Planners can find a wealth of outdoor event ideas in the Southeast as well as incentive options from the exhilarating to the serene.
“Virginia Beach’s differentiation lies in its authentic coastal lifestyle—where the smell of salt in the air and the fresh ocean breeze set it apart from other destinations,” says Sally Noona, CMP, Director of Convention Sales & Marketing for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Every grain on its 35-mile beach, moving from the Atlantic to the Chesapeake Bay, tells a story. Here, planners aren’t just booking a venue, they’re tapping into a community where Southern hospitality meets a burgeoning arts scene, all framed by the serene backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. ”
Virginia Beach has several new developments in the works for 2025, including the new Atlantic Park, designed in collaboration with Pharrell Williams and featuring the first Wavegarden surfing lagoon in the U.S. This complex will also include The Dome, a versatile entertainment venue capable of hosting up to 5,000 attendees, along with new dining, shopping and residential options. Also set to open on Memorial Day 2025, the Nautilus Lookout Tower is a spiraled observation deck structure that rises 65 ft and overlooks 38 acres of forested land. As well as serving as an educational and tourist attraction, the structure will feature an expansive canopy walk and the longest steel slide in America, and will be available for private events.
“The accessibility of Virginia Beach is unmatched; it’s centrally located and within a day’s drive of many U.S. cities,” says Noona. “This strategic position is complemented by the nearby Norfolk International Airport, making travel to and from events seamless for attendees from across the nation or even internationally. Affordability is another key differentiator. Hotels in Virginia Beach are notably budget-friendly, helping planners stay within financial constraints without compromising on quality or location.”
Adrenaline-seeking groups can experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFLY Virginia Beach. The indoor skydiving facility allows groups to float on a cushion of air, learning to control their flight under the guidance of experienced instructors and offers groups an exhilarating way to build trust and teamwork in a controlled environment. Groups can also challenge themselves physically while working together to navigate through the treetops at Adventureworks, which offers a high ropes course, ziplines and climbing walls at its facility.
For outdoor events, Virginia Beach offers three oceanfront parks that can be reserved for groups between 40 and 1,000 attendees for a memorable event with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. While the outdoor areas at the historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club can offer an upscale setting for outdoor meetings and receptions in its historical gardens, seaside lawns or oceanfront verandah. First Landing State Park, known for its educational offerings and ranger-led programs on marsh ecology, birdwatching and maritime history, can also be utilized for a unique picnic-style event for up to 80 people through the Virginia State Park reservations team.
Plans are underway to upgrade and expand the Raleigh Convention Center, incorporating new technology, enhanced amenities and sustainable design to better serve large-scale events. Raleigh will also welcome its first Omni Hotel, anticipated to open in 2028. The new property will feature 550 guest rooms and 55,000 sf of meeting space, enhancing Raleigh’s capacity to host larger events downtown and supporting the planned expansion of the convention center. Amenities will include several food and beverage outlets, a rooftop pool, a signature Mokara spa and a fitness center.
“What truly sets Raleigh apart is its blend of urban energy and outdoor adventure. Attendees can explore our thriving tech and innovation scene, enjoy craft beverage trails or unwind with tailored wellness and nature-focused activities—all within minutes of downtown,” says Malinda Harrell, Director of Sales, Visit Raleigh. “Additionally, our affordability compared to larger cities allows planners to maximize budgets without sacrificing quality. Raleigh isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience, and that’s what makes it unforgettable for incentive groups.”
Incentive experiences in Raleigh can include high-energy adventures at TreeRunner Adventure Park, where teams can challenge themselves on treetop courses and ziplines, or private culinary tours and chef-led dining events that highlight Raleigh’s award-winning food scene including many James Beard nominees and recipients. Exclusive behind-the-scenes access at venues such as the Lenovo Center and private live entertainment events create memorable VIP experiences for groups, while Downtown Raleigh boasts a range of intimate rooftop venues and stylish outdoor spaces at boutique hotels and local breweries that offer unique backdrops for more personalized events.
“Today, planners want more interactive, engaging experiences that create lasting impressions,” says Harrell. “There’s a growing demand for hands-on activities, like cooking classes, teambuilding adventures or wellness programs integrated into events. Attendees want more than just a meeting—they’re looking for unique, authentic and memorable experiences that incorporate local culture, wellness, and sustainability.”
“Memphis stands out as a premier destination for event planners due to its unique blend of cultural heritage, distinctive venues, and authentic experiences,” says Malvin Gipson, Executive VP, Convention Sales, Sports & Services, Memphis Travel. “Known as the Home of Blues, Soul, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis offers an unparalleled musical atmosphere. Live music thrives nightly on iconic Beale Street, and the city is home to legendary attractions like Sun Studio, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Elvis Presley’s Graceland. These venues not only provide entertainment but also serve as unique settings for meetings and events, immersing attendees in the city’s storied musical history.”
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is set to relocate to a new 600 percent larger space downtown, after having outgrown its original building in Overton Park where it has been for more than 100 years. The new art museum is designed to display the museum’s extensive collection of more than 9,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of art and culture. Set to open in late 2025, the new building will help to connect the Mississippi River to the core of downtown. Also set to reopen in 2025, The Legacy Building, which is the Boarding House where Dr. King’s alleged assassin laid in wait and fired the fatal shot, is currently undergoing a renovation and expansion that will include new digital exhibitions and exhibits exploring the Civil Rights Movement.
“Memphis provides planners with opportunities to incorporate genuine cultural elements into their events, from our culinary scene to our historical sites,” says Gipson. “Known for barbecue, Memphis also offers a diverse culinary landscape, allowing planners to feature local flavors in their event catering, while historic landmarks like the National Civil Rights Museum offer profound experiences, enabling planners to design events with meaningful context and depth. The accessibility and affordability of Memphis’ diverse venues cater to a wide range of group sizes and budgets, and its central location in the U.S. makes it a convenient option for attendees traveling from various regions.”
Incentive experiences in Memphis can include musical immersion on Beale Street, the birthplace of blues and home to many famous venues. Groups can experience guided tours and live performances, visit historic clubs and even participate in jam sessions with local musicians. Groups can also explore the home of Elvis Presley with a private VIP tour of Graceland, or host their event at Big Cypress Lodge, located at the iconic Memphis Pyramid and offering meeting and event space as well as attractions such as an indoor swamp, a bowling alley, and an observation deck with views over the city. Outdoor event options can include spaces at Memphis Botanic Garden, Shelby Farms Park or the Dixon Gallery & Gardens.
Kiawah Resort has broken ground on a new indoor activity center at Night Heron Park, which will include an expanded Nature Center, an 8-lane bowling alley, an old-school arcade, a casual pub and golf simulators. The resort has also begin construction on an expansion of its tennis clubhouse, which will include men’s and women’s lockers, snack bar, fitness center and an expanded deck with an outdoor bar.
“The outdoors are one of our greatest assets,” says Mary Rieger, Director of Sales, Kiawah Resort. “We are completely immersed in nature, from our 10 miles of pristine beach, to our acres of maritime forest. It’s no surprise that we offer an abundance of outdoor event space. At The Sanctuary, our five-star hotel, spa and restaurant, the Grand Lawn is a breathtaking venue with the Atlantic serving as a backdrop, and then the smaller Terrace Lawn is a more intimate venue that also provides ocean views. Also, the hotel pool deck is a great spot for a casual buffet accompanied by live music. Nestled beside The Ocean Course clubhouse, a terrace lawn, which can be tented, provides stunning views of the back nine overlooking the Atlantic.”
Top incentive experiences at Kiawah Resort include golf, spa and beach as the crowd favorites, but other options can include skeet shooting from a boat or a sip-and-bike experience along the beach and more than 30 miles of paved bicycle trails, with frequent stops at the resort’s golf course clubhouse restaurant venues. Groups can also take a naturalist-led kayak or SUP excursion along the tidal Kiawah River to encounter marine wildlife such as the population of dolphins that live in the river full-time.
“Our longest-standing tradition is an authentic Lowcountry oyster roast and barbecue held at Mingo Point, a stunning venue on a bend of the Kiawah River,” says Rieger. “The sweeping views over the salt marsh are magical, especially as the sun sets over the marsh and river. There is a pavilion with retractable walls in the event of inclement weather, and a large firepit is situated near the stage used for live entertainment. Our nature excursions, led by degreed naturalists who are employed fulltime by the resort, offer the opportunity to delve deeply into Kiawah Island’s vital ecosystems and all the fascinating plants and animals that thrive here.”
“When you visit Coastal Mississippi, you’ll discover Southern hospitality at its finest,” says Ari Covacevich, Sr. Convention Sales & Development Manager, Coastal Mississippi. “The region’s temperate climate, along with its 62 miles of scenic shoreline and astounding natural beauty, makes for the perfect year-round destination. There is an incredible amount to do, see and experience across Coastal Mississippi: from outdoor activities, such as kayaking, boating, fishing and hiking, to a wide variety of attractions, museums, world-class gaming and championship golf courses. When it comes to food, this is the place to be—from quaint seafood spots to fine dining, we’ve got it all.”
OS1515 is a new development in downtown Ocean Springs that will include a 32-room boutique hotel, an upscale food hall, high-end retail shops, luxury condos, event space nd a courtyard. The hotel will be named OS Hotel, and will contain a 1,500-sf event space that can accommodate 100 seated and 250 standing. Groups will also have the option of renting the courtyard for additional space.
The four-diamond IP Casino Resort Spa has recently completed renovations on its suites and will continue updating all guest rooms, floor by floor. The 1,088-room property offers 65,000 sf of event space. Renovations on the historic Markham building in downtown Gulfport began in 2018 with an anticipated completion date later in 2025. The Markham Hotel will offer 124 rooms, a restaurant, lounge, fitness center, swimming pool and a 2,400-sf ballroom.
“Meeting planners are looking for ways to engage attendees and build attendance with unique and authentic attractions and experiences,” says Covacevich. “Take a kayak tour of the area’s stunning waterways, book a fishing charter for the afternoon, or take a group outing to one of the region’s local theaters or casinos for unique performances. Tour one of our many fascinating museums, or plan for hands-on experiences through cooking classes or art demonstrations. Cap your day of adventure with a bonfire on the beach or a boat cruise under one of our spectacular sunsets.”
The Mississippi Aquarium features over one million gallons of fresh and saltwater habitats and is home to more than 200 species of animals. Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more, with a variety of unique experiences such as up-close encounters with marine life including bottlenose dolphins and penguins. Point Cadet Plaza offers a spacious, shaded pavilion that can accommodate up to 2,000, making it an ideal venue for larger events; while Jones Park—known locally as the “Front Yard of Mississippi”—is set on 60 acres and includes a 23,000-sf covered pavilion, 8,000 sf of interactive educational displays at the Leo Seal Educational Plaza, a 319-slip marina, an amphitheater stage and more.
With countless options for crafting the perfect event in Charlotte, North Carolina, planners may find it more challenging to decide what to leave out rather than what to include. The “Queen City,” says Ned Blair, CDME, Director of Sales for Visit Charlotte, a division of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), “isn’t known for just one thing, which is what makes our city so special. When guests are here, they find much to explore—distinctive neighborhoods, a vibrant arts and culture scene, award-winning cuisine and a natural beauty that invites you outside.”
Charlotte also offers a variety of unique event venues. Blair says attendees can dine amid historic stock cars at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, take in the views from an Uptown rooftop or visit the recently reopened Sullenberger Aviation Museum, which is packed with immersive storytelling and hands-on exhibits, featuring the “Miracle on the Hudson” original aircraft. In the museum’s Main Gallery, groups can meet in SAM’s Flight Deck space, which can host a small reception for 50, a dinner for 250 or a conference/presentation for 500.
Other only-in-Charlotte venue options include the 25,000-sf Fillmore, the city’s largest music venue housed in a 100-year-old fiber mill, able to host up to 2,000 guests; the funky 9,328-sf Underground, the city’s newest event venue equipped to host receptions of up to 700 guests and seated events for 150, plus there’s an outdoor deck equipped with fixed seating, a fire pit and access to the bar; and The Union at Station West, offering an industrial chic aesthetic and able to accommodate groups of various sizes.
