Reintroducing Knoxville: A Growing Southeastern Convention Destination

 

Knoxville, Tennessee, may not be the state’s biggest city, but don’t count it out for meetings and conventions of all sizes. 

The city, which is home to a population of roughly 195,000, has hosted citywides like the Bassmaster Classic event (2019 and 2023)—known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”—with the 2023 iteration generating $35.5 million in economic impact and attracting a crowd of 163,914. Venues used included Thompson-Boling Arena for weigh-ins and the Knoxville Convention Center and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall for the expo.

State associations, sporting events and other conventions all have a place in Knoxville. Not only does the city’s convention center complex offer a multitude of options for groups, but so does the nearby University of Tennessee campus. 

Tier-one neighbor Nashville might be exploding nearly three hours west of Knoxville, but with it comes higher prices and limited availability, and that’s where Knoxville comes in. Walkability, versatile venues and that classic Southern hospitality are just a few reasons to give Knoxville a second look for your next meeting or event.

[Related: Explore These Top Natural Attractions for Meetings Groups in East Tennessee]

Walkable Convention Center Campus

According to Chad Culver, senior director of sports commission and convention sales for Visit Knoxville, walkability is a huge advantage for groups that come to the destination. 

“Walkability is what sells us,” he said. “We did a fam back in the spring with nine really good planners in town, and they all said, ‘W e didn’t realize it was this walkable,’ and, ‘We wish we had more time to walk around.’”

Of the 9,600 guest rooms countywide, over 1,800 rooms are downtown within one square mile of the Knoxville Convention Center. Three hotels in particular—Marriott Knoxville Downtown (which recently completed a $30 million-plus renovation), Hilton Knoxville and The Tennessean—are anchor hotels of the convention center. As a bonus, all three properties are now under the same ownership and management group, making them easy to sell to planners as a complex for groups.

“The convention center has about 120,000 square feet just in the exhibit hall, and about half a million total in the building,” Culver explained. “Then the convention center below the Marriott next door adds another 65,000 square feet.

“It’s cool to see when we have different meetings and conventions come to town and how they utilize both spaces,” he continued. “That separates us from a lot of people; there’s infinite possibilities for how we can build the space around a group.”

Planners with boots on the ground will see how easy shops, dining and other attractions are to access from the convention center and its surrounding hotels. Culver said that once attendees have a chance to walk a few blocks away from the convention center campus and see what the rest of the city offers, they are impressed.

“Every meeting and convention is different—the more you can get them to walk around and see what you have to offer, the more they get excited,” he said.

One of those impressive blocks is Market Square. This historic heart of downtown dates to the late 1800s and remains a vibrant part of downtown Knoxville, offering prime shopping, nightlife, a farmers market and restaurant outlets. Cafe 4 is an area staple for meals, serving modern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and where Culver claims he’s “never had a bad meal.” Stock & Barrel is another local favorite for burgers and bourbon.

[Related: These Theme Parks Double as Immersive Event Environments]

New Developments on the Horizon

As Knoxville improves its existing products, with the Marriott Knoxville Downtown’s renovation completed, The Tennessean added in 2017 and talks in the works for a renovation project at the Hilton Knoxville, exciting new developments are coming to town as well.

Most notable is a new multi-use stadium, scheduled to open April 2025 in the Old City neighborhood—the northeastern part of downtown with a rich, varied history and quirky, alternative vibe that make it well worth a visit when in Knoxville. 

The new stadium will be home to the Tennessee Smokies Minor League Baseball team, soccer, festivals and other special events. The facility will open a new venue for planners looking for a unique offsite venue, with meeting rooms and event space planned.

[Related: 3 East Tennessee Properties for Small Corporate Retreats]

See It to Believe It

If Knoxville isn’t on your radar for meetings and conventions, Culver says that most people who visit leave with a changed perception. You just have to see Knoxville to believe in its group potential.

“I think the key is to get someone to town just to see it,” he said. “Knoxville is a special place, and we also have a cool college town feel.

“The fam [I mentioned earlier] had people across the market segments, and four of the nine have already signed contracts,” he added. “I’m pretty confident if I can get someone to town, I’m pretty sure they are going to bring their event to Knoxville…People feel welcome when they’re here.”

Forge of Nature  

Although Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is home to a small population—roughly 6,000—it’s a major tourist destination attracting an estimated 10 million visitors each year and $1.5 billion in revenue, according to the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. The draw? Only 35 miles from Knoxville, Pigeon Forge is home to the most-visited national park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Tennessee’s most-visited commercial attraction, Dollywood.

Groups can harness all of the energy, natural wonders and attractions in Pigeon Forge, too. Across 20 venues, 145,000 square feet of meeting space is available, including that at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, which can accommodate groups up to 1,500.

Pigeon Forge continues to add accommodations for the influx of visitors, both for leisure and business. Here’s a roundup of what’s new in 2024 and coming in 2025: 

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Pigeon Forge Resort is scheduled to open in March 2025. Planned amenities include a rooftop bistro, free parking and easy access to attractions such as Dollywood and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.
• Cambria Hotel Pigeon Forge is scheduled to open December 2024 with nearly 800 square feet of meeting space. For small corporate groups, they will enjoy a location near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other iconic Pigeon Forge attractions like Dollywood.
• Staybridge Suites Pigeon Forge recently opened across the street from multipurpose events facility LeConte Center—one of the key group venues in town. The property has 104 rooms and one meeting space of its own.
• Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort opened last fall in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains with 302 guest rooms and suites and 26,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The resort is adjacent to the famed Dollywood theme park  and  just 10 miles to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other amenities include onsite dining, indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary trolley service to Dollywood and more.

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Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

Visit Knoxville

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