< Previous2023 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE MEMPHIS TOURISM 13-Time Winner CITY-WIDE FACTS AND FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 4,000 rooms ready to book, with 2,000 additional rooms in development in Memphis’ downtown core Total Hotels/Resorts: 25 hotels city wide Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 220,000 sf of meeting space at group hotels city wide, plus 300,000 sf of meeting space at the Renasant Convention Center downtown Convention Center FYI: Memphis Tourism is the managing partner of the modernized Renasant Convention Center, an easy walk to downtown hotels, restaurants, Beale Street and more. 1. MEMPHIS IS A MUSIC CITY LIKE NO OTHER. In the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll, live music rocks seven nights a week on Beale Street. Legendary music attractions — including the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame, Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Elvis Presley’s Graceland — double as event venues. 2. MEMPHIS’ RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER IS ALL NEW. The venue recently debuted its $200M modernization. Expect a 118,000 sf, column-free exhibit hall — the largest in the region — with flexible space, natural light and mighty Mississippi River views. A 28,000 sf ballroom, 18,000 sf secondary hall/ ballroom, 2,100-seat theater and 46 breakout rooms round out the 300,000 sf facility. 3. THAT’S NOT ALL THAT’S NEW IN MEMPHIS. 2,000 new hotel rooms opened in Memphis between 2020 and 2022, and more than 6,000 additional rooms are in development through 2026. Memphis International Airport (MEM) debuted a $245M upgrade of its own in February 2022, and Liberty Park, a $200M sports and events center in the heart of the city, is set to open by year’s end. 4. STILL, MEMPHIS IS A VALUE FOR GROUPS. Memphis offers groups a relatively low cost-per-attendee, thanks to reasonable airport transfers, average daily rate and food-and-beverage costs. Just ask Lonely Planet: The travel site recently raved about Memphis’ affordability. 5. MEMPHIS IS EASY TO GET TO (AND AROUND). Memphis’ central location means the city is a short flight, drive or train ride from almost anywhere in the U.S. MEM services 100 flights daily with 30 nonstop destinations. In-market, groups will enjoy Memphis’ compact, walkable downtown and vintage trolleys. 6. MEMPHIS IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR PLANNERS. The Memphis Tourism team works with planners every step of the way, whether you need logistics assistance or a local speaker in your vertical. If you host your event at the Renasant Convention Center, it’s managed by Memphis Tourism, making your job even easier. 7. OF COURSE, MEMPHIS HAS MANY UNIQUE VENUES. Whether you opt for an after-hours tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland or a reception on a glass-bottom deck atop one of the world’s largest pyramids — Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid — only-in-Memphis venues guarantee memorable events. 8. MEMPHIS IS ALSO KNOWN FOR DELICIOUS FOOD. World-famous barbecue, soul food and local favorites from casual to fine dining — all within walking distance of the Renasant Convention Center — help create that authentic Memphis experience. C&IT 8 GREAT REASONS TO MEET IN MEMPHIS 40 November 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com MALVIN GIPSON Vice President, Sales, Sports and Convention Services Memphis Tourism 47 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: 901-543-5366 malvingipson@memphistravel.com memphistravel.comRen s nt Convention Center nd its m n ging p rtner, Memphis Tourism, h ve been honored with Re ders’ Choice Aw rd by ConventionSouth M g zine. This is the sixth consecutive ye r Memphis Tourism h s e rned the distinction, nd the second ye r for Ren s nt Convention Center. RENASANTCONVENTIONCENTER.COM EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE, 2021-2023 CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE SMART MEETINGS, 2022 BEST CONVENTION CENTER EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE, 2022 BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE & ON-SITE SUPPORT GBAC-STAR ACCREDITED2023 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 28-Time Winner CITY-WIDE FACTS AND FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: Over 66,000 rooms Total Hotels/Resorts: Over 575 Hotels Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 1.4 million sq ft Y ou can attend a symposium anywhere in the world, but a “symposiyum” is uniquely Miami Beach. It’s something that only happens when you’re at a best- in-class venue boasting over 1.4 million sq ft of customizable space that’s minutes away from a top-notch culinary scene — including Michelin-starred restaurants. This eclectic symphony of flavors that has something for everyone makes it easy to see why Miami is Bon Appetit’s 2023 Food City of the Year. In addition to a completely reimagined Miami Beach Con- vention Center, the neighboring district offers easy access to group activities every attendee will love, from shops, vibrant culture, iconic beaches, lush golf courses, and more. The luxe hotels — including the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Hotel in development — allow attendees to turn a convention into a “spavention” where an early morning treatment at the hotel spa meets captivating meetings. DESTINATION DETAILS • Miami Beach Convention Center total square footage: 1.4 million sq ft • Sustainability: Miami Beach Convention Center Food Donations & Composting Programs • Miami International Airport: 1,000+ flights daily arriving and departing, 11 miles from Miami Beach Conven- tion Center, ACI Airport Health Accreditation • Myraid of transporta- tion options: Inclusive of the Brightline Train, Metrorail, Metromover, and free Miami Beach trolley • Asset Intelligence: Greater Miami is home to a diverse workforce across the aviation, finance, medicine, and technology industries • Take advantage of our meeting incentive available