amenities offered can make it hard to blur the lines between business and pleasure, which is, of course, the point for heralded planners like Mia Monroe, senior program manager of events at Amazon. Monroe is in her happy place when hosting a meeting in Galveston, Texas. The destination’s 32 miles of beaches make it popular for leisure travelers, but Monroe insists, “Galveston Island is one of the best-kept meeting destination secrets of the South.”
Galveston’s cultural and tourist attractions make for enjoyable ways to break up a full day of meetings in the city where Juneteenth was born.
“Galveston is best in the spring and autumn months, as the weather is mild, the waters are clear, and zipping around on beach buggies and Segways is a breeze,” says Monroe, who is based in Austin, Texas, and previously operated events at NASA.
In particular, Monroe is drawn to the Grand Galvez, the AAA Four Diamond property and only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. Its Murder Mystery Dinner, run by Cosmo Cool Concepts, is a prime example of why Monroe encourages planners to partner with local destination marketing companies (DMC) for unique programming to entertain guests.
In central Georgia, near the Alabama border, Callaway Gardens and Resorts is a major attraction in Pine Mountain, the small town President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously frequented for its restorative properties. Meeting attendees can feel like they’ve gotten away from it all while staying only an hour from Atlanta.
From C-Suite retreats and board meetings to large gatherings, planners appreciate the “seamless blend of natural beauty and modern amenities,” says Kendra Araujo, director of sales at Callaway Resort & Gardens. The 150-room Four Diamond Lodge & Spa includes 22,000 square feet of traditional meeting space, as well as distinct outdoor venues like the West Beach and Ski Pavilion, Beach Dome, and a variety of garden spaces. Set across 2,500 acres, Callaway Resort & Gardens has onsite trails, golf, a spa, and seasonal experiences ideal for teambuilding exercises or available for recreation. Its holiday lights show is a regional favorite.
Yet for the venue’s grandiose nature, attention to detail sets Callaway apart, according to Leselle Theus, a communications and events specialist at Kaiser Permanente. “Callaway was down for anything,” Theus says of a recent offsite event held there. “I kept coming up with new ideas, and Callaway was ready to make it happen even though they hadn’t done it before. We were able to include a coffee bar experience, group yoga, and an ice-cream social. Everyone loved the extra touches.”
pre-function areas, and public spaces for meetings and events. Courtesy Landsdowne Resort
Nothing can clear the air like a secluded stay in the Great Smoky Mountains. Among the most luxurious venues on the range’s North Carolina side is Cataloochee Ranch, a recently renovated and reopened boutique property 40 minutes west of Asheville.
Ideal for corporate meetings, retreats, and incentive programs, Cataloochee Ranch offers lodge suites and private cabins, along with indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, axe throwing, archery, and 12 miles of trails. Attendees can walk away with a cowboy hat that they customize themselves (branding, decorations, etc.) at Hat Tricks bar.
Not to be outdone is Salamander Middleburg, a Forbes Five Star luxurious property on 340 acres in Virginia’s wine country. Corporate meetings and incentive groups appreciate its convenience to the nation’s capital—30 minutes from Dulles International Airport (IAD) and one hour from D.C. proper—and scenery seemingly light years from a major destination. An equestrian center, a culinary garden, and a cooking studio are highlights of the property’s unique onsite venues, providing memorable experiences. The resort also has 30,000 square feet of event space for traditional meetings.
Also just outside of Washington, D.C., Lansdowne Resort in Loudoun County, Va., regularly hosts dignitaries, heads of state, and corporate executives from around the world. Notable groups like the World Bank, the Democratic Caucus, the National Football League, and the National Hockey League have chosen the resort for its security, F&B, and golf and spa amenities. Even Visit Loudoun held its annual meeting, with approximately 300 people, at the resort this past spring.
A technology company recently took advantage of the property’s 500 acres during a buyout, implementing games and other interactive elements set up throughout the resort’s pre-function areas and public spaces. “The planner really made it fun for a group of people who are generally more introverted, and by the end of the conference, the volume in the event spaces had clearly gone up,” says Carol Smith, managing director of Lansdowne Resort. “You could tell their energy had gone up. Their commitment to the company had gone up. It was fascinating to watch all of this roll out.”
The conference center at Landsdowne Resort was redesigned this year as part of an ongoing multimillion-dollar upgrade, set to be completed in 2027.
