Destinations in Demand
February 10, 2025
The South’s newest trend cities have all the essentials plus lots of extras to make events extraordinary.
Features
Productive days, sunset nights at your ideal meeting destination
Sponsored
Stage effortless Gulf-front events at Clearwater Beach Sheraton Resort on Sand Key—flexible venues, resort amenities, authentic offsites nearby, plus two-airport access and shoulder seasons that stretch budgets.
Family Matters: Planners are putting family fun first when choosing event destinations
February 5, 2025
With the belt tightening on household finances, many are looking to turn a business trip into a family vacation. Fortunately for planners, some of the most popular convention sites are also family-friendly destinations, offering free or affordable attractions, fun dining experiences, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Talking Points: New Coastal Convention Center Expands Meeting Options in Miami
February 5, 2025
As chief operating officer of Fontainebleau Development, Goldfarb oversees the hospitality group and capital projects team, including all aspects of Fontainebleau Miami Beach operations. The iconic resort hosts 300 to 400 events annually, from industry-leading conventions with thousands of attendees to weddings, social events, and much more. Here, Goldfarb shares how the new Coastal Convention Center is expanding meeting and event options at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and in Greater Miami.
Driven to Impress
January 2, 2025
Choosing drivable destinations can be a game-changing strategy for boosting attendance and engagement when planning meetings and events. These easily accessible locations go beyond convenience and cost efficiency, offering opportunities for unique and vibrant experiences to immerse attendees in local culture and charm. With a well-developed infrastructure to support events, drivable destinations balance scenic beauty, diverse activities, and essential amenities. Best of all, they turn the entire experience into an adventure—combining ease of access with memorable attractions, making the journey and destination a win for any gathering.
Talking Points: Meetings & Events Hit a Home Run at Truist Park
December 23, 2024
Atlanta native Dawn Truemper has been a lifelong fan of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Atlanta Braves; now, she is a member of the staff. “It is fun to work for the organization I have respected my whole life,” she says.
Off to the Races
December 23, 2024
Venues with gaming and sporting elements bring an embedded sense of community and excitement, setting a thrilling tone for any event they host. Sporting venues have a high “wow factor” due to their size and scope. Casinos and racetracks allow guests to try their luck during breaks and downtime. Unique sports museums cultivate a strong sense of history. Whatever the occasion, these venues have stepped up their game when hosting one-of-a-kind events in the South.
2025 Meetings Forecast
December 19, 2024
As we near the end of 2024 and look forward to the new year ahead, we asked members of ConventionSouth’s editorial advisory board to reflect on what they learned from their meetings and hospitality experiences throughout the past year and how they might apply important takeaways in 2025. They also share their thoughts on the most important issues in the coming year, including resources and strategies to address those issues and keep their organizations as a leading force in meetings and hospitality.
The South’s Top Outdoor Venues
November 12, 2024
Think outside the box for your next event—and we mean “outside.” Outdoor amphitheaters can accommodate various events as stand-alone venues with plenty of open space, seating, and a central stage. The South is home to an array of facilities with beautiful settings, state-of-the-art acoustics, and friendly staff to accommodate events.
Meet to the Beat
November 12, 2024
Music cities make fun destinations for meetings. Planners can bring the energy of music festivals and concerts into their events with little extra effort. In addition, a city’s musical roots—whether hip hop, Zydeco, or blues—can be used as a theme throughout a conference or event.
Talking Points: A conversation with Omar Lozano of Visit Austin
November 5, 2024
Austin, Texas, is well known as a music city. In fact, Visit Austin has officially trademarked the city as the “Live Music Capital of the World®” and has an entire division specifically devoted to promoting the local music scene and history to visitors.
