Drive-in destinations steer planners to their accessible, affordable, and versatile event spaces
As the rising costs of larger destinations price out many meeting and event groups, smaller drive-in destinations are emerging as increasingly attractive options
for planners seeking accessibility, cost efficiency, and flexibility. Ideal for regional meetings, conferences, and smaller conventions, these modest but mighty cities offer a range of appealing benefits for both attendees and organizers.
Drive-in destinations offer attendees value-added savings and convenience as they avoid airfare costs, baggage fees, and long travel times, thus reducing travel fatigue. Choosing a drive-in destination can also encourage last-minute registrations and accommodate late schedule changes, while attendees’ regional familiarity with locations can reduce attendance barriers.
For organizers, drive-in locations not only encourage higher attendee turnout but also offer reduced expenses related to group travel coordination and shuttle services, as well as extended accommodation blocks that can result in improved cost efficiency. Additionally, reduced air travel supports corporate sustainability goals, and flexible scheduling options for daytime or half-day events become more feasible. Many drive-in destinations also offer appealing outdoor or nature-related activities for networking or teambuilding, which aren’t always available in large metro areas.
According to Stasha Irby, vice president of sales and services for Little Rock (Ark.) Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the demand for drive-in destinations remains strong as planners continue to prioritize accessible, flexible, and more cost-effective options for hosting their events.
“Rising travel costs, unpredictable flight schedules, and smaller budgets have made regional, drivable cities more appealing,” Irby says. “Many organizations also value the flexibility and convenience of hosting meetings closer to home, while attendees appreciate the ability to combine business with local leisure experiences. Drive-in destinations also make it easier and more affordable for attendees to turn business trips into family getaways. Traveling by car offers flexible schedules, lower costs, and the convenience of packing for both work and leisure.”
When it comes to drive-in meeting destinations, location is everything. These five cities stand out for their unique combination of accessibility, infrastructure, attendee experience, and, of course, genuine Southern hospitality.
Athens, Ga.: Accessibility meets college-town charm
Just 75 minutes northeast of Atlanta, the vibrant college town of Athens combines convenient drive-in access with state-of-the-art venues, a thriving cultural scene, and the spirited energy of the University of Georgia (UGA), all within a walkable downtown area.
Athens’ location makes it a natural gathering point for regional meetings across the Southeast, with the city situated approximately 2.5 hours from Augusta, Ga., 3.5 hours from Charlotte, N.C., and roughly four hours from both Birmingham, Ala., and Nashville, Tenn. This central positioning allows planners to draw attendees from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama without the added cost or logistics of air travel.
According to Elyse Harris, Visit Athens’ director of sales, Athens is particularly attractive for education and association groups, with medical, insurance, and technology sectors emerging as key growth markets. Planners in these industries value Athens’ walkability, affordability, and connection to UGA, which together create an engaging and accessible environment. “Athens combines small-town accessibility with big-city amenities, creating an ideal setting for drive-in meetings and events,” Harris says. “Drive-in destinations like Athens give attendees the flexibility to travel on their own schedule and easily bring family members or colleagues along, without the stress of flight delays or baggage restrictions.”
Attracting drive-in meetings averaging approximately 500 attendees, Athens offers a variety of meeting and event venues. The Classic Center, which serves as the city’s premier conference venue, features 373,000 square feet of meeting and event space; it includes the 22,000-square-foot 440 Foundry Pavilion, the 18,000-square-foot Athena Ballroom, and the 2,100-seat Classic Center Theatre. The new Akins Ford Arena, which debuted in December 2024, expands the city’s group capacity even further, with seating for up to 8,500 guests.
Athens offers 2,664 hotel rooms, including 1,377 located downtown within walking distance of The Classic Center. Major hospitality brands are just blocks from the convention center, including Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hotel Indigo. Meanwhile, local boutique properties, such as The Athenian and Rivet House, serve as a good fit for smaller groups and VIP stays. Rivet House, located in the Southern Mill development, also offers six stylish event spaces, including outdoor patios and a private tasting room.
Athens boasts a vibrant culinary scene. From Puma Yu’s by James Beard semifinalist chef Pete Amadhanirundr to Five & Ten by Peter Dale, attendees can enjoy inventive Southern and international flavors. Tours of local breweries and cooking classes at Athens Cooks are fun group and teambuilding options.