Outdoor event options can include the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located within 380 acres on the banks of Lake Wylie; and the Anne Springs Close Greenway, with a variety of spaces that run the gamut from historic barns and an amphitheater to grand lawns and intimate spots embraced by nature. One option for large groups—up to 18,000—is the PNC Music Pavilion.
Additionally, notes Blair, incentive groups “can make plans around major events that come to Charlotte such as the PGA Championship, Lovin’ Life Music Fest and NASCAR races.” For teambuilding activities, groups should head to Whitewater Center, home to the world’s largest manmade whitewater river and offering programming that provide challenging and educational experiences that target character development and professional growth.
But it’s not just about the range of venues or the top events the city is known for, or even the fact that Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which offers quick, direct flights from many major cities, is located just seven miles from Center City; it’s all about the city’s “royal welcome.”
“We offer an amazingly welcoming and diverse community,” says Blair. “Charlotte’s magnetic energy makes the city a prime meeting destination.”
Plus, the city completed an expansion of the Charlotte Convention Center (CCC) in October 2021, which saw the center’s total leasable space increase from 550,000 sf to 600,000 sf, adding approximately 50,000 sf of meeting room and pre-function space. The total meeting spaces increased from 41 to 55 and includes two 10,000-sf spaces each divisible into 19 configurations. The expansion also included the creation of an overstreet pedestrian walkway to a light rail station stop, which provides connectivity to Center City’s 200-plus restaurants and 5,600 hotel rooms.
And when it comes to accommodations for your attendees, Charlotte’s options range from the 700-room Westin Charlotte, which connects to the CCC and offers 47,742 sf of total meeting space to the intimate, 60-room Dunhill Hotel, with 2,526 total event space. Additionally, Blair tells Prevue that the city will welcome a Moxy property this year, located three blocks from the CCC.
Looking ahead, says Blair “Charlotte is thrilled to welcome ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition to the Queen City in 2027.”
In the meantime, for planners with Charlotte on their radar, Blair wants them to know that “our organization’s structure is unique within the industry. Most DMOs and convention centers are managed by two different entities, but with CRVA, we are all part of the same organization. We refer to this approach as ‘One CRVA.’ Because of this, we can provide a more streamlined and consistent level of service. Planners are working with CRVA team members at every stage of the process. When you choose Charlotte, we are partners in the success of your event. Our mindset is that we’re working to develop a partnership, not to complete a transaction.”
Asheville’s revival is on full display in 2025, following the impact of Hurricane Helene last September. Groups have the opportunity to be a part of Asheville’s comeback story as booking business in the city will meaningfully help to sustain its local economy and recovering communities.
The Asheville Regional Airport is currently undergoing a historic $400-million expansion, with a portion of its new concourse slated to open in June of this year. Upgrades will include new gates, boarding bridges, modern “smart” restrooms and new concession areas.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is set to reopen this spring following a 2-year renovation of its guest rooms and corridors. The historic Biltmore Estate offers unique venues such as the 120-capacity Walled Garden and 750-capacity South Terrace.
Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has completed a full restoration of its historic Main Inn, with fresh interiors influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, while the Grand Bohemian Asheville in Biltmore Village prepares to reopen in May with reimagined interiors and upgraded event spaces. The renovation encompasses its lobby, guest rooms and restaurant Red Stag Grill.
Four Asheville dining establishments have been named finalists for this year’s James Beard Awards, and Asheville has also been selected to host the James Beard Foundation Chef Action Summit, bringing together culinary luminaries to champion sustainable food policy.
Groups seeking CSR opportunities can contribute to Asheville’s post-Hurricane Helene recovery through volunteer opportunities such as river cleanups, food distribution services and collaborative projects with local nonprofits.
visitvirginiabeach.com/meetings; visitraleigh.com/meetings-and-conventions; memphistravel.com/meeting-planners; kiawahresort.com/meetings; coastalmississippi.com/meetings; charlottemeetings.com; exploreasheville.com/meetings
