Meeting News - April 21, 2008 - (Page 26)

convention center showcase Memphis Cook Convention Center tennessee above all for its barbeque, found at Arlington Barbeque Company, Barb A Rosas Real Pit Bar B Que, Brad’s Bar B Q, and Corky’s Ribs & BBQ. Rendezvous, featuring Charlie Vergas’ charcoal-broiled pork ribs, has been a downtown Memphis tradition since 1948. Patrick and Gena Neely, host of the Food Network’s “Down Home Cooking” show, are owners of the famed Neely’s Bar-B-Que, which just celebrated its 20th year. RECREATION Historic Beale Street is where the blues was first popularized and where many rock ‘n’ roll legends got their start. It is home to 25 shops and clubs, and is lined with talented street musicians. There are plenty of other must-visits for music fans: The Gibson Guitar Factory & Beale Street Showcase, featuring B.B. King’s famed “ES Lucille” guitar; Smithsonian’s Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum; the famous Sun Studio, touted as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll; and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. And of course there’s Graceland, the legendary 14-acre former home of Elvis. Other Memphis highlights include the Center for Southern Folklore, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Jillian’s Entertainment Center. The FedExForum, a $250 million arena right in the heart of the downtown, is home to the NBA Memphis Grizzlies. On non-game days, planners can rent the whole Backstage Restaurant for an exclusive event for up to 200 people. ACCESS It is 12 miles from the convention center to the Memphis International Airport, a Northwest Airlines hub that serves more than 600 flights a day. Two major interstates (I-40 and I-55) intersect here as well. CONTACT John Oros Executive VP/COO Memphis CVB (901) 543-5300 Fax: (901) 543-5350 E-mail: joros@mcvb.org www.memphistravel.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION The “home of blues” inspires meeting and convention groups. Memphis’ rich musical history is legendary, having been home to the likes of Elvis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Al Green, and Isaac Hayes. That tradition continues today with an excellent live music scene that inspires both residents and visitors alike. A recent multibillion-dollar renewal project has revitalized the downtown area. In addition, the Memphis Cook Convention Center was recently expanded and renovated. Alternative venues for conventions include the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis and the Agricenter International. CONVENTION CENTER One of the hallmarks of the Memphis Cook Convention Center is its versatility and affordability. The $92 million convention center expansion project has enhanced Memphis’ reputation as an outstanding destination for meetings and conventions. The center now features 350,000 square feet of convention space, registration, and prefunction space. It connects to the new 2,100-seat Cannon Center for Performing Arts, which has showcased the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker, and Theater Classic Productions. The Main Hall has a seating capacity of 10,150, with 125,000 square feet of contiguous, columnfree space. The South Hall has 35,098 square feet for events. An outdoor terrace overlooks the mighty Mississippi River. The convention center complex also includes five meeting rooms with 16-foot ceilings; 32 breakout rooms. An Executive Conference Center; three parking levels with 1,000 covered spaces; and a 28,000-square-foot ballroom with an adjoining kitchen. ACCOMMODATIONS Metropolitan Memphis features 20,000 hotel rooms, 2,500 of which are within walking distance from the convention center, including those at the landmark Peabody Hotel. The 405room Hilton Memphis recently underwent a $12 million renovation. It features more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space. Other Memphis hotel brands include Courtyard by Marriott, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hyatt Place, Westin, and more. DINING There are a wide variety of excellent dining options in Memphis, from lowbrow to upscale, many on or near Beale Street. B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie’s, and the Hard Rock Cafe pack in visitors nightly. The city is known STAT CHECK MEMPHIS COOK CONVENTION CENTER Total Exhibit Space: 350,000 sf Largest Ballroom: 28,000 sf Meeting Rooms: 32 Largest Banquet: 1,900 Parking Spaces: 1,000 on site; 2,000 adjacent 26 April 21, 2008 http://www.memphistravel.com

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Meeting News - April 21, 2008

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