Meridian, sounds good!
Be prepared for a rousing round of applause when hosting your event in Meridian. Measure for measure, our facilities, in concert with our history, heritage and culture are sure to score big with your attendees. Meridian’s central location brings southeastern business travelers together. Two major highways—I-20 and I-59—bring you straight to Meridian. Amtrak and Meridian Regional Airport are convenient options for travel. No matter what type of event you’re orchestrating, there is a venue in Meridian that will fit your needs. For a truly unforgettable experience, time your event with one of the many live performances our city offers. With options ranging from plays to concerts, your guests are sure to find a wonderful way to spend their free time in Meridian. Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau is committed to ensuring your meeting is in tune with your needs. Our staff can assist you with every stage of planning and work with any budget. We’ve listed here a few of the ways we can assist you. ■
Invitations: We’ll extend an official invitation to your group which will include a letter from the mayor and the tourism bureau.
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Hotels & Restaurants: The tourism bureau will canvass local hotels for available space, rates, accommodations and dates for your meeting.
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Program Coordination: We’ll connect you with the right people for your program, prepare a tour and help arrange transportation.
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Collateral Material: We’ll provide a Meridian Visitor’s Guide and map for your registration materials.
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Publicity: We’ll distribute a press release on your behalf to media.
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MSU RiLEY CENTER 2200 5th St. • 601.696.2200 • www.msurileycenter.com A timeless classic, the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art, multi-functioning facility graced with the splendid architecture and style of a bygone era. Residing in buildings originally constructed in 1889, this conference center is an advanced, up-to-date venue with a rich heritage as its hallmark. Far removed from the generic and all-too-often bland conference setting, the MSU Riley Center offers striking architecture with authentic Victorian decor.
Exceptional Service and First Class Amenities The rich environment is rivaled only by the staff’s attention to detail. In keeping with the extraordinary space, they provide first class service from the time you enter their doors until the time you leave. They place tremendous value on audio and visual sensibilities, ensuring only the best in technical capabilities, equipment and staff support needed to make your meetings shine. They also provide a variety of food and beverage options customized to meet every budget.
Facility Features
■ Over 15 unique spaces accommodate 18 to 950 people.
■ All breakout rooms have built-in A/V equipment with easy-to- operate wall-mounted controls and USB ports. ■ Professionally trained IT experts are available to assist presenters as needed throughout each event. ■ The theater provides a dramatic setting for large assembly presentations, featured speakers, or private entertainment performances. ■ Meeting attendees have the option of attending performing-arts events that may coincide with conference dates.
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■ The event planning and coordination staff will assist with all aspects of functions before, during, and after each meeting.
Audio/Visual The conference and meeting space within the MSU Riley Center was designed to be a presenter’s stage and a meeting planner’s dream. The following equipment is built into all of their meeting rooms:
■ Drop-down projection screen
■ Video/data projector
■ DVD player
■ Computer with wireless keyboard and mouse
■ Video conferencing capabilities
■ Peavey MediaMatrix® sound system
■ Decorative built-in whiteboard
■ Flip chart holder
First Floor
Sq. Ft.
Reception
Banquet
Theater
Classroom
Boardroom
Exhibit Hall
5,200
400
375
400
200
—
Studio Theater
2,500
200
150
200
125
—
Exhibit Hall/Studio (combined)
7,700
600
500
600
350
—
Grand Lobby
2,225
150
75
—
—
—
Second Floor
Sq. Ft.
Reception
Banquet
Theater
Classroom
Boardroom
Theater (Fixed Seating)
7,340
—
—
950
—
—
Meeting Room 2-A
800
70
65
70
35
—
Meeting Room 2-B
1,200
100
75
100
60
—
Meeting Room 2-C
750
75
55
65
35
—
1,950
150
125
150
85
—
700
75
45
45
30
—
Sq. Ft.
