When planning a conference, the venue you choose is crucial, but the location of the venue is everything. Conference attendees want a place with sights to see, a good selection of restaurants, and events to go to after a long day at work. Since location is so important for conferences, a lot of planners scramble to book venues in popular American cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago; however, these cities are very expensive, and tend to book up months and years in advance.
The good news is that these major metropolitan areas aren't the only ones that are appropriate for conferences. The American southeast is full of beautiful venues and cities that are more than capable of handling your company's event. Here are some of the best hidden gems of the region:
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville may not be as well-known as Miami or Orlando, but it has plenty of Florida charm. There's a bustling downtown center that's full of places to eat and drink, but without the traffic and crowds that exist in the other cities. It's also the perfect city for outdoor enthusiasts: the area offers places to dive, canoe, kayak, and fish, and plenty of spots to hike and see local wildlife. Gainesville is also home to the University of Florida, and the institution's Infinity Hall offers 50 meeting areas and rooms for overnight guests. It's also located right next to the state's Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest.
Johnson City, Tennessee
Did you know that Johnson City was ranked 14th on Forbes' Best Small Places for Business and Careers list? This city has less than 65,000 residents, but still manages to have an atmosphere like a big metropolitan area. Event planners will want to check out the Millennium Centre, the city's full-service conference venue, which is a stone's throw away from Knoxville and Nashville. They have complete services for banquets and dinners, along with accommodations for special events.
Greenville, South Carolina
The city of Greenville has been praised for its fast-growing population and strong job market, and more people are starting to take notice of this small city in The Palmetto State's Piedmont region. The city is home to historic landmarks and breathtaking natural scenery, along with a bustling downtown area and corporate centers. The Younts Conference Center at Furman University sits on a secluded spot on the university's sprawling 700+ acre property, and is known for its beautiful landscape and versatility as a venue.
Atlanta, Georgia
Perhaps you want your conference to be held in a larger city but want to look beyond the biggest and most expensive locations in order to get the very most for your budget. If so, then Atlanta, Georgia could be a great option for you. The Georgia Institute of Technology has the best conference area in the state, and is surrounded by many interesting attractions. Conference guests can visit the CNN Center, the city's aquarium, Turner Field, or even a museum dedicated to Coca-Cola!
There are plenty of places to have a great conference besides the northeast. Check out these and other great venues in the southeast for the perfect blend of convenience, culture, and aesthetic beauty!