Plan Your Next Meeting in Columbus!
Columbus is more than a meeting destination – it’s an experience that energizes and inspires. Set against a backdrop of profound history, with over 650 historic sites and churches on the National Register, and a picturesque downtown, the city offers a perfect balance of business and hospitality. Planners will find versatile meeting spaces and distinctive reception venues, paired with cultural experiences, authentic dining, and opportunities that leave attendees feeling restored and motivated. Here, gatherings become more than an agenda; they become moments of connection that linger long after the meeting or conference ends. Let us help you plan your next event!
Meet
Columbus offers options for conferences, meetings, and special events, that combine convenience, character and Southern hospitality. A centrally located convention facility provides ample space for large gatherings with flexible breakout areas, while nearby hotels offer additional accommodations and meeting rooms for added convenience. For receptions and smaller events, the city features venues with historic charm, beautiful architecture and early 20th-century ambiance. Larger receptions can be hosted in facilities that include multiple dedicated event rooms and access to leisure amenities such as golf, while scenic properties surrounded by nature create a relaxed setting for retreats and workshops. Columbus also boasts beautifully restored historic homes for intimate gatherings, along with museums and galleries that provide inspiring backdrops and cultural depth for any occasion.
Eat
Enjoy Columbus’s diverse dining scene that’s well-suited for groups, blending Southern flavor with authentic friendliness. Guests can enjoy traditional foods in relaxed settings, while those seeking a more refined experience will find restaurants offering steaks, seafood, and chef-driven dishes in stylish surroundings. For a lively atmosphere, there are spots downtown that serve regional specialties full of local character. Larger gatherings can take advantage of private dining rooms and customized menus at venues designed to accommodate groups, creating a fun experience to unwind after your conference or event.
Stay
When it comes to lodging, Columbus makes it easy to host both meetings and overnight guests in one place, with several hotels that offer on-site event space for conferences and group gatherings. Beyond that, the city provides a variety of well-known hotel brands, so that planners have flexibility to fit their group’s style and budget. Many properties extend group rate discounts, provide ample parking, and offer quick connections to downtown meeting venues and local attractions, to provide a unified experience for both organizers and attendees.
Play
Columbus offers plenty of ways for groups to relax and experience the city together. Attendees can take part in guided tours that showcase centuries of history and architecture, enjoy seasonal festivals that highlight local heritage, or spend free time exploring cultural attractions and scenic neighborhoods. With opportunities to build custom group activities, planners can easily add a memorable cultural or recreational element to any conference itinerary.
James M. Trotter Convention Center
Located in the heart of historic downtown Columbus, the James M. Trotter Convention Center offers 15,000 square feet of versatile event space, capable of seating up to 1,600 guests. Multiple breakout rooms provide flexibility for conferences, meetings, and special events.
Meet
Conference-Ready Hotels
Convenient lodging is just minutes away, with the Hyatt Place, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn located less than 2.5 miles from the Convention Center, each offering their own meeting spaces for added convenience.
The Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center
The Plymouth Bluff Center offers facilities and an atmosphere that lends itself beautifully for training, education, and recreation for a variety of groups including professional associations, businesses, educational institutions, city and county governments, churches, as well as for individuals and their families and friends.
Lion Hills Center & Golf Course
With four dedicated event spaces totaling 3,330 square feet, this venue can host receptions for up to 200 guests. The on-site golf course adds a touch of leisure and calming scenery to any event.
Stylish Venues
Columbus also offers a variety of other venues that combine historic character with modern amenities, perfect for receptions, meetings and special events. Events Off 5th, centrally located downtown, blends exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows for groups both small and large. Venue 208 offers 1,600 square feet of open-plan space for up to 60 guests, complete with tables, seating, kitchen access, and three large televisions. Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center provides a rich mix of nature, heritage, and creativity, ideal for retreats, conferences, and receptions. The Stephen D. Lee Home & Museum offers a distinctive, beautifully restored setting for intimate gatherings, meetings, or cultural tours. Multiple museums and art galleries, including The Agnes Zaiontz Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Museum, Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, and the R. E. Hunt Cultural Center, further enhance Columbus’ offerings for unique event experiences.
Eat
Group Friendly Dining
A great place to enjoy group-friendly restaurants that make to plan memorable meals for your event. Café on Main is a local favorite, serving hearty plate lunches and tempting desserts in a welcoming atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, The Grill at Jackson Square offers steaks, seafood and chef-inspired entrees in a stylish setting ideal for groups. Huck’s Place provides a lively downtown environment with Cajun-inspired dishes and regional specialties that capture the spirit of the South.
Main Street Charm
Spend a relaxing afternoon shopping and dining along historic Main Street. Your group will enjoy a mix of local boutiques, Southern eateries, stylish cafés, and blues history, including the Catfish Alley Blues Trail marker.
Stay
Comfort and Convenience
Columbus offers accommodations that combine convenience and comfort. Event planners will find trusted names like Hyatt Place and Courtyard by Marriott, both featuring their own flexible meeting spaces. Beyond that, the city boasts more than 1,500 hotel and bed and breakfast rooms, ranging from nationally known brands to historic inns full of charm that ensure options for every style and budget. Whether your meeting guests prefer modern amenities or the timeless appeal of a bed and breakfast, they’ll find a place that feels just right. And when the day’s meetings wrap up, Historic Columbus surrounds every visitor with a welcoming atmosphere that turns any event into a memorable experience.
Stay with Ease and Comfort
Columbus offers a wide range of accommodations for group travelers, including major hotel brands, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and RV-friendly sites. Many hotels provide group rate discounts, motorcoach parking, and convenient access to major attractions.
Play
Spring Pilgrimage
Every spring, Columbus hosts its signature heritage event: the Spring Pilgrimage. For two weeks, the city literally opens its doors as visitors are invited inside some of its most stunning privately owned historic homes. More than just a tour, the Pilgrimage is a citywide celebration of culture and preservation, cemetery tours and other special events. It’s an ideal time for groups to experience the character, hospitality and legacy that make Columbus unique.
Catfish in the Alley
Named after one of Columbus’s most storied streets, the Catfish Alley Festival celebrates the city’s African American heritage, artistic spirit and sense of community. Held annually in downtown Columbus, this lively event brings music, food, art, and culture together in a way that’s both meaningful and entertaining. Once a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, Catfish Alley now serves as the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with live performances, handcrafted goods, Southern cuisine, and storytelling that honors the neighborhood’s legacy. Local musicians and regional artists take the stage throughout the day, while food vendors serve everything from classic catfish plates to modern Southern fusion. A great event for group travelers who want to experience Columbus’s cultural richness.
Tennessee Williams House Museum & Welcome Center
Experience the early world of one of America’s most celebrated playwrights by visiting his 1875 childhood residence. This charming historic home offers a glimpse into the life and inspirations of two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams, whose works have left a lasting mark on American literature. Literature enthusiasts and history lovers alike can enjoy the intimate setting and unique opportunity to connect with the personal story behind the celebrated writer’s legacy. The Welcome Center also serves as a gateway to discovering more about Columbus and its rich cultural heritage.
Southside Historic District
This district showcases an extraordinary variety of architectural styles spanning more than two centuries. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the west side of the district in under an hour, making it both a pleasant and educational experience. The Southside Historic District reflects Columbus’ rich history, offering glimpses of the city’s evolving character and charm through its beautifully preserved homes and streetscapes.
Friendship Cemetery
A Place of Remembrance and Hope
Known as the birthplace of Memorial Day, Friendship Cemetery stands as a powerful symbol of healing and unity after the Civil War. This sacred site is the final resting place for thousands of soldiers, including four generals. Walking among the carefully tended graves, visitors can reflect on the profound journey from conflict to reconciliation. After the war, women in Columbus laid wreaths on all the graves from both armies and it touched our Nation and established Memorial Day. A visit to Friendship Cemetery offers more than history; it’s an opportunity to connect with a story of compassion and renewal that continues to resonate today.
Columbus Visitors Guide
Request a complimentary copy of our Columbus Visitors Guide. Inside you’ll find everything to fill your Columbus getaway with special moments that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Contact Us
At Visit Columbus, we’re happy to assist your group with hotel accommodations, dinner or lunch reservations, transportation, special events or activities, home tours, and more. Submit the form to request more information on how we can help plan your group’s visit to Columbus.