When I am with meeting planners talking about our great city, I hear the same question over and over again, “Is there really anything for meeting or convention attendees to do in Macon?” I was surprised to learn that our area has the reputation of being just a place to stop and get gas on the way to Florida! I’m happy to report there’s so much more to do here than make a pit stop! From the wealth of attractions, festivals, outdoor activities and restaurants to entice your attendees, to the first class meeting and hotel facilities to hold an inspired meeting, you really need to stop and stay to get to know Macon.
Here are the top 5 reasons why Macon is a meeting worthy destination:
Macon Music Heritage
Macon, known as the “Song & Soul of the South”, is home to some of the most legendary music artists in history. Macon calls the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, Little Richard, Otis Redding and Jason Aldean as it’s “musical own”. Ramble down to the Big House museum and tour the Allman Brothers collections, or visit the Otis Redding statue and the Big O Foundation to find out about the Redding legacy. Wander down Cherry Street on Friday nights to enjoy live music from today’s rising stars in the restaurants and clubs, or take a seat for concert performances at the Cox Capitol Theatre, Douglass Theatre or Grand Opera House.
Macon, known as the “Song & Soul of the South”, is home to some of the most legendary music artists in history. Macon calls the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, Little Richard, Otis Redding and Jason Aldean as it’s “musical own”. Ramble down to the Big House museum and tour the Allman Brothers collections, or visit the Otis Redding statue and the Big O Foundation to find out about the Redding legacy. Wander down Cherry Street on Friday nights to enjoy live music from today’s rising stars in the restaurants and clubs, or take a seat for concert performances at the Cox Capitol Theatre, Douglass Theatre or Grand Opera House.
Macon Sports & Outdoors Activities
Macon is home to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the nation’s largest state sports museum. You can relive the glory days of sporting greats, viewing memorabilia and testing your skills on the interactive exhibits. The museum houses over 3,000 artifacts with more than 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. After you leave the museum, take aim on one of our world-class golf courses, or splash down with a kayak tour of the Ocmulgee River. Hike the ancient Indian mounds and explore North America’s only reconstructed earth lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
Macon Meeting Facilities
With over 5,000 hotel rooms, we make it easy to find the right accommodations to fit your style and budget. You’ll find unique spaces for meetings, trade shows, and athletic events in historic buildings like the Terminal Station, the Hay House, and the Armory Ballroom to Macon’s largest meeting facility, the Macon Centreplex. Featuring over 120,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the Centreplex is home to both a convention center and 9,000 seat arena.
Macon Events
We celebrate in our city with over 10 citywide festivals! Stroll the International Cherry Blossom Festival (March), rock on at the Bragg Jam Music & Arts Festival (July), dance at the Tubman Pan African Festival (April) and meet independent film makers at the Macon Film Festival (February). Events like these fill the calendar year round and highlight the arts, history, and culture of our city.
Macon Food/Cuisine
From a taste of “real soul food” to hot dogs to fine dining, Macon has it all. Visit the H&H restaurant where the Allman Brothers ate their meals while they were an up and coming band, or “go a long way for a Nu-Way” at Macon’s own Nu-Way hot dog stand, where they have been serving their legendary hot dogs since 1916. From casual to upscale dining options, browse through a variety of local restaurants, cafés, and bistros where you can find something to satisfy any palette.
It all adds up to a great meeting destination! Let our staff assist you with planning your next meeting. We can arrange guided and self-guided tours of our attractions as well as offer complimentary services, like registration assistance, information specialists, coordination of bus rentals, and a downloadable Visitor’s Guide that includes area maps. We hope you will come and find out for yourself why planners who book meetings in Macon are eager to return to truly a planner’s hidden treasure!
