Chattanooga
A Must-See Scenic City With New Attractions
By Lindsey Getz "Typically, room rates and food and beverage pricing can be much less costly than in larger cities," said Steve Genovesi, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Area Convention and Visitors Bureau vice president of sales and marketing, of his city. "And, when you arrive downtown, everything is within walking distance or accessible by the free shuttle. No taxi cabs are needed."
That's just some of the benefits to meeting in Chattanooga, Genovesi said, adding that the city offers the charm of a small town with the luxury and excitement of a big city—and now has a "beautifully renovated downtown area and redeveloped riverfront." He said these developments affirm that the river city is arguably one of the country's most scenic meetings destinations.
The development of the riverfront area has created new off-site opportunities for visitors. "The off-site venues continue to multiply in Chattanooga," Genovesi said. "The number of boating options for small and large parties has increased fourfold. There's everything from Southern Belle Riverboat's new addition, to a renovated boat from Maine that can take groups to an island between downtown and the north shore.
There are also eco-tours by Blue Moon Cruises." These guided tours depart two times a day from the Chattanooga waterfront and give guests a chance to see wildlife up close.
Genovesi also recommended the Tennessee Aquarium's
River Gorge Explorer, a new attraction that seats up to 70 passengers at a time and gives them the opportunity to explore the heart of "Tennessee's Grand Canyon." The 90-minute cruise on this catamaran-styled watercraft brings sightseers into the gorge of the Tennessee River.
The aquarium can accommodate up to 1,000 people throughout both buildings, and the auditorium holds 190. "The Tennessee Aquarium is conveniently located downtown on the Chattanooga waterfront," said Meredith Lewallen, sales representative. "There are at least 10 hotels within 12 blocks of the aquarium, four of those being less than three blocks away." The aquarium, which also features an IMAX theater, has a variety of exhibits to keep visitors entertained when meetings and events are out of session.
Simply put, the area is hopping with things to do. "It was a great place for our convention because of the area's railroad history, but Chattanooga is also a great tourist destination with a lot to see," said Carl Jensen, chairman of the national convention committee of the National Railway Historical Society, which represents 165 chapters across the country. "There's so much to do, from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to the Tennessee Aquarium and the national military park," Jensen said.
Key Info · Sales Tax: 9.25 percent
· Hotel Tax: 8 percent
· Transportation: The Downtown Electric Shuttle offers free rides daily and runs approximately every five minutes. |
Jensen planned the group's last convention at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn, a restored railroad station, which was perfect for the railroad enthusiasts, he said. "Talk about friendly hotels. They bent over backward for us," Jensen said. The 363-room hotel offers 28,000 square feet of meeting space within 12 meeting rooms and can accommodate groups of up to 800.
The Chattanooga Convention Center is the city's largest venue for meetings. Offering 102,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, the meeting space is all on one level. "The highlight of this space is the natural lighting in the exhibit halls," said Mike Shuford, assistant director. "This is accomplished with large roof monitors that let the natural sunlight in. It not only saves electricity but also gives the attendees a much-improved ambiance by having natural light in their exhibits." The convention center also offers 21 breakout rooms and a 19,000-square-foot ballroom.
Betsey Baun, executive director of the Southeastern Theatre Conference, planned the not-for-profit organization's annual convention at the convention center in March. "If I could go there every year, I would," she said. "It's perfect for our needs. It's designed with just enough exhibit space, a large ballroom area, and an incredible number of meeting rooms. We are so multi-faceted in what we do at our convention, and there are very few facilities that can put us under one roof. This one does it exceptionally well." Baun has already re-booked the center for 2012.
There are 2,000 guest rooms that are "connected" to the center, so to speak, via Chattanooga's complimentary shuttle system.
Additional meeting options include the Tivoli Theatre and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Tivoli Theatre can seat up to 1,762 people and is "conveniently located in the heart of the downtown area with plenty of hotels nearby," said Donna Landry, marketing coordinator. The theater will be closed for renovations this summer but will re-open in September. Several blocks away, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium offers theater seating for more than 3,800 and 12,000 square feet of exhibit space.
What's New At Area Hotels?
The Chattanooga Clarion Hotel recently hired Kimberly Schnell as the new director of sales and marketing. Schnell has more than 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The 35-year-old hotel is completing a two-year, $20 million re-invention, according to Bill Mish, general manager, who said the project is set to be completed this fall. At that time, the hotel will be re-branded as the Chattanooga Doubletree Hotel. The 201-room property has 19,700 square feet of meeting space.
Attached to the convention center is the Chattanooga Marriott, which features 342 guest rooms and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is always making improvements to keep things fresh and new, said Lori Cox, director of sales and marketing. "Within the last year, we have replaced all corridor carpet and wall vinyl as well as guest room carpet and draperies."
Two blocks from the convention center is the 241-room Sheraton Read House Hotel, which was extensively renovated in 2004 and continues to undergo new improvements. "Meeting space carpet, boardroom furniture and linens have all been added, replaced or ordered," said Trevor Goulding, director of sales and marketing. "By the year's end, all Sheraton Hotels will be 100 percent smoke free. Also, before the end of the year, all guest room TVs will be replaced with high-definition LCD TVs." The hotel offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
The Chattanoogan recently earned a Four-Diamond award. "We believe this recognizes The Chattanoogan's commitment to superior personal service, superb cuisine and impressive surroundings," said Tom Cupo, general manager. The hotel's restaurant, The Broad Street Grille, was also recently renovated, and last year The Chattanoogan's guest rooms, suites, lobby and The Foundry lounge were updated as well. The hotel offers more than 25,000 square feet of conference space and recently introduced "a wonderful outdoor fire pit that groups are enjoying for social gatherings," Cupo said.