for a limited time C&IT MIAMI: THE ONE-OF-A-KIND MEETINGS DESTINATION TOP 5 REASONS TO MEET IN MIAMI: • A Global Destination Attendees Will Love • 2023 Smart Star Winner for Best DMO & Top CVENT Meetings Destination • The Reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center • A MBCC Headquarter Hotel in development • Proximity to Michelin-starred restaurants 42 November 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com CAROL MOTLEY Sr. Vice President, Convention Sales and Services Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau 701 Brickell Ave #2700 Miami, FL 33131 305-539-3020 CMotley@GMCVB.com MiamiMeetings.com© Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach work end” “ When you come to Miami for your meeting, but extend your stay to rejuvenate at the spa and a show, you’re sure to have the best “workend” ever. That’s my Miami. Learn more at MiamiMeetings.com GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH2023 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE PHILADELPHIA 10-Time Winner CITY-WIDE FACTS AND FEATURES Total guest rooms: More than 14,400 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center Total hotels: 100 offsite venue options with spaces for 50 to 20,000 guests Total square feet of meeting space: A million square foot venue in the middle of downtown Convention Center FYI: Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Convention Center is steps away from attractions, restaurants and hotels. Y ou may know Philadelphia for the Liberty Bell and cheesesteaks, but Philadelphia has so much more to offer. Visitors come for the familiar, but they stay for the fascinating, the unexpected, and the surprising experiences that they will remember for years to come. And the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the East Coast’s premier venue, is in the heart of it all, providing attendees with easy access to the Philadelphia’s attractions, hotels, and restaurants. In fact, The Wall Street Journal recently ranked the Center as #1 in the U.S. for walkability. Always innovating, the Center has invested $58.9 million in capital improvements in the last two years, purposefully focused on the customer experience to demonstrate our commitment to health and sustainability. A longstanding proponent of environ- mental conservation and a reliable support to its customers, the Center’s Green Team offers a wealth of expertise in successfully hosting green events and helping customers achieve their own sustainability goals. The Center is Gold LEED Certified, and we are proud to tout that it has the largest ballroom in the Northeast! MAKING CONNECTIONS From experts on mental health to successful entrepreneurs changing the business landscape today, the Philadelphia Con- vention and Visitors Bureau team connects you with thought leaders that will elevate your convention experience. Our team helps event specialists tap into Philadelphia’s extensive medi- cal, life sciences and nursing communities through PHL Life Sciences, the first and only division of its kind in the country. Named as one of the top “Knowledge Capitals” in the U.S. and Europe by the Brookings Institution, Philadelphia has a wealth of industry leaders and experts, including scholars, research- ers, and entrepreneurs, to enlist as speakers or panelists. BETWEEN THE MEETINGS We know that what happens between meetings is important when selecting a destination. Philadelphia is home to must-see museums and a vibrant dining scene. From the historic Reading Terminal Market, named the best public market in the United States, to premier exhibitions, your attendees will leave Phila- delphia inspired and invigorated. As one of the most walkable cities in the nation, meeting attendees will find it easy to explore the city’s top attractions, with popular sites such as LOVE Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art all within a few minutes’ walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. From initial outreach to the last session, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau team provides recommenda- tions and logistic support to ensure that your event is success- ful and memorable. We can’t wait to host your next meeting, convention or event in Philadelphia! C&IT 44 November 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com NIK PEREIRA Vice President of Sales Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau 1601 Market St., Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-636-3330 Nik@discoverphl.com discoverphl.com/meet/ A CONVENTION CENTER IN THE HEART OF IT ALLA CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA IS REFRESHINGLY UNCONVENTIONAL Few convention centers anywhere put their guests as close to history, art and entertainment as Philadelphia. Our building is ready to host thousands of attendees and our city is ready to show them each a truly memorable time. DISCOVERPHL.COM WONDERS discover EXHIBIT HALL BEYOND THE2023 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE VISIT SAN JOSE 19-Time Winner CITY-WIDE FACTS AND FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 2,500 hotel rooms Total Hotels/Resorts: 15 partner hotels Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 520,000 sq. ft. of total convention and event space Convention Center FYI: The San Jose McEnery Convention Center sits in the center of the downtown area and boasts hundreds of varied events a year. T he largest city in Silicon Valley is home to the world’s greatest concentration of tech innovation. Its premier event space — the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (SJCC) — and Visit San Jose received the Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine’s Convention & Visitors Bureaus Award of Excellence. Located in the center of San Jose, the facility offers a 367,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, making it the ideal choice for meetings and events of all sizes. With three expansive exhibit halls, two elegant ballrooms and 43 versatile meeting rooms, the SJCC can accommodate events from