Further south, Florida’s abundance of beachside options allows for equal parts play and work. Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale recently completed a $32 million renovation, which upgraded many touchpoints of the 650-room property. Among the new additions are six pickleball courts and an onsite pro who can provide private lessons and group activities. The hotel also has an 8,000-square-foot tropical lagoon pool and its own private beach.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla., is a favorite among planners and attendees alike. A ConventionSouth 2024 Reader’s Choice Award winner, the hotel has 590 guest rooms with a private balcony and partial or full Gulf views. The resort includes six onsite restaurants, 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space, and a 22,500-square-foot beachfront deck ideal for receptions and other functions.
Experiences
Musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dolly Parton is quintessential Southern. With all due respect to a certain mouse’s kingdom, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., blends cultural charms with thrill rides in a way few venues in this country can. Planners can treat attendees to a tailored experience through a group booking, a fun way to celebrate a day’s worth of meetings.
Now in its 40th year, Dollywood has expanded its offerings to include two resorts, a waterpark, and several attractions outside the theme park. Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort opened in 2023 to specifically attract meetings and events. Its event center hosts groups ranging from 10 (board meetings) to 700 (associations and corporations). Perks include early entrance to the park and time-saver passes.
“Very few destinations offer the excitement of a world-class theme park, the comfort of two full-service resorts, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the country’s most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains—a place that continues to inspire Dolly Parton herself,” says Cordelia Morrell, director of sales at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all gatherings. Every meeting at Dollywood Parks & Resorts is thoughtfully curated to reflect a group’s unique goals and personality, creating an experience that is as unforgettable as its setting.”
Nick Rodgers, executive director of the Kentucky Crushed Stone Association, chose Dollywood Parks & Resorts for its summer meeting. “Our Summer Meeting is a unique blend of business sessions and networking, all within a family-friendly environment—and HeartSong Lodge was the perfect fit,” he says. “We specifically chose Dollywood Parks & Resorts because it offers a rare combination of quality meeting facilities, beautiful surroundings, and entertainment options for all ages. Having both the resort and park together created a seamless experience for our attendees.”
For a true taste of the South, planners may consider the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. The 800-mile trail features more than 30 distilleries and spirits brands, with a high concentration in the Middle Tennessee/Greater Nashville area. It features small and large cities and varied experiences, complete with attendees getting a passport to check off at each stop. The entire trail takes two weeks to complete, with stops in most major destinations, including Chattanooga and Memphis.
Charity Toombs, executive director of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, says it is more than a shot-taking exercise. Attendees learn about the state’s history and culture while enjoying iconic scenery. “The Tennessee Whiskey Trail has welcomed a wide range of groups and events, from international media and spirits trade delegations to corporate retreats, incentive groups, and culinary tours,” Toombs says. “Because it effortlessly pairs with Tennessee’s signature strengths—music, food, history, and outdoor adventure—it continues to be a natural fit for planners looking to offer something both culturally rich and uniquely local.”
Mint Julep Experiences is a local partner specializing in crafting turnkey, custom itineraries with transportation, guided tours, and curated tastings, Toombs notes.
While attendees may have experienced San Antonio’s famed River Walk or Alamo before, Pearl is a chance for planners to try a new experience. Pearl entertainment district is housed in a former brewery, complete with shopping, restaurants, and a luxury property: Hotel Emma, a 146-room boutique ideal for VIPs and incentive groups. Beyond the luxury, it is also an example of the city successfully repurposing a site as part of a revitalization that’s lured events to town in the past several years, including IPW and MPI’s 2026 World Education Congress.
There will be no shortage of events taking advantage of the country’s 250th birthday in the coming year, but there is only one Mount Vernon. George Washington’s home, located in Fairfax County, Va., along the banks of the Potomac River, is within 15 to 30 minutes of Washington, D.C., depending on traffic. Several phases of a massive restoration project are already complete, with more slated to be done in time for the 250th birthday festivities. Planners can book group tours and inquire about special activities in honor of the USA’s birthday.
Championship venues
Stepping outside hotels and convention centers to go to iconic venues adds a sense of place and exclusivity. It’s a chance to break typical boundaries.
For instance, planners and attendees don’t need to be race car fans to enjoy the thrills of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla. Outside of race days, the track offers 75 luxury suites, meeting spaces with trackside views, and a fully revamped hospitality experience for private rentals. Brenda Redmon, group sales director at Daytona Beach Area CVB, recommends pairing the speedway with some of the area’s other popular attractions during your meeting. “Daytona Beach is known as the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach,’ but it’s also a premier year-round meeting destination that blends business and leisure, creating a fun, productive environment for groups,” she says.
Churchill Downs in Louisville is among the most recognizable sites in the South, for good reasons. The Kentucky Derby’s mix of sports and culture carries over to business events, making it a popular offsite venue for events like PCMA’s edUcon 2025. With its global presence, PCMA is accustomed to elite venues and service, which organizers say Churchill Downs delivered. “Churchill Downs, with its signature Southern hospitality and undeniable charm, set the tone with a truly memorable opening reception,” says Sherrif Karamat, president & CEO of PCMA and CEMA. “One of the most meaningful highlights was the opportunity to roll up our sleeves and sow kindness by supporting the Backside Learning Center, a remarkable nonprofit dedicated to caring for the Churchill Downs’ team members and their families off the track. This hands-on activity reminded us of the heart and soul behind the scenes of this iconic venue.”
AT&T Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, has hosted some of the world’s largest events. With more than 22 flexible event spaces, it is equally capable of providing a championship-caliber experience for meetings of up to 8,000 guests. Groups can tour the Cowboys’ locker room and enjoy an event on the field or in one of the many lounges.
Another Cowboys’ option is The Star in Frisco. The Cowboys’ world headquarters includes 15 event spaces capable of hosting intimate meetings and large-scale events for up to 12,000 attendees.
With 101,000 square feet of meeting space, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., is a noteworthy venue on its own. Planners can provide attendees with a one-of-a-kind experience by arranging their own golf tournament at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Since 1974, TPC Sawgrass has hosted The PLAYERS Championship, unofficially known as the PGA’s fifth major tournament.
Standout sites
Hyperbole aside, the South really does offer some one-of-a-kind settings for meetings.
Heather Herrig, a corporate event planner in Roswell, Ga., draws upon the region’s impressive film and television scene (Ozark and The Avengers are among the region’s biggest productions). Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Ga., is more than a hub of world-class studios; the Town at Trilith development also includes a town center with restaurants, retail, and a hotel. Trilith Guesthouse hotel offers 193 guest rooms and suites, as well as 17,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Trilith LIVE is adding a second phase, which will include a 2,200-seat theater, a luxury cinema, two 25,000-square-foot sound stages, insert stages, production suites, meeting rooms, an outdoor plaza, and more than 120,000 square feet of creative office and support space. This new Trilith LIVE phase is expected to be completed in December 2025.
“I have a client who just accommodated more than 750 with a creative use of airport hotels with ground transportation and built-out tent breakouts on property at Trilith,” says Herrig. “They took over the entire area for an amazing evening event. More planners should know what is possible—the sky is the limit there!”
Politics aside, few presidential libraries are as well-suited for private events as The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock, Ark. The onsite Clinton Center has 10,000 square feet of space for meetings and meals. The library and museum feature various artifacts from the Clinton administration, representing much of the country’s history in the 1990s.
Planners on the lookout for a unique site can turn to Rock City, six miles outside of Chattanooga, Tenn. The Grand View and Hearth Pavilion are ideal for small groups, and touring the Enchanted Trail will bring out childhood enthusiasm among attendees. Groups can stay nearby on Lookout Mountain at Cloudland at McLemore Resort, a Curio Collection by Hilton resort featuring golf courses, cliffside views, and a spa with an infinity pool.
Given the crowds and increased prices associated with Mardi Gras, meetings are wise to steer clear of the festivities. Planners can recreate Mardis Gras magic in the city where it all began: Mobile, Ala. The Mobile Carnival Museum celebrates the fun year-round and is available for private groups. A new facelift of the interior is part of a three-pronged renovation slated to be completed this year. Rhonda B. Smith, GME, program coordinator at the University of South Alabama, is a regular with her groups. “The venue offers a perfect blend of functionality and local appeal. Our guests always comment on how beautiful the space is, and it’s easy to see why we return year after year,” Smith says.
Darla Gray, director of administration and communications at the National Institute for Jail Operations, was blown away by her experience hosting an appreciation event at the Mobile Carnival Museum during the JAILCON24 Southern Regional Conference, held in August 2024 at Mobile Renaissance Riverview Hotel and Mobile Convention Center. “From the moment we walked in, the vibrant colors, rich history, and unique charm of the museum set the tone for an unforgettable evening,” Gray says. “We enjoyed it so much that we will host the 2025 event at the Mobile Carnival Museum during the JAILCON25 Southern Regional Conference, October 13-15, again at Mobile Renaissance Riverview Hotel and Mobile Convention Center!”