Reception
Banquet
Theater
Classroom
Boardroom
Meeting Rooms 2-B+C Meeting Room 2-D
Third Floor Boardroom 3-A
960
50
—
—
25
22
Meeting Room 3-B
1,030
125
70
80
50
—
Classroom 3-C
1,485
—
—
—
50
—
735
75
50
60
30
—
Fourth Floor
Sq. Ft.
Reception
Banquet
Theater
Classroom
Boardroom
Boardroom 4-A
640
25
—
—
—
18
4-B
900
—
—
—
—
—
Meeting Room 3-D
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Merrehope 905 Martin Luther King Dr. 601.483.8439 www.merrehope.com
As a historic home, Merrehope, offers a spacious option for meetings ranging from business luncheons to wedding receptions. Groups as small as 20 will enjoy the intimate dining rooms, while guests attending large functions can mingle in the many rooms and on the wraparound porches. China, silver, serving dishes, table linens and more are available for use during your event.
Soulé Steam Feed Works 402 19th Ave. 601.693.9905 www.soulelivesteam.com
For a truly unique event, this historic industrial complex offers meeting space both indoors and out. Showcasing the long history of steam-powered machinery, the indoor facilities—the Steam Demonstration Room and the Foundry—can accommodate groups as large as 400. Outdoor space between and around the buildings can be tented for receptions or parties. Guests will enjoy the unusual setting as well as the industrial museum housed on-site.
Union Station 1901 Front St.
601.484.6852 www.meridianms.org/transportunionstation.html
Sprawling over four blocks in downtown Meridian is the beautifully restored Union Station. While serving as the hub of Meridian’s transportation systems—interstate buses and trains, and local transit—Union Station also offers almost 3,000 square feet of space for conferences, banquets, receptions, parties and press conferences. Several rooms adjoin and can be used together or separately to fit the needs of your event.
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Weidmann’s 210 22nd Ave.
601.581.5770 www.weidmanns1870.com
Since 1870, this historic Meridian restaurant has been satisfying locals and visitors alike with its comfortable setting and delectable Southern food. On its second floor are the Felix Room and the 1870 Room, which can seat up to 50 or 80 guests, respectively. Banquet menus can be accessed on the restaurant’s Web site (www.weidmanns1870.com), and the staff is eager to make any event a success. The elegant surroundings and amazing dishes will suit any occasion.
OTHER UNIQUE MEETING SPACES The Temple Theater
2320 8th St., Historic Downtown Meridian 601.693.5353 www.meridiantempletheater.com
The Temple Theater, maximum 1,600 The Temple Theater ballroom, maximum 500 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Frank Cochran CENTER
1725 Carousel Dr., Highland Park 601.485.1809
Maximum 1,400 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Hamasa ShrineRS
5516 Dale Dr., Marion 601.693.1361
Maximum 350 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The PaLMS
2413 North Hills St. 601.513.2838 www.thepalmsmeridian.com
Maximum 300 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Meridian Little TheatRE
4334 Hwy. 39 North 601.482.6371 www.meridianlittletheater.com
Maximum 400
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BEST WESTERN
■ Conference tables available ■ PA system with podium and microphone for banquet room
2219 South Frontage Rd. 601.693.3210 •800.528.1234 www.bestwestern.com
Guest Accommodations ■ ■ ■
Conference Amenities ■ ■ ■ ■
Drury Inn & Suites
Room
Size
Sq. Ft.
Banquet Room
50’ x 50’
B-Suite
24’ x 50’
SEATING Theater
Classroom
Banquet
Reception
2,500
250
—
150
—
1,200
65
—
—
—
Guest Accommodations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
112 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.483.5570 • 800.378.7946 www.druryhotels.com
Conference Amenities ■ ■ ■ ■
Maximum of 250 people Catering available Free high-speed Internet service Projection screen
122 newly renovated guest rooms Free high-speed Internet access Business services available: computer, fax, and copy services
2,232 sq. ft. of ballroom space Free wireless Internet 24-hour business center Projection screen
180 rooms, 2-room suites available Free hot QUIKSTART® breakfast Free 5:30 Kickback®—hot food & cold beverages Free wireless Internet Free 60 minutes of long distance Free soda/popcorn in lobby (daily 3-10 p.m.) 24-hour business center SEATING
Room
Size
Sq. Ft.