trade shows to corporate conferences to product launches. This convention center offers state-of-the-art technology and AV capabilities, unconventional cuisine from an in-house catering team, and it is adjacent to four historic theaters for unique breakouts and more intimate events. Getting to and staying in San Jose is also a breeze. The Mineta San Jose International Airport is less than four miles from our walkable downtown and features a wide variety of hotels with 2,500 rooms committable for a city-wide event. Beyond our convention center, there are even bigger adven- tures. Explore the campus-like feel of our vibrant, diverse downtown filled with unique museums, galleries, innovative culinary start-ups, comedy, live music, craft cocktails, slam poetry, plus even more entertainment options and three hun- dred days of sunshine every year. Iconic Northern California adventures are close with Big Basin Redwoods. In our oldest state park, you can walk among the tallest trees on Earth or zip-line through magnificent redwood groves. The exploration goes further on the steam train to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or along a coastal drive on Highway 1, guaranteed to deliver breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. “We are thrilled that our Visit San Jose event services staff and our community are being recognized,” said Matthew Mar- tinucci, Vice President of Sales & Destination Services. “We strive to offer superior service to event planners who chose San Jose and to welcome the attendees, whom we hope will enjoy our hospitality.” The Visit San Jose services team has everything required to elevate meetings and events. From designing custom group experiences to housing management to an at-ready staff to lend a hand during the event, event planners will find a true partner to help executive seamless meetings and events in San Jose. Start making your way to San Jose. Visit sanjose.org/meetings today. C&IT LET’S MEET IN AWARD-WINNING SAN JOSE 46 November 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com MATTHEW MARTINUCCI Vice President of Sales and Destination Services sales@sanjose.org sanjose.org/meetBigger . Better . Smarter . Silicon Valley is home to the largest concentration of tech innovation expertise in the world, and its premier event space, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, boasts over 367,000 sq. ft. of space. Add our adjacent historic theaters, and that is 520,000 sq. ft. combined meeting and event space in a beautiful, walkable downtown campus. Just beyond these walls, explore museums, galleries, culinary start-ups, comedy, music, cocktails, performance art, plus three hundred days of sunshine every year. sanjose.org/meet Let’s meet in San Jose!2023 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE VISIT SAVANNAH Six-Time Winner SAVANNAH’S “RESOLUTION” IS CLEAR FOR 2024 CITY-WIDE FACTS AND FEATURES Total Guest Rooms: 18,263 Total Hotels/Resorts: 202 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: Savannah Convention Center, 200,000 sf; Exhibit hall, 40,000 and 25,000 sf Ballrooms; 36 Breakouts Convention Center FYI: The venue’s waterfront location is a significant draw in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, overlooking the scenic Savannah River. L ooking for the quintessential location to hold your next meeting or conference? Look no further than the Savannah Convention Center! Whether planning a small business gathering or a large-scale event, this venue has everything you need to succeed. This top- notch venue is the perfect spot to accommodate your group. And with the recent expansion of the convention center, the options are even more incredible! Attendees love a bucket list city! Savannah is a stunning, his- toric city that is easily accessible from all over the world. The convention center is located in the heart of downtown, mak- ing it easy for attendees to explore the city before or after the events or host off-site activities. Not to mention, elegant accom- modations within blocks of meeting venues make gatherings in Savannah a step above the rest. The Savannah Convention Center is impressive in itself. The current center has 330,000 sq ft of flexible event space, includ- ing a 100,000 sq ft exhibit hall and a 50,000 sq ft ballroom. In Q1 of 2024, it will soon double in size with a new 25,000 sq ft ballroom, 32 breakout rooms, a 900-space parking garage for attendees, and 403 adjacent hotel rooms and plans for a new HQ hotel. But it’s more than just the size of the venue that makes it extraordinary. The convention center has advanced technol- ogy and facilities for seamless events. High-speed internet and video conferencing connect attendees globally. The Savannah Convention Center has a skilled team dedicated to making your event exceptional, from planners to catering staff. As LEED Gold certified, the first in Georgia to earn one, the convention center has prioritized its commitment to sustain- ability by implementing several green initiatives. Recycling used materials, timed lighting systems, certified sustainable fish and seafood, and 100% compostable and disposable plates and utensils are just a few habits visitors can expect them to uphold. Savannah’s strategic location in the southeastern United States makes it easily accessible for attendees traveling from all over the country. It has various transportation options, includ- ing an award-winning international airport, located a mere 20 minutes from Historic Downtown. Consider hosting your event in Savannah — a unique destination that offers coastal cuisine, cultural diversity, and a relaxed pace. Allow their expert sales team to help you plan a memorable meeting that will leave your attendees feeling inspired. Contact them today to book Savan- nah as your host. C&IT 48 November 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com JEFF HEWITT, CDME Executive Vice President Visit Savannah 101 E. Bay St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-644-6416 JHewitt@VisitSavannah.com SavannahMeetings.comNext >