Savannah, Ga., is a popular choice for business and leisure travelers, and the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center aims to build on its appeal as a meetings destination.
Visit Savannah invited meeting and event planners and trade media from across the country to an exclusive grand opening ceremony celebrating the expansion of the convention center and to experience the city’s cultural and culinary delights during a two-day mini-FAM. ConventionSouth joined in the mini-FAM tour and festivities, and offers a glimpse of Savannah here in our Southern Traveler special feature.
First Impressions
Few areas capture the enchanting charms of the Old South like Savannah. Its natural beauty is undeniable, boasting a beautiful waterfront along the Savannah River and the tranquil coastal escape of Tybee Island. Giant oak trees draped in Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and 23 town squares (of 24 in the city’s original design) invite visitors to enjoy a slower pace as they stroll the streets and squares while sipping a tall glass of iced tea.
Up Close
Expansion of Savannah Convention Center began in March 2021 and finished in February 2025, at an estimated $276 million. With the expansion, Savannah Convention Center doubled its capacity to a total 660,000 square feet. The expansion brought a new 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a new 40,000-square-foot ballroom, additional meeting rooms, and 900 new parking spaces.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, along with Kelvin Moore, general manager of Savannah Convention Center, and Joseph Marinelli, president and CEO of Visit Savannah, were among the dignitaries on hand April 30 to officially celebrate the convention center’s expansion. More than 300 government, tourism, and meeting representatives attended the ribbon cutting and reception.
“The state saw this need coming,” Governor Kemp said. “We realize this facility being able to host larger and more prominent events would be very important not only for the region but also for our state. We took the initial steps early in my administration to expand the investment…This is another reminder of what we can accomplish when all levels of government and private industry work together to create growth and opportunity. I know this approach will continue to bear fruit both for the area surrounding the state-of-the-art convention center and all of Savannah and coastal Georgia. We look forward to celebrating that success and seeing the impact this expansion will have in attracting significant travel, both for business and pleasure, to this community.”
With the expansion, Savannah Convention Center not only increased its size but also enhanced its position nationally. “This expansion elevates Savannah Convention Center from the 154th-largest convention center in the country to the 72nd-largest convention center—a truly remarkable achievement,” said Marinelli. “This new chapter not only allows us to better serve our longstanding and valued current customers but also positions Savannah to attract larger and more prestigious conventions and trade shows in the future. Our sales team at Visit Savannah, the Savannah Convention Center staff, and our hotel partners stand ready to seize the moment and the exciting opportunity ahead.”
During the ceremony, officials also announced plans for a new Signia by Hilton Savannah hotel by the convention center.
Savannah offers more than 14,000 guest rooms across a variety of modern hotels and historic inns. Planners can choose from budget-friendly and mid-range brands to luxury accommodations, including the new AC Hotel Savannah Historic District, which opened in April, and JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District—both conveniently located on River Street, a vibrant waterfront area with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
JW Marriott actually includes three hotel properties, each with its own distinct design: Three Muses, which blends elegant, romantic, and whimsical styles; Power Plant, which transforms the original power plant’s industrial design into a sophisticated space; and Atlantic, which features maritime influences reminiscent of luxurious yachts. Guests can enjoy unique features at each hotel, including stunning art pieces displayed in the Power Plant lobby and That Great Gretsch Sound! museum at the entrance to Atlantic. The Atlantic also includes a recording studio and features concerts at District Live.
Combined, the three properties at JW Marriott Plant Riverside District offer 18,050 square feet of meeting and event space. Planners can choose from ballrooms, meeting rooms, and private dining rooms. Other areas for private group functions include Beethoven’s Terrace, The Moon Deck, and Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar.
Food for Thought
No matter what your taste, Savannah serves it up with true Southern hospitality. Visitors can enjoy Southern comfort foods, fresh coastal seafood, and fine dining. City Market and River Street offer a wide variety of restaurants and pubs. The Pink House is a popular spot in the Historic District. Savannah is also home to James Beard Award winners and nominees: The Grey, Common Thread, and Lone Wolf Lounge. Leopold’s Ice Cream is a can’t-miss.
Just for Fun
Plant Riverside District is a lively spot both day and night, with lots of local and quirky shops, galleries, restaurants, and pubs. Visitors can explore Savannah’s rich cultural and historical attractions, including Old Fort Jackson and other Civil War sites; African American monuments and landmarks like the Freedom Trail Tour; SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) and Telfair museums; and historic homes. The Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour offers a different glimpse of Savannah’s “spirited” history.
For a fun teambuilding option, planners can arrange pedicab scavenger-hunt tours for attendees, stopping at popular attractions and landmarks throughout the Historic District.
Thrill & Chill
Whether the agenda calls for outdoor adventure or relaxing downtime, Savannah delivers.
Riverboat cruises, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, and Tybee Island are perfect for group outings. Savannah also has great walking and biking trails. The 30-acre Forsyth Park offers endless options, with restaurants, shops, street performers, festivals, a farmers market, and much more. The iconic Forsyth Fountain is one of the most photographed sites in all of Savannah.
Getting Around
Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) offers nonstop flights to and from more than 30 destinations, on major and regional/commuter air providers. The airport is just 15 minutes from Savannah’s Historic District.
Trolley tours, segways, and carriage rides make it easy for attendees to see the sites.
Savannah Belles Water Ferry provides complimentary ferry service from one side of the river to the other, stopping right in front of Savannah Convention Center—an added convenience for convention-goers.
Michelle Martin is editor-in-chief of ConventionSouth.
