Chattanooga offers several facilities designed to hold such diverse events as trade shows, conventions, meetings, banquets, or any other special event. The Chattanooga/Hamilton Convention Center and Trade Center underwent a $56 million renovation completed in the summer of 2002. Located in the heart of downtown, the 298,000 square-foot trade center offers 180,000 square feet of exhibit space and has a seating capacity of 8,500. The Tivoli Theatre, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places and was once known as "The Jewel Box of the South," can host meetings and conventions for more than 1,700 people. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium features two theaters, the larger of which seats 3,866, and an exhibit hall providing 9,600 square feet of display space, suitable for small trade shows. For larger groups, McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee seats 12,000 people, and can provide 27,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Convention Information: Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors' Bureau, 2 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402; telephone (423)756-8687; toll-free (800)964-8600