Theater
Classroom
Banquet
Conference
Ballroom
62’ x 36’
2,232
154
80
120
—
70
Large Room #113
30’ x 39’
1,170
77
40
50
30
35
Large Room #114
30’ x 39’
1,170
77
40
50
30
35
(4) Small Rooms
14’ x 19’
266
—
—
—
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—
U-Shaped
Hilton Garden Inn
109 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.485.3506 • 866.693.4004 www.hgimeridian.com
Conference Amenities ■ 6-foot tables, tablecloths, and skirting ■ Free high-speed wireless Internet ■ LCD projector
Guest Accommodations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
123 first-class business/guest rooms, 8 deluxe parlors and 2 studio suites Great American Grill® for breakfast Evening room service Lounge 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® Complimentary high-speed Internet 24-hour business center (Continued on next page)
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Hilton Garden Inn (Continued) SEATING
Room
Size
Sq. Ft.
Theater
Classroom
Banquet
Reception
Conference
U-Shaped
Board Room
10’ x 20’
200
—
—
—
—
10
—
Cypress Room
25’ x 22’
550
60
23
45
60
13
16
Dogwood Room
25’ x 22’
550
60
23
45
60
13
16
Magnolia Room
29’ x 22’
638
71
27
53
70
15
18
Mississippi Room
80’ x 22’
1,760
195
73
146
200
42
50
Holiday Inn Meridian
Guest Accommodations
Conference Amenities
■ ■ ■ ■
100 North Frontage Rd. 601.693.0160 • 800.465.4329 www.lalaenterprises.com ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
2,400 sq. ft. of dividable ballroom 1,300 sq. ft. of pre-function space On-premise and off-premise catering Wireless microphones LCD projector and screen
Room
Size
Sq. Ft.
A
28’ x 25’
700
SEATING Boardroom
Theater
Classroom
Banquet
Reception
U-Shaped
Square
20
75
36
32
65
18
24
B
28’ x 35’
980
20
100
48
64
100
20
28
C
28’ x 25’
700
20
75
36
32
65
18
24
ABC
28’ x 85’
2,380
48
225
150
150
225
34
56
Foyer
16’ x 85’
1,360
—
—
—
—
100
—
—
Quality Inn
Guest Accommodations
1401 Roebuck Dr. 601.693.4521 • 800.424.6423 www.lalaenterprises.com
Conference Amenities ■ ■ ■ ■
121 guest rooms Complimentary shuttle Kem’s Restaurant & Lounge Free high-speed wireless and wired Internet service
2,160 sq. ft. ballroom divisible into 2 sections 350 sq. ft conference room Outdoor function space Catering available
■ ■ ■ ■
Room
Size
Sq. Ft.
100% guaranteed satisfaction 107 guest rooms including 61 kings, 45 double/doubles Complimentary hot breakfast Business center with high-speed wireless Internet access
SEATING Theater
Classroom
Banquet
Reception
Conference
Ballroom
54’ x 40’
2,160
250
100
180
250
—
Meeting Room 1
32’ x 40’
1,280
150
60
110
150
—
Meeting Room 2
22’ x 40’
880
100
40
64
100
—
Conference Room 1
16’ x 22’
352
20
—
—
—
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Country Inn & Suites
538 Bonita Lakes Dr. 601.693.3110 • 888.201.1746 www.countryinns.com
Guest Accommodations ■ 64 rooms ■ Complimentary high-speed Internet
■ Free coffee, cookies & candy in lobby ■ Read It & Return® Lending Library
Meeting Amenities Conference room seats maximum of 15. AV equipment available. Business services include complimentary highspeed, wireless Internet.
