MEMPHIS: The River City is All New!
If you’ve ever planned an event in Memphis, you might not recognize it the next time you see it! This river city is on the rise, starting with a $200M modernization of the Renasant Convention Center. There is a lot happening and a lot new in the River City.
Why makes MEMPHIS a great place for faith-based meetings?
Memphis appeals to every demographic and age group. Religion plays an important role in our culture identity. Memphis is home to the Church of God in Christ, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Regardless of your particular faith Memphis welcomes everyone, a friendly and warm southern hospitality is what faith based groups can expect when visiting Memphis.
What is unique and interesting about MEMPHIS to visiting groups?
Memphis is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable destinations to visit. Offering groups a lower cost-per-attendee than other cities on the rise. Memphis is also a six to eight hour drive to 85% of the country making the bluff city easily accessible to visiting groups. We’re known around the world as the barbecue capital with over 100 barbecue restaurants, but for the true foodie our culinary scene offers more than ribs. From soul food at the historicFour Way Grill to Bishop, a french brasserie inspired restaurant by James Beard nominated chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, Memphis has a vast and diverse culinary scene that appeals to all visitors.
What are some nearby cultural experiences that groups would enjoy?
Visiting groups to Memphis can experience one of a kind historic attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street, Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion, Stax Museum of American Soul, and the Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum (member of the Smithsonian Institution). There’s also group tours available to historical landmarks such as Claborn Temple and Mason Temple, the international headquarters for the Church of God in Christ, which is also where Martin Luther King. Jr gave his famous “ I”ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
What are some new or upcoming enhancements to MEMPHIS that event planners should know about?
A $200 million renovation was just completed this fall to the Renasant Convention Center. This stunning update includes:
A 118,000-SF, column-free exhibit hall, the largest in the region, which can sub-divide into three spaces
28,000-SF ballroom
18,000-SF secondary hall/ballroom
46 meeting/breakout rooms
2,100-seat, connected theater: The Cannon Center
Floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in natural light and views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River
Connectivity with the 600-room Sheraton Memphis Downtown, with an additional 300 rooms planned
CONTACT INFO:
Kermit Madison, CFMP, MBA, M.S.
Senior Director of Multicultural Sales and West Coast
901-543-5323 kermitmadison@memphistravel.com
www.memphistravel.com