For post-meeting recreation and fun, attendees can explore the city’s live-music legacy at the historic Georgia Theatre and intimate 40 Watt Club, visit UGA’s iconic North Campus, or tour Sanford Stadium, one of college football’s most storied venues. The adventure series of ropes, cables, and logs at UGA’s Challenge Course is a great option for teambuilding as well.
Free attractions, ideal for attendees traveling with their families, include the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Georgia Museum of Art, and the Athens Music Walk of Fame.
Greensboro, N.C.: Dynamic, welcoming, and culturally rich
Greensboro is a vibrant, welcoming city celebrated for its rich history, thriving cultural scene, outdoor activities, and culinary delights. Situated at the intersection of major interstates 40, 85, and 73, Greensboro provides straightforward highway access, enabling attendees to enjoy short, predictable commutes. In addition, most hotels, venues, and dining outlets are within a 10- to 15-minute radius.
According to Tony Cordo, president and CEO of the Guilford County/Greensboro Tourism Development Authority, Greensboro attracts drive-in business from nearby major metros, such as Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham/Chapel Hill, and Washington, D.C., as well as from surrounding states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Typical meeting sizes range from 100 to 1,200 attendees, scaling up to trade shows and performance events attracting thousands of guests.
“Since 2020, Greensboro has garnered increased attention as a regional drive-in meeting destination, favored for its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and the ability to accommodate family participation alongside business travelers,” Cordo says. “The city’s shorter lead times facilitate easier event pivots, while its drive-in model supports sustainability goals with reduced per-attendee emissions and simplified ADA logistics, presenting a smart option for meeting planners focused on value, ease, and engagement.”
Event spaces in Greensboro are both versatile and well-equipped to support a wide array of meetings, conventions, and trade shows. Offering approximately 250,000 square feet of meeting space with a capacity of 6,000 attendees, Koury Convention Center at the Sheraton Greensboro Four Seasons features large, column-free halls with dozens of breakout rooms, ideal for hosting 200 to 5,000 attendees and mid-sized expos. Greensboro Coliseum Complex & Special Events Center is well-suited for large general sessions and trade shows. Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts offers a 3,000-seat venue ideal for keynote addresses and receptions, with walkable access to downtown dining and entertainment. University and museum venues, such as Weatherspoon Art Museum and Greensboro Science Center, can serve as culturally rich offsite meeting options.
Boasting approximately 11,000 guest rooms spanning full-service, select-service, boutique, and extended-stay brands, the city’s diverse lodging options offer competitive hotel rates with no resort-style fees and free or low-cost parking. Popular hotels with meeting spaces include the Sheraton Greensboro, the sustainable Proximity Hotel, and the O.Henry Hotel.
When meetings conclude, Greensboro’s cultural, recreational, and culinary assets invite attendees to explore.
Visitors can delve into American history at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, enjoy performances at Steven Tanger Center, or visit local art museums. Family-friendly attractions include Greensboro Science Center and seasonal Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe waterpark. For outdoor enthusiasts, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, greenways, and golf courses, such as Sedgefield Country Club, provide a breadth of offsite activities.
The city’s lively culinary community features authentic North Carolina barbecue, chef-driven dining experiences, and a burgeoning craft brewery scene. Favorites among event groups include Print Works Bistro, Green Valley Grill, and Kau Restaurant, says Cordo.
Little Rock, Ark.: Historic, innovative & affordable
For planners seeking a drive-in destination that combines convenience, value, and a convivial setting, Little Rock offers all the infrastructure and amenities necessary to support successful drive-in meetings and events.
Centrally located at the crossroads of Interstates 30 and 40, the city is within a day’s drive of nearly 40% of the U.S. population, making it a natural gathering point for regional associations and corporate groups across the South and Midwest.
Key markets include Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, says Irby, adding that Little Rock attracts a wide range of organizations, including healthcare, education, agriculture, fraternal, and nonprofits, along with religious and professional associations hosting annual meetings or training sessions.
“Little Rock’s location makes it easily accessible from many major cities across the South and Midwest,” Irby says. “Memphis, Tenn.; Dallas; Tulsa, Okla.; and Shreveport, La., are all within a five-hour drive, while Nashville, Tenn., St. Louis, and Oklahoma City are approximately a six-hour drive. This centrality allows planners to draw attendees from multiple markets without requiring air travel.”
For attendees bringing family members along, Little Rock’s entertainment and recreational offerings include a walkable downtown with attractions, restaurants, and outdoor spaces all within easy reach.
Providing more than 245,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Little Rock is anchored by two premier downtown venues: the Statehouse Convention Center, boasting 220,000 square feet, and Robinson Center, with 25,000 square feet. Connected directly to the convention center, Little Rock Marriott adds nearly 45,000 square feet of additional meeting space. Conveniently connected to Robinson Center, the 288-room DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock offers approximately 13,000 square feet of meeting and conference space.
With approximately 7,200 hotel rooms—including downtown properties within walking distance of major venues—the city is equipped to host everything from intimate board meetings of 25 to 50 attendees to regional conferences and trade shows attracting hundreds to thousands of participants. Additional properties across the city offer competitive rates and amenities to suit all types of travelers and budgets.
Little Rock’s walkable downtown means meeting venues, hotels, and dining are steps apart, with plentiful parking and a welcoming Southern atmosphere. The River Market District features dining, nightlife, and local shopping along the Arkansas River.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic Arkansas River Trail and nearby Pinnacle Mountain State Park. History and culture lovers will appreciate the Clinton Presidential Center, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Foodies will enjoy experiencing the city’s award-winning Southern restaurants and craft breweries, such as Cache, 42 Bar and Table, Allsopp & Chapple Restaurant + Bar, and Brave New Restaurant.
Shreveport, La.: Big-city amenities, small-town charm
Located in northwest Louisiana, Shreveport delivers a compelling proposition for meeting planners with its plentiful amenities, easy accessibility, and intimate appeal. The city’s multiple highways and convergence of two major interstates allow planners and drive-in attendees to skip the hassles of large airports while still enjoying comprehensive, full-service meeting destination offerings.
Located along the Red River, the inland waterfront city sits at the intersection of I-20, I-49, and I-220, positioning it within three hours of Dallas/Fort Worth, four hours of Little Rock and Houston, and five hours from Jackson, Miss., and New Orleans. Its central location makes Shreveport ideal for regional meetings drawing from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
According to David Bradley, vice president of business development for Visit Shreveport-Bossier, Shreveport attracts a diverse mix of meeting segments, including sports tournaments, state associations, and SMERF, corporate, government, and medical groups.
“Our destination is seeing particular growth in faith-based gatherings, government and military meetings, sports tournaments, and infinity groups centered on hobbies and special interests,” Bradley says. “These groups find exceptional value in Shreveport’s accessible venues, wide range of accommodations, and opportunities for authentic local experiences that make every meeting feel both productive and memorable.”
Combined with neighboring Bossier City, Shreveport offers approximately 10,500 hotel rooms spanning full-service downtown properties, resort-style casino-hotels along the Red River, boutique properties, and chain-brand options. Properties with meeting space include Hilton Shreveport, Sam’s Town Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Bossier City Casino & Hotel, and Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana.
The 350,000-square-foot Shreveport Convention Center can accommodate large expos, association meetings, religious conferences, and sports events, while the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium (famous for launching Elvis Presley’s career) hosts concerts, receptions, and meetings. Additionally, Bossier Civic Center serves smaller groups, with 24,000 square feet of convention space. The 14,000-seat Brookshire Grocery Arena can be configured for sporting events, banquets, and conferences.
Shreveport’s culinary scene features award-winning chefs, including chef Niema DiGrazia at Abby Singer’s Bistro, recently featured on televised cooking competition Beat Bobby Flay and other Food Network specials. Private dining experiences can be arranged with chef Hardette Harris, James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef South and creator of the “Official Meal of North Louisiana,” a curated menu of classic regional dishes (including Natchitoches meat pies, fried catfish, purple hull peas, collard greens, and peach cobbler) showcasing the culinary heritage and authenticity of north Louisiana cuisine. Along Cross Lake, groups can experience Orlandeaux’s Café, one of the country’s oldest continuously operating African American restaurants, where chef Damien Chapman serves iconic Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp. The city also offers authentic Hispanic, Indian, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Cajun, soul food, and barbecue favorites.
“Shreveport-Bossier is a food lover’s paradise—a destination where every meal tells a story,” Bradley says. “From upscale dining to hidden local gems, our culinary scene is as diverse and authentic as the people who call this region home.”
Beyond dining, groups can enjoy glass-blowing workshops, dinner and a movie at Robinson Film Center, or explore the East Bank District, a walkable arts and entertainment hub featuring breweries, restaurants, antique shops, axe throwing, and live outdoor music. Attractions like Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo, Sci-Port Discovery Center, and Chasing Aces are great options for attendees who want to combine their business trip with a family getaway.
Tallahassee, Fla.: An eclectic mix of modern amenities and local culture
Offering easy access to scenic day trips, charming nearby towns, and the natural beauty of north Florida, Tallahassee provides convenient drive-in access from across the Southeast. The city is situated just a few hours from major cities, including Atlanta, Mobile, Ala., New Orleans, and Florida’s Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Orlando.
Home to more than 400 associations, Florida’s capital city thrives as a hub for association and government business. Anchored by Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee benefits from a powerful research ecosystem fueling applied sciences, innovation, and technology, with growing opportunities in manufacturing and transportation logistics, according to Janet Roach, meetings, conventions, and group sales director for Visit Tallahassee.
“Tallahassee serves as the ideal hub for meetings and events in north Florida,” Roach says. “With four major highways and an easily accessible regional airport, Tallahassee allows planners to draw attendees from multiple markets throughout Florida and the Southeast. With more than 80% of visitors arriving by car, Florida’s capital city has become the perfect hub for exploration.”
For attendees bringing family members, Tallahassee’s drive-in accessibility offers myriad possibilities for memorable excursions. The 220-mile Big Bend Scenic Byway starts in Tallahassee, while day trips to coastal communities, historic towns, caverns, and marine labs offer nature, history, and authentic Southern charm—all within easy driving distance.
Tallahassee’s event venues range from intimate boutique spaces to large-scale facilities, including Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, which boasts more than 54,000 square feet of meeting space and arena seating for 8,000, and Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, which features state-of-the-art technology across 11 meeting spaces, including a 350-seat auditorium.
Located within Doak Campbell Stadium, the premium FSU Dunlap Champions Club delivers 34,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space for groups seeking a unique sports-oriented atmosphere. Downtown, the AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol features 154 rooms and more than 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, complete with a rooftop bar and an observation deck overlooking the 24-acre Cascades Park.
Additional venue and hotel options include Hotel Indigo Tallahassee – CollegeTown, Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University, and Hotel Duval, Autograph Collection. Citywide, Tallahassee offers more than 6,000 hotel rooms, ranging from full-service downtown properties to affordable options near award-winning restaurants and entertainment.
To further enhance the attendee experience, Tallahassee’s nightlife scene and culinary landscape feature rooftops with spectacular views, such as Charlie Park atop the AC Marriott, Level 8 Lounge at Hotel Duval, and Eve on Adams at DoubleTree by Hilton. Seven unique local breweries, from Ology to the newly expanded Deep Brewing, provide craft ales and creative atmospheres. Live music venues, such as Fire Betty’s, Blue Tavern, and Duke’s and Dottie’s, deliver everything from indie rock to authentic country.
Dining options for groups range from upscale establishments like Il Lusso, Savour, and The Huntsman to Tallahassee staples like Kool Beanz Cafe and Table 23. Fun spots include Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack and Black Radish.
As meeting planners navigate rising costs and shifting attendee expectations, drive-in destinations across the South are proving that accessibility, affordability, and authentic experiences can coexist with modern meeting infrastructure. From Athens’ college-town energy to Tallahassee’s capital-city sophistication, these five cities demonstrate that successful regional meetings don’t require major metros or air travel—just the right combination of convenient access, flexible venues, genuine hospitality, and memorable experiences to keep attendees engaged long after the closing session. For planners seeking to maximize ROI while delivering value to attendees, these Southern drive-in markets offer a compelling alternative worth exploring.