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Hampton Inn
103 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.483.3000 • 800.426.7866 www.hamptoninn.com
Guest Accommodations ■ ■ ■ ■
116 rooms Complimentary breakfast Private outdoor pool/fitness center 24-hour business center with fax, printer & copier
■ Guest & valet laundry ■ Free wireless Internet access
Meeting Amenities 702 sq. ft. Executive Room seats max of 30; 552 sq. ft. conference room seats max of 25. AV equipment available. Seating styles include classroom, theater, banquet, reception, conference, U and square shaped.
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Holiday Inn Express
1399 Roebuck Dr. 601.581.4777 • 800.465.4329 www.lalaenterprises.com
Guest Accommodations ■ 76 rooms, 15 suites ■ Complimentary hot breakfast
■ 24-hour business center ■ Wireless & wired Internet
Meeting Amenities 575 sq. ft. conference room- seats 30 Theater, 25 Classroom. Light catering available on site. Projection screen available.
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Microtel Inn & Suites
518 Bonita Lakes Dr. 601.553.8100 • 800.771.7171 www.microtelinn.com
Guest Accommodations ■ Free Get Up & Joe Breakfast ■ Free high-speed Internet
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■ Free business service center ■ Pets allowed
Meeting Amenities Conference room seats maximum of 35.
American Inn
3127 Highway 45 North 601.693.7488 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jameson Inn
524 Bonita Lakes Dr. 601.483.3315 • 800.526.3766 www.jamesoninns.com
Royal Inn Motel
2905 South Frontage Rd. 601.483.4261 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Astro Motel
2101 South Frontage Rd. 601.693.4631 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Blanks Motel
281 Highway 11 & Highway 80 East 601.485.9741 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Budget 8 Motel
2325 South Frontage Rd. 601.693.3461 www.lalaenterprises.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Comfort Inn
701 Bonita Lakes Dr. 601.693.1200 • 800.424.6423 www.lalaenterprises.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Days Inn
145 Highway 11 & Highway 80 East 601.483.3812 • 800.329.7466 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Econo Lodge
2405 South Frontage Rd. 601.693.9393 www.lalaenterprises.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
La Quinta Inn
1400 Roebuck Dr. 601.693.2300 • 800.753.3757 www.laquinta.com
Sleep Inn
1301 Hamilton Ave. 601.485.4646 • 877.424.6423 www.choicehotels.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Motel 6
2309 South Frontage Rd. 601.482.1182 • 800.466.8356 www.motel6.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pat Harrison Waterway Motel
9283 Pine Springs Rd. 601.737.2370 • 800.748.9403 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ramada Limited
Super 8 Motel
124 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.482.8088 • 800.800.8000 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Super Inn
1010 North Frontage Rd. 601.693.3771 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Western Motel
135 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.485.5000
2915 St. Paul St. 601.485.2722
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Relax Inn
510 North Frontage Rd. 601.483.1422 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Rodeway Inn
146 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.482.4400 • 800.228.2000 www.rodewayinn.com
Economy Inn
900 North Frontage Rd. 601.483.3074
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Whether your guests would enjoy a tour or might need a break between meetings, Meridian offers a host of attractions and historic sites, and a cuisine for every palate.
Historic Downtown Meridian Treat your guests to the soundtrack of Meridian by timing your event to coincide with one of our many festivals, cultural activities, and live performances. ■ MSU Riley Center: This beautiful performing-arts center
features a restored theater and hosts nationally known musical acts as well as touring plays. ■ Temple Theater: Most notably, this historic theater hosts
the monthly Sucarnochee Revue, which showcases regional musicians and their authentic performances. ■ Blues & Country Music Trail Markers: You’ll find markers
here for music legends who had an impact on Meridian or called our city home. ■ Walk of Fame Stars: Take a walk along these bronze markers
that celebrate Mississippi’s legends in the arts. ■ Museums & Art Galleries: Whether guests are looking to
buy or just looking, downtown museums and galleries offer beautiful works for any taste.
