Capitol Region
VisitJackson.com; @VisitJacksonMS
As an event destination, Jackson is brimming with possibilities. “Planners are captivated by Jackson’s energy and return again and again for our authentic, multi-layered experiences—from our robust James Beard Award-winning culinary scene to our outstanding museums exploring everything from Civil Rights to S.T.E.A.M. innovation,” says Paul Wolf, director of destination storytelling for Visit Jackson.
Jackson Convention Complex remains the downtown centerpiece, with 330,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall accommodating 5,000 guests theater style and 3,600 banquet style. The complex also features 10 meeting rooms, including a 25,000-square-foot ballroom with a capacity of 2,500 attendees for receptions. Other components include 33,000 square feet of pre-function lobby and registration space, and an outdoor patio.
Earlier this year, Thalia Mara Hall, Jackson’s historic performing arts theater, reopened with upgraded technology and improved amenities. Now co-managed by Visit Jackson and the Jackson Convention Complex, the theater features a 2,040-seat performance hall, ideal for keynote sessions or entertainment. Five minutes from the convention center, Mississippi Trade Mart offers 63,000 square feet of column-free, divisible space across three halls. Configured together, the halls seat up to 2,400 theater style and connect conveniently to the adjoining 6,500-seat coliseum. The coliseum’s 26,000-square-foot arena holds up to 3,500 theater style or 130 standard exhibit booths.
Hotel accommodations and event space near the convention center (and not far from the Trade Mart) include the 203-room Westin Jackson, which has more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space with a capacity of 700 people in its largest space, and the historic 186-room Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown, with 7,321 square feet of adaptable event space and a reception capacity of 325 guests in its largest space. For boutique flair, the 24-room Old Capitol Inn features a 5,000-square-foot ballroom, three meeting rooms for small gatherings, a rooftop space, a courtyard garden, and other amenities. Beyond downtown, the 276-room Hilton Jackson features 19,154 square feet of meeting space and is easily accessible from Interstate 55. The hotel’s largest space, an 8,100-square-foot ballroom, can accommodate 1,200 guests for receptions or theater style.
Jackson’s 200-plus independent eateries offer a diverse range of local flavors, with new additions like Masa Mesa and Sermon Sandwich Bar joining favorites like Elvie’s. For teambuilding, groups enjoy Capital City Kayak Adventures or Highball Lanes. This year, Jackson’s National Folk Festival will take place November 13 – 15.
The capital city’s infrastructure is also evolving. The Museum Trail is expanding via the Capitol Green Connector, which will eventually link downtown to the LeFleur Museum District.
