Why Knoxville

First time visitors are typically amazed by all Knoxville has to offer and meeting planners are consistently impressed with the city’s ability to host events. The fact that its finest meeting facilities are within walking distance of a very vibrant downtown is a plus. Very few places offer the opportunity to experience live music, culture, outdoor adventure, eclectic shopping and highly acclaimed cuisine in one unique location. It’s no wonder that Knoxville was recently named by Trip Advisor as a Top 10 Destination on the Rise. In this one, unique city, mountains meet music… art meets adventure… and culture meets cuisine.

TESTIMONIALS

Don’t just take our word for it. Read what others have to say about the venues and services in Knoxville.

“From planning to execution the Visit Knoxville team and their resources truly made this a one-of-kind event for our organization. One-on-one personalized service, excellent advise, and endless resources in and around the business community, we never felt uncertain of what to do or who to call. The hardest part was deciding with so many excellent options! Thank you ALL of the Visit Knoxville team for making this event, as our guest put it, the "Ferrari of Events". If you're thinking of planning an event in Knoxville give this team a call. This city knows how to do business, and you won't be disappointed!”

James Cockrell – Planner, Fourth Shift Summit



“Knoxville went above and beyond welcoming our group and that’s why I’m planning a larger conference there next.”

Alisa Clickenger - Founder, Women’s Motorcycle Tours



“Well, we made it and it could not have been done without the support and dedication of all at Visit Knoxville. Please pass on my sincere THANKS to all who had a hand in making the Nat’s South a success.”

Will Seibel - Special Events Director, NSRA



“We had a terrific experience in Knoxville and 89% of our constituents who responded to our survey rated Knoxville as “Outstanding” or “Good” and suggested that we return. On behalf of the SETC Board of Directors, Membership, and Staff, thank you for your amazing hospitality and support. We look forward to being with you all again in the near future.”

Susie Prueter - Executive Director, Southeastern Theatre Conference



“Our car show at the Knoxville Convention Center was a smashing hit for all of our attendees! Visit Knoxville was a real help with our convention. Going back a year ago when 200+ materials were prepared in less than a week. They have been great!”

Bill Long - Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club



“I have been managing Wing Ding for over 9 years and Knoxville is my favorite city to plan an event in. Kelli Gibson makes the job not only fun but easy. She went over and above on every aspect of our event. If I had any questions, she provided me with so many great leads to help make a successful event.”

Kristi Thomas - KKT Event Management on behalf of Wing Ding



“Knoxville is a hidden jewel. I will be working with my regional director to bring a larger meeting to this city. Great place to meet and great value. We felt safe walking from the hotels to the Market Square during the evenings and the people of Knoxville are very friendly and helpful.”

Mercedes Alexander - National Meeting Planner, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.



“On behalf of the School of Music, the University of Tennessee, and the International Clarinet Association, thank you so much for your sponsorship and guidance with this massive project. 6 years of planning, over 1700 attendees... the final tally is still not out. What I really wanted to share is that a few of the headliners from Europe pulled me aside and said that many of their colleagues had brushed Knoxville aside. However, those that came were blown away by the beauty, charm, and Tennessee hospitality. They said they are going back and telling all the European clarinet community that they missed out on the best conference they had ever attended in the association's history, and that it was truly their loss. We did it! Thanks to you and your team!”

Vic Chavez - Artistic Director, ClarinetFest® 2019



“It was truly a pleasure to work with the team from Visit Knoxville, the Knoxville Convention Center, the surrounding host hotels, and Lakeshore Park. All provided exemplary service to the ISA event planning and marketing team. Whether they supported us in promotions, logistics, accommodations, catering or as an event host, all individuals with whom we connected in Knoxville were friendly, knowledgeable and eager to ensure our events were a success and our attendees had an enjoyable stay. #KNOXROCKS”

Linda Martinez - Director of Marketing Services, ISA Tradeshow & International Tree Climbing Competition



“From initial meetings of the Local Arrangements Committee to promotional materials to volunteers, Visit Knoxville actively participated in SEMC 2014 Annual Conference. Attendees loved Knoxville because the historic sites and cultural institutions were within walking distance. Visit Knoxville was a true partner in planning and promoting this successful conference.”

Susan Perry - Southeast Museums Conference


“Knoxville was such a friendly city all-around and the downtown area was so accessible from our hotel and the convention center. It was great to be able to walk to dinner or off-site activities when needed. Overall, a great success!”

Jessica Seitz - Outdoor Writers Association of America


“Visit Knoxville is top of the line and I only wished I had the response and work from future host cities that they gave to our Association on behalf of your City. We believed that enough that your City was submitted by Southern Chapter ISA to host our International organization in Knoxville in August 2019.”

Dwayne Carter - Southern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture



“The group of people at the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau are simply the best! They get back to you right away, connect you with the people who can help in any situation, and are flexible. What more can you ask for? We love the wonderful mix of ‘old’ and ‘new’ in Knoxville. It is an energetic and modern city with the University population right there and yet there is a strong sense of history and local pride.”

Meg Collins - TN Health Care Association


“Knoxville has a wonderful hotel and convention center package. I have worked with the team at Visit Knoxville, the Knoxville Convention Center, and all the great hotel partners. They were symbiotic in executing the trade association’s meeting that I brought to Knoxville. The city is compact with great restaurants and entertainment just a short walk from most of the hotels in the downtown area. The feedback from the attendees was very positive. I would recommend the team in Knoxville to make your event an unforgettable experience.”

Peter Wann - ConferenceDirect


“I think that the success of the 2013 annual meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists was in large part due to the very attractive venue and hospitable staff provided by the Knoxville Convention Center. The large, airy and bright concourses were frequently mentioned by our attendees as a highlight of their meeting’s experience. The welcoming reception on the outdoor patio featuring a delicious buffet of local food and beers was another frequently mentioned high point of the week.”

Andrew Kramer – University of Tennessee Dept. of Anthropology