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The Singing Brakeman Jimmie Rodgers, the “Father of Country Music,” got his start among the steam trains traveling through Meridian. The museum celebrating his life and legendary impact on music is definitely worth the ride. For a ride of a different sort, you’ll find the fully operational, historic Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park, a rare treat during your visit. But resist the temptation to ride any other carousel horses you may see—Around Town Carousels Abound is a permanent art exhibit in Meridian, featuring beautifully painted horses displayed throughout the city.
Outdoor Attractions From Bonita Lakes to Dunn’s Falls, guests to Meridian can easily find places to bike, golf, hike, swim, enjoy a picnic, or play tennis. Bonita Lakes features nature trails, horseback riding trails, tracks for walking and jogging, fishing, and the Lakeview Golf Course. It is free to the public and open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Meridian area boasts a number of great golf courses, including Lakeview Golf Course, Briarwood Country Club (semi-private), Northwood Country Club (private), and Ponta Creek Golf Club at Meridian’s Naval Air Station. Lake Okatibbee, northwest of Meridian, is perfect for camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Dunn’s Falls offers pristine surroundings, a cabin and primitive sites for camping, and a beautiful pond for fishing.
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The Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau keeps on file a comprehensive list of services you might need to complete your meeting planning. Whether you need a photographer, caterer, florist, print/office supply shop, or signs/banners for your meeting, we can assist you in locating the one to meet your needs. We even have an event and party rentals store with an event planner on site. Now, doesn’t Meridian sound good? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • •
PLANNING TIMELINE This timeline provides a checklist for your program. Adapt it to your own particular needs—establish your own “ideal” and “can’t-miss” due dates.
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FROM 3 MONTHS OUT, OR AT TIME OF BOOKING
Determine the objective of the meeting and develop the program and budget.
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Book meeting site and support services. (Check calendar of local events to avoid conflicting or inappropriate dates.) Send letters of agreement to hotel and suppliers. Set up master account for your meeting charges with the hotel (authorize who can sign charges).
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Notify attendees. Make travel arrangements.
Confirm menus, room setups and supplies in writing with your event manager. Monitor speakers’ presentation development and offer assistance in reproducing any handouts. Order signs and printed materials.
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Ship materials to arrive 24 hours before your arrival, and confirm arrival before leaving your office. Confirm all audiovisual requirements and produce slides. Make arrangements for shipping materials back to your office after the meeting. Confirm (72 hours in advance) your meal and beverage counts for the first day food functions. Take a complete master set of all handouts with you. (If your shipment of materials is lost or delayed, you can arrange to have your master set photocopied.)
UPON ARRIVAL □ □
□
Review details and walk through your meeting space with your property event manager. Personally inspect shipped materials to be sure that all of your items have arrived and that they are in good condition. Check the hotel function board and front desk for posted times and locations of your functions.
MEETING DAYS □ □
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Check function space one hour in advance. Notify your event manager immediately of any changes in your plans or requirements. Sign banquet checks each day and keep an ongoing record of your on-site expenses.
Mail attendees the agendas, suggested dress and other instructions.
Order gifts and amenities. Arrange deliveries of gifts (and meeting registration materials) with your hotel contact.
CONCLUDING A SUCCESSFUL MEETING
AT LEAST 3 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MEETING
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Invite speakers and inform them about your attendees and the facilities of the hotel, including audiovisual capabilities.
AT LEAST 5 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MEETING
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AT LEAST 1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR MEETING
Check with your speakers regarding the progress of their presentations, audiovisual and logistical arrangements. Submit rooming list to hotel and confirm arrangements for amenities.
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Meet with your event manager to review your sessions, charges and receipts.
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Share with your event manager the names of personnel who have provided extraordinary service.