7 Friendliest Tennessee Cities for Meetings and Events

Tennessee – home of hot chicken, country music, beautiful rolling mountains, and named after the Yuchi Indian word, ‘Tana-see’, which ironically means, ‘the meeting place’.

With a wide landscape of unique cities, each filled with their own taste of southern charm and unique history, Tennessee is a beautiful, welcoming state for events and meetings, and these seven friendly cities are ready to showcase the venue of your next event!

1. Nashville Event Venues

Often referred to as ‘Music City’, Nashville is the music land of the south, is the state capital of Tennessee – and also happens to be a prime ‘hot’ spot ( and we don’t just mean the hot temperatures) of venues to host events and meetings.

Whether event professionals are looking for an event venue to meet the needs of 100,000 attendees or 100 – Nashville offers a wide array of event venues from historic, to trendy, to contemporary and everything in between.Discover these Nashville, Tennessee event venues:
Gaylord Opryland | The Horton Building | Aerial Nashville

2. Memphis Event Venues

Memphis, Tennessee, home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, a wealth of music, history, and barbecue! Oh, and it happens to be a perfect city with a plethora of wonderful, unique, large and small venues perfect for any event or meeting.

“We take the Southern approach where hospitality is king. We listen to your needs and strive to do our best. Let us help make your meeting seamless and memorable. From hotels and restaurants to attractions and events, Memphis has something for every attendee.” –Memphis TravelDiscover these Memphis, Tennessee event venues:
Tower Center | Emerge Memphis | Junior League Memphis

3. Gatlinburg Event Venues

Located in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a great location in Tennessee to host events and meetings. With plenty of activities for attendees to take part in tram rides and chair lifts over the mountains, sleeping with the sharks and penguins, and breathtaking meeting rooms to match the uniqueness and engagement of events.

“Within a day’s drive for millions, getting to Gatlinburg is as easy as getting around once you arrive. A delightful alternative to the average convention-center setting, complete with acclaimed and picturesque golf courses, Gatlinburg is an attractive option for conferences, conventions, corporate meetings and church groups, no matter the size…” – Gatlinburg Open For BusinessDiscover these Gatlinburg, Tennessee event venues:
Glenstone Lodge | Gatlinburg Convention Center | Mountain Brook Lodge
 

4. Knoxville Event Venues

Nicknamed ‘The Marble City’ (because it was a major marble distribution hub in the early 1900s), and as the gateway to Smokey Mountains National Park, Knoxville Tennessee is one Tennessee event professionals don’t want to pass up when planning events and meetings.

“For the meeting planner seeking a destination that will deliver “wow, I had no idea” experiences, Knoxville offers a surprisingly real, truly accessible and unexpectedly sophisticated mix of culture, adventure, and cuisine rooted in history and genuine Southern hospitality. First-time visitors are typically amazed by all Knoxville has to offer and meeting planners are consistently impressed with the city’s ability to host conventions and events.” – Visit Knoxville Discover these Knoxville, Tennessee event venues:
Bridgewater Place | Knoxville Convention Center | Knox Heritage – Westwood

5. Chattanooga Event Venues

Chattanooga – the self-defined city of any ‘meeting planner’s dream!‘. For events and meetings of any variety, Chattanooga’s dynamic and robust city comes fully prepared including free electric shuttles, dining, world class attractions, numerous outdoor activities, plus more dining, arts and music than any event professional could dream of.

“Accessible, affordable and hospitable, Chattanooga is the perfect destination for your next meeting, convention, trade show or reunion.” – Chattanooga FunDiscover these Chattanooga, Tennessee event venues:
The Car Barn | The Meeting House | Tennessee RiverPlace

6. Johnson City Event Venues

A favorite among locals, as well as Forbes and Kiplinger’s, Johnson City, Tennessee is far more impressive than the popular song lyrics give it credit.

“From fossils to live music to golf or riding the rapids, you will find an experience like none other.” – Johnson City Chamber of CommerceDiscover these Johnson City, Tennessee event venues:
The Millennium Centre | VENUE at King Center | Carnegie Hotel

7. Franklin Event Venues

“Franklin, Tennessee has the unique venues that host groups of any size, for any occasion. From casual business meetings to annual conventions, and anything in-between, Franklin has the facilities, restaurants, and recreational activities to make your group’s next meeting or event the best one yet.” – Visit Franklin Discover these Franklin, Tennessee event venues:
McConnell House | The WareHouse | AG Expo Park

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Whether event professionals are looking to host an event in the beautiful, quiet mountaintops of the Smoky Mountaintops, or downtown Nashville with the streets lined with music and good ol’ country hot chicken or barbecue – these welcoming and friendly Tennessee cities and the venues within are perfect for your next meeting or event.

Stova’s meeting and event apps can help ensure that the events are every bit as memorable and engaging as they should be!