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.

■ Hotels & Restaurants: The tourism bureau will canvass local hotels for available space, rates, accommodations and dates for your meeting.

■ Program Coordination: We’ll connect you with the right people for your program, prepare a tour and help arrange transportation.

■ Collateral Material: We’ll provide a Meridian Visitor’s Guide and map for your registration materials.

■ Publicity: We’ll distribute a press release on your behalf to media.

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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.

■ The event planning and coordination staff will assist with all aspects of functions before, during, and after each meeting.

MSU RiLEY CENTER2200 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.

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Audio/VisualThe 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 —

Meeting Rooms 2-B+C 1,950 150 125 150 85 —

Meeting Room 2-D 700 75 45 45 30 —

Third Floor Sq. Ft. Reception Banquet Theater Classroom Boardroom

Boardroom 3-A 960 50 — — 25 22

Meeting Room 3-B 1,030 125 70 80 50 —

Classroom 3-C 1,485 — — — 50 —

Meeting Room 3-D 735 75 50 60 30 —

Fourth Floor Sq. Ft. Reception Banquet Theater Classroom Boardroom

Boardroom 4-A 640 25 — — — 18

4-B 900 — — — — —

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Merrehope905 Martin Luther King Dr.601.483.8439www.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 Works402 19th Ave.601.693.9905www.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 Station1901 Front St.601.484.6852www.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’s210 22nd Ave.601.581.5770www.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.

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OTHER UNIQUE MEETING SPACESThe Temple Theater2320 8th St., Historic Downtown Meridian601.693.5353www.meridiantempletheater.com

The Temple Theater, maximum 1,600The Temple Theater ballroom, maximum 500

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Frank Cochran CENTER1725 Carousel Dr., Highland Park601.485.1809

Maximum 1,400

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Hamasa ShrineRS5516 Dale Dr., Marion601.693.1361

Maximum 350

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The PaLMS2413 North Hills St.601.513.2838www.thepalmsmeridian.com

Maximum 300

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Meridian Little TheatRE4334 Hwy. 39 North601.482.6371www.meridianlittletheater.com

Maximum 400

BEST WESTERN2219 South Frontage Rd.601.693.3210 •800.528.1234 www.bestwestern.com

Conference Amenities■ Maximum of 250 people■ Catering available ■ Free high-speed Internet service■ Projection screen

■ Conference tables available■ PA system with podium and microphone for banquet room

Guest Accommodations■ 122 newly renovated guest rooms■ Free high-speed Internet access ■ Business services available: computer, fax, and copy services

Room Size Sq. Ft.SEATING

Theater Classroom Banquet Reception

Banquet Room 50’ x 50’ 2,500 250 — 150 —

B-Suite 24’ x 50’ 1,200 65 — — —

Drury Inn & Suites112 Highway 11 & Highway 80601.483.5570 • 800.378.7946 www.druryhotels.com

Conference Amenities■ 2,232 sq. ft. of ballroom space■ Free wireless Internet ■ 24-hour business center■ Projection screen

Guest Accommodations■ 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

Room Size Sq. Ft.SEATING

Theater Classroom Banquet Conference U-Shaped

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 —

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Hilton Garden Inn109 Highway 11 & Highway 80601.485.3506 • 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

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Holiday Inn Meridian100 North Frontage Rd.601.693.0160 • 800.465.4329 www.lalaenterprises.com

Conference Amenities■ 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

Guest Accommodations■ 121 guest rooms■ Complimentary shuttle■ Kem’s Restaurant & Lounge■ Free high-speed wireless and wired Internet service

Room Size Sq. Ft.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

Room Size Sq. Ft.SEATING

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

Room Size Sq. Ft.SEATING

Boardroom Theater Classroom Banquet Reception U-Shaped Square

A 28’ x 25’ 700 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 Inn1401 Roebuck Dr.601.693.4521 • 800.424.6423 www.lalaenterprises.com

Conference Amenities■ 2,160 sq. ft. ballroom divisible into 2 sections■ 350 sq. ft conference room■ Outdoor function space■ Catering available

Guest Accommodations■ 100% guaranteed satisfaction■ 107 guest rooms including 61 kings, 45 double/doubles■ Complimentary hot breakfast■ Business center with high-speed wireless Internet access

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Hilton Garden Inn (Continued)

Country Inn & Suites538 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 AmenitiesConference room seats maximum of 15. AV equipment available. Business services include complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet.

Hampton Inn103 Highway 11 & Highway 80601.483.3000 • 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 Amenities702 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 Express1399 Roebuck Dr.601.581.4777 • 800.465.4329www.lalaenterprises.com

Guest Accommodations■ 76 rooms, 15 suites■ Complimentary hot breakfast

■ 24-hour business center■ Wireless & wired Internet

Meeting Amenities575 sq. ft. conference room- seats 30 Theater, 25 Classroom. Light catering available on site. Projection screen available.

Microtel Inn & Suites518 Bonita Lakes Dr.601.553.8100 • 800.771.7171 www.microtelinn.com

Guest Accommodations■ Free Get Up & Joe Breakfast ■ Free high-speed Internet

■ Free business service center ■ Pets allowed

Meeting AmenitiesConference room seats maximum of 35.

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American Inn3127 Highway 45 North601.693.7488

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Astro Motel2101 South Frontage Rd. 601.693.4631

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Blanks Motel281 Highway 11 & Highway 80 East601.485.9741

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Budget 8 Motel2325 South Frontage Rd. 601.693.3461www.lalaenterprises.com

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Comfort Inn 701 Bonita Lakes Dr.601.693.1200 • 800.424.6423www.lalaenterprises.com

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Days Inn145 Highway 11 & Highway 80 East601.483.3812 • 800.329.7466

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Econo Lodge2405 South Frontage Rd.601.693.9393www.lalaenterprises.com

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Economy Inn900 North Frontage Rd. 601.483.3074

Jameson Inn524 Bonita Lakes Dr. 601.483.3315 • 800.526.3766www.jamesoninns.com

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La Quinta Inn1400 Roebuck Dr. 601.693.2300 • 800.753.3757www.laquinta.com

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Motel 62309 South Frontage Rd. 601.482.1182 • 800.466.8356 www.motel6.com

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Pat Harrison Waterway Motel9283 Pine Springs Rd. 601.737.2370 • 800.748.9403

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Ramada Limited2915 St. Paul St.601.485.2722

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Relax Inn510 North Frontage Rd. 601.483.1422

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Rodeway Inn146 Highway 11 & Highway 80601.482.4400 • 800.228.2000www.rodewayinn.com

Royal Inn Motel2905 South Frontage Rd.601.483.4261

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Sleep Inn1301 Hamilton Ave.601.485.4646 • 877.424.6423www.choicehotels.com

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Super 8 Motel124 Highway 11 & Highway 80601.482.8088 • 800.800.8000

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Super Inn1010 North Frontage Rd. 601.693.3771

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Western Motel135 Highway 11 & Highway 80 601.485.5000

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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 MeridianTreat 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 BrakemanJimmie 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 AttractionsFrom 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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PLANNING TIMELINEThis 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).

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

□ Notify attendees.

□ Make travel arrangements.

AT LEAST 5 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MEETING□ 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.

□ 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.

AT LEAST 3 WEEKS 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.

AT LEAST 1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR MEETING□ 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.

CONCLUDING A SUCCESSFUL MEETING□ 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.

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?

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