Hickory Metro Convention Center: a boldly unexpected meetings destination
Looking for your next meeting or convention location? Let’s skip the overpriced ballrooms and packed city blocks. Instead, how about a place with serious space, stunning style, and a whole lot of Southern soul? Welcome to Hickory, N.C.—where the yellow carpet gets rolled out and the surprises just keep coming.
Nestled in the foothills between Charlotte and Asheville, Hickory is a meeting planner’s dream: easy to get to, ridiculously affordable, and packed with personality. The Hickory Metro Convention Center boasts more than 130,000 square feet of beautifully updated meeting space—perfect for groups up to 2,000—and our team knows how to make every event feel custom, effortless, and fun.
One team, one goal, one smooth process
Here’s a perk you didn’t see coming: The Hickory Metro Convention Center and the CVB are one organization. That means your sales contact, venue team, and destination expert are all the same crew. No bouncing between departments or tracking down separate contacts. Just one streamlined, friendly, know-everything-about-your-event team that’s got your back from start to finish. One-stop-shop? You bet.
Punching above our weight in the best way possible
Think of us as the little engine that could—but for conferences. With recent renovations, the Hickory Metro Convention Center is more stunning than ever. High-end finishes, flexible room configurations, and thoughtful touches throughout? Check, check, and check.
We might not be the biggest city in North Carolina, but we bring the energy of a major market—without the sticker shock. Our events team? Top-notch. Our hospitality? Legendary. Our commitment to making planners look good? Unshakable.
Downtown vibes, local flavor
After the breakout sessions wrap and the laptops close, the fun keeps rolling. Our walkable downtown is full of chef-driven restaurants, local breweries, art galleries, live music, and that one boutique you’ll talk about for weeks. It’s authentic, lively, and a blast for attendees. Plus, no one has to navigate bumper-to-bumper traffic to enjoy it all.
Your group won’t just attend a meeting here—they’ll experience Hickory. And trust us, they’ll thank you for choosing a destination that’s anything but cookie-cutter.
Now you know
We’re not just another spot on the map. We’re the best-kept secret in the Southeast—and now you’re in on it. From major trade shows to intimate leadership retreats, we’ve got the space, the team, and the charm to make your next event unforgettable.
So next time someone suggests a big-box city, go ahead and say, “Have you heard about Hickory?”
Why meet in Hickory?
- 130,000+ square feet of beautiful, flexible space
- Capacity for more than 2,000 attendees
- Budget-friendly rates across the board
- Centrally located with easy access via I-40 and Charlotte
- Walkable, vibrant downtown with food, fun, and flavor
- CVB and convention center in one makes planning easy
- A seriously awesome support team from start to finish
Ready to meet your match?
At the Hickory Metro Convention Center, we don’t just host meetings—we turn them into events people talk about. Call us, message us, visit us—we’d love to show you around. When you meet in Hickory, it just hits different. Now you know.
Contact: Sarah D. Jones, MPA, TMP, CMP, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, & Tourism Development Sarah Jones, a Hickory native and CMP-certified pro, is your first call and part of the powerhouse Visit Hickory team that makes planning fun, seamless, and unforgettable. 828-322-1335 | sarah@visithickorync.com |
