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

—

—

—

12

—

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

—

—

—

16

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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.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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.

□



□ □

FROM 3 MONTHS OUT, OR AT TIME OF BOOKING



Determine the objective of the meeting and develop the program and budget.



□



□



□ □



□



□ □

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).

□



□



□ □



□



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.

□ □



□

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 □ □



□

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

□

Invite speakers and inform them about your attendees and the facilities of the hotel, including audiovisual capabilities.

AT LEAST 5 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MEETING

12

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.

□

Meet with your event manager to review your sessions, charges and receipts.

□



Share with your event manager the names of personnel who have provided extraordinary service.