Knoxville Convention Center mosaic
In 1982 Knoxville invited the world to its grand World's Fair. Now, 20 years later, Knoxville is again inviting everyone to its World's Fair Park, but this time it is to show off its new Knoxville Convention Center.
The convention center, which opened this summer, is located in downtown Knoxville, adjacent to the Sunsphere, the signature structure of the 1982 World's Fair.
The new Knoxville Convention Center is a half million square feet of total space that reflects the alluring environment of the area. The center boasts a 119,922-square-foot exhibit hall and a 27,300-square-foot divisible ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,850 people for a formal banquet or 2,600 for a meeting.
Additionally, 14 functional meeting rooms seat 100 to 460 attendees in theater style. A 461-seat lecture hall and three luxury conference rooms are ideal choices for meetings as well.
Knoxville offers a variety of places to stay, from top-name brands to historic bed and breakfast accommodations. The county boasts more than 7,500 hotel rooms; 1,200 of which are in the downtown/convention center area.
Knoxville is known for its hospitality, convenience and affordability. The scenic city is located within a day's drive of more than half of the nation's population, at the crossroads of three major interstates, I-75, I-40 and I-81. McGhee-Tyson Airport, located just 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville and the Knoxville Convention Center, is serviced by 10 airlines that fly directly to 15 cities and have 6,600 seats daily.
Not only is Knoxville easily accessible, it is situated in the beautiful East Tennessee region. Nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the banks of the Tennessee River, the area offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers a wealth of opportunities on area lakes, in the mountains and on beautiful golf courses.
Spouses and attendees have plenty of activities to choose from while in Knoxville. Visitors can discover history and culture at one of more than 20 historic sites and unique museums. Volunteer Landing, a scenic one-mile riverwalk, offers a visitor center, attractions, full service marina, restaurants, waterfalls and fountains.
The world's only Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is a fun way to spend an afternoon or shop the day away at unique shops or nearby outlet stores. The Old City section of Knoxville features unique shops, restaurants and nightlife opportunities. Visitors can also experience the beauty of the region by taking a relaxing cruise on the Star of Knoxville riverboat or seeing the countryside aboard the Three Rivers Rambler steam engine train.
Knoxville's seasons and mild climate year-round provide many opportunities to experience special events and festivals.
With a diverse selection of activities and the city's dedication to first-class service, Knoxville is the natural choice for an unbeatable meeting or convention.
Highlights of the new Knoxville Convention Center:
• Total square footage: 500,545
• Exhibit space: 119,922 sq. ft., can be divided into two areas
• Ballroom: 27,300 sq. ft., can be divided into six areas
• Meeting Rooms: 14 functional meeting rooms seat 100 to 460 attendees in theater style
• Three luxury conference rooms
• Lecture Hall: 461 seats
• Other amenities: Business Center, Full service banquet kitchen, Underground exhibit hall loading area with nine truck bays and drive-on access via two ramp doors.
For more information, meeting planners are invited to contact one of the KCVB Sales Staff: phone: 866-790-5373 (toll free), fax 865-673-4400, e-mail: sales @knoxville.org
Inside the new Knoxville Convention Center