Why You Should Meet in Columbus, Georgia
Planning a meeting?
Here are some compelling reasons why Columbus should be at the top of your list—from arts and culture to exhilarating thrills for attendees of all sizes, it’s clear why Columbus is where meetings really #GoAllOut!
1. A Large, Accessible City in Georgia
Columbus stands as one of Georgia's largest cities, with the scale and infrastructure to comfortably host sizable events. Its status brings perks—solid transportation links, ample accommodations, and a wide selection of venues.
2. A Foodie’s Southern Dream
Anticipate culinary delights from more than 500 restaurants, with menus that earn nods from national food publications. From local Southern staples to chef-driven fine dining, Columbus, Georgia, promises a flavorful and memorable experience for every palate.
3. Ample Top-Tier Lodging
With over 4,800 high-quality hotel rooms, Columbus provides plenty of choices for attendees—from boutique downtown properties to larger district hotels—ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the city.
4. Extensive Meeting Facilities
Planners can choose from over 750,000 square feet of flexible meeting space—across modern convention centers, historic industrial venues, and district-specific facilities—to create the right setting for every event scale and style.
5. The Iconic Iron Works: Columbus Convention & Trade Center
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century ironworks, the Columbus Convention & Trade Center (a.k.a. “The Iron Works”) combines historic character with full-function modern amenities, crafting a truly unique setting for exhibitions and conventions.
6. Large-Capacity Sporting & Event Arena
The 10,000-seat Columbus Civic Center features hospitality suites and modern amenities—ideal for sporting events, award ceremonies, or large group receptions, offering flexibility and VIP-quality experiences.
7. A Captivating Blend: Culture, Commerce & Outdoor Adventure
Columbus is an all-encompassing destination—rich in cultural landmarks, vibrant in commerce, and abundant in outdoor experiences. Whether you're hosting a gathering of 10 or an event swelling to 10,000+ attendees, Columbus effortlessly scales to your needs while offering something memorable at every turn.
8. Outdoor Thrills: Urban Whitewater & Scenic RiverWalk
Columbus boasts the world’s longest urban whitewater course—2.5 exhilarating miles of rapids nestled along a 15-mile scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. Attendees can transition from a breakout session to rafting a Class V rapid within hours—talk about an unforgettable mix of adrenaline and scenery! Not into adrenaline? No problem. The Chattahoochee River also provides some of the best flat water kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding around. You don’t have to go to the extreme to #GoAllOut here, and we like it that way.
9. Walkable Arts & Entertainment Hub
A compact and vibrant arts district lies within walking distance of meeting venues and hotels. Attendees can easily explore galleries, live performance venues, and local boutiques during breaks or after sessions—reducing logistical hassle and adding immediate cultural appeal.
10. Museums of Rich Historical & Artistic Significance
Columbus presents diverse museum experiences ranging from military history to art exhibitions and beyond. Here are just a few of the most popular picks for visitors:
11. State-of-the-Art Performing Arts Venues
Columbus offers premier performing arts venues, including a 450-seat concert hall and a 2,000-seat theater with three levels—perfect for keynote addresses, gala performances, or evening entertainment segments.
12. Experienced Support from the CVB Team
From the first site visit to the final survey, VisitColumbusGA’s staff is hands-on in ensuring your event's success. We expertly manage everything—from negotiating the best group rates to coordinating receptions and logistics—so planners can focus on delivering value to attendees and guests.
Highlighting Columbus, Georgia’s Meeting Ecosystem: Four Unique Districts
For targeted planning, Columbus is divided into four distinct “Meeting Districts,” each offering its own flavor, hotel inventory, and accessibility:
Columbus, Georgia, is a remarkably balanced and advantageous choice for your next meeting destination. Our seamless setup provides an ideal situation for event logistics, diving into local culture and history, and providing your guests with exhilarating adventure offerings. Whether your attendees seek networking or exploration, let us show you why Columbus, Georgia, delivers on every front. It’s time to #GoAllOut!
- The National Civil War Naval Museum is the nation’s sole museum focused on both Union and Confederate naval forces—featuring authentic Confederate ironclads and immersive simulations.
- The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, voted USA Today’s Best Free Museum and one of CNN Travel’s 12 best military museums in the world, salutes American Soldiers in a world-class museum just outside the gates of Fort Benning. It is the only major museum in the country dedicated to the American Infantryman, and it preserves one of the greatest collections of military artifacts.
- The Columbus Museum celebrates creativity and culture through American art, regional history, tranquil gardens, and more. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, a nature lover or simply looking for an engaging way to enjoy your time, there is always something for you to explore within this ever-evolving, free museum.
- The Springer Opera House, a National Historic Landmark, dates back to 1871 and offers year-round tours of its beautiful, renovated spaces. In addition to tours, the theatre boasts a robust season of theatrical performances and houses one of the Southeast's largest theater academies.
- The Ma Rainey House & Blues Museum was restored into the beautiful MA Rainey House & Blues Museum which exists to preserve the singer's legacy. If you aren't familiar with the jazz legend, it's time to spend a morning at this museum in her former home. Expect to hear live recordings of her music and see a plethora of artifacts collected throughout Rainey's life, both on stage and off.
- Uptown District: (~780 rooms) Historic riverfront core with convention facilities and local flavor.
- Northlake District: (~1,480 rooms) Upscale shopping and dining, easy highway access.
- Victory District: (~940 rooms) Ideal for military-related gatherings; home to notable war museums.
- MidTown District: (~1,490 rooms) Modern venues, dining, and attractions like the Columbus Museum.