Chattanooga Convention Center | Chattanooga

The Chattanooga Convention Center, situated at One Carter Plaza in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, stands as a premier event venue celebrated for its expansive, versatile facilities, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability. Since its opening in 1985, the center has undergone several significant renovations and expansions to maintain its status as a leading convention destination in the Southeast, accommodating a diverse range of events including conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, banquets, and special gatherings.

Facility Overview and Space

The Convention Center covers a total of approximately 138,622 square feet of combined meeting and exhibit space, designed to offer flexible configurations for events of all sizes - from intimate meetings to large-scale conventions hosting thousands of attendees.

Exhibit Halls

The core of the facility is its 100,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space spread across four primary exhibit halls:

Exhibit Hall A: Measuring roughly 36,000 square feet (150 feet by 240 feet), this hall is ideal for large exhibits, product launches, and trade shows.

Exhibit Hall B: At about 28,800 square feet (120 feet by 240 feet), it complements Hall A for expanded exhibits or concurrent events.

Exhibit Halls C and D: Each about 18,000 square feet (150 feet by 120 feet), these halls provide flexible space that can be used separately or combined.

The column-free design ensures unobstructed sightlines and flexible floor planning, allowing for configurations including up to 500 standard 10x10-foot exhibit booths. The ceiling height of 30 feet supports tall displays and extensive lighting rigs.

Meeting Rooms

The center offers 21 meeting rooms ranging in size from about 812 square feet to 1,800 square feet, accommodating a variety of breakout sessions, seminars, board meetings, and smaller gatherings. These rooms provide a range of capacities, supporting from 40 to over 200 attendees in theater or classroom setups. They are equipped with advanced audiovisual technology, including video conferencing capabilities, digital projectors, and sound systems, catering to modern meeting needs.

Ballrooms

Six ballrooms total approximately 19,000 square feet of divisible space, designed to host banquets, receptions, keynote speeches, and large meetings. Ballrooms can be combined or partitioned to suit event scale and style. For example, Ballroom E offers about 2,900 square feet of space and can seat up to 340 attendees in theater style. Overall, the ballroom spaces can host from intimate dinners to events with over 600 participants.

Technological Infrastructure

Embracing Chattanooga’s reputation as “Gig City,” the convention center is equipped with ultra-high-speed internet connectivity, offering up to 25 gigabits per second. This enables seamless streaming, live broadcasting, and fast data transfer, meeting the needs of tech-heavy events, digital presentations, and virtual conferencing.

Advanced lighting systems, including daylight-harvesting designs with photovoltaic lighting, allow natural sunlight to enhance the exhibit areas, reducing energy consumption and creating a pleasant atmosphere. The center’s sound systems, video walls, and digital signage further enable organizers to deliver immersive event experiences.

Sustainability Initiatives

The Chattanooga Convention Center has been recognized nationally as one of the top green convention centers in the United States. It was among the pioneers in adopting sustainable practices such as:

Farm-to-Table Program: The center sources food locally from regional farms, supporting local agriculture while reducing carbon footprint and offering fresh, seasonal menu options.

Energy Efficiency: Incorporation of LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and use of natural light through architectural design reduce overall energy consumption.

Waste Reduction: Comprehensive recycling and composting programs are in place to minimize waste generated during events.

Accessibility and Amenities

Strategically located in downtown Chattanooga, the Convention Center offers convenient access for attendees:

Parking: The venue connects directly to over 3,500 parking spaces, including a 1,200-space multi-level parking garage adjacent to the center. This facilitates easy arrival and departure for event attendees.

Transportation: A free electric shuttle service operates between the Convention Center, local hotels, and popular dining locations, ensuring hassle-free local transit within the downtown area.

Proximity to Accommodation: Over 2,500 hotel rooms are within walking distance, spanning luxury hotels, boutique properties, and business-class accommodations. Additional lodging options totaling over 8,000 rooms are accessible within a 15-mile radius.

Airport Access: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport lies about 10.4 miles away, approximately an 18-minute drive, providing convenient air travel options for visitors.

Event Services and Support

The Chattanooga Convention Center provides comprehensive event planning support and services, including:

Professional event coordination teams assisting with logistics, floor planning, and vendor management.

Full-service catering options emphasizing local ingredients and customizable menus to suit diverse tastes and dietary needs.

On-site audiovisual and technical support staff to assist with setup and troubleshooting during events.

Flexible rental packages accommodating various event sizes and budgets.

Compliance with ADA standards ensuring accessibility for guests with disabilities.

Architectural and Design Highlights

The facility combines modern architectural features with functional design. The spacious interiors are enhanced by expansive windows and skylights that introduce natural light. The exterior’s sleek glass and steel facade complements Chattanooga’s urban landscape, projecting a professional and inviting image for attendees.

Inside, large pre-function lobbies and wide concourses provide ample space for registration, networking, and informal gatherings. The center is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, minimizing crowding and maximizing comfort.

In summary, the