Trade convention centers, crowded schedules, and copy-and-paste meeting experiences for something different: room to connect.
Located on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Blount County, Tenn., helps planners create meetings that feel intentional, memorable, and genuinely refreshing. Here, attendees trade traffic for scenic drives, networking receptions for fireside conversations, and cookie-cutter venues for places with a true sense of place.
Because sometimes the most impactful meetings happen in the smallest towns.
A setting that changes the conversation
There’s something about the Great Smoky Mountains that naturally encourages people to slow down, engage, and think differently.
In Blount County, groups can spend the morning collaborating in thoughtfully designed meeting spaces and the afternoon exploring mountain trails, scenic overlooks, local shops, or riverside parks. The setting creates a built-in balance between productivity and restoration, something today’s attendees increasingly value.
Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, a board meeting, an association gathering, an incentive trip, or a teambuilding event, this mountain destination provides an atmosphere that inspires meaningful connections long after the meeting ends.
Big experiences without the big-city price tag
Meeting budgets are under more scrutiny than ever, and planners are expected to deliver exceptional experiences while maximizing value. Blount County makes that easier.
Groups enjoy high-quality accommodations, distinctive venues, locally owned restaurants, and customized experiences, often at a significantly lower cost than larger metropolitan destinations. The result is a meeting that feels elevated without stretching the budget.
It’s a place where planners can invest more in the attendee experience and less in the overhead that often comes with major convention markets.
Venues with character
Forget generic ballrooms. Blount County’s collection of meeting venues offers distinctive environments that help events stand out.
At Dancing Bear Lodge, groups experience upscale Appalachian hospitality surrounded by mountain views, outdoor gathering spaces, and thoughtfully designed accommodations. The venue is ideal for executive retreats, leadership meetings, and organizations seeking a blend of luxury and authenticity.
RT Lodge combines refined comfort with natural beauty. Nestled among towering trees, the property offers sophisticated meeting spaces, exceptional culinary experiences, and a peaceful setting that encourages both productivity and connection.
For groups seeking something more adventurous, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort delivers a unique take on meetings and retreats. From glamping accommodations and luxury cabins to outdoor gathering spaces and teambuilding opportunities, the resort creates an experience attendees won’t soon forget.
Each venue offers its own personality, allowing planners to match the setting to the goals of the event.
A culinary scene worth exploring
Great meetings deserve great meals. Blount County’s thriving food scene features more than 100 locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and gathering spaces. From elevated Appalachian cuisine and chef-driven menus to craft beverages and casual local favorites, attendees can experience the flavors of east Tennessee while supporting local businesses.
It’s another way the destination helps create authentic experiences that feel distinctly different from larger meeting markets.
Convenient for attendees, memorable for everyone
Despite its peaceful mountain setting, Blount County is remarkably easy to access.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is within a day’s drive of much of the eastern United States. Attendees can arrive with ease, yet still feel like they’ve discovered somewhere special.
That combination of accessibility and authenticity is part of what makes the destination so appealing to meeting planners.
Where connection comes naturally
The most successful meetings aren’t always the biggest. They’re the ones where people engage more deeply, collaborate more effectively, and leave feeling inspired.
On the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Blount County creates the space for exactly that. With breathtaking scenery, distinctive venues, exceptional value, and genuine Southern hospitality, it’s a destination that proves small towns can deliver a remarkably big impact.
When you’re ready to rethink what a meeting can be, Blount County is ready to welcome you.
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Kim Mitchell, Director of Tourism 
A University of Tennessee graduate, Kim began her career in restaurant/hospitality with the Airport Hilton and The Garden Inn, then transitioned to event coordinator in 2010 before being named director of tourism.Contact: 865-273-1213 | info@smokymountainmeetings.com SmokyMountainMeetings.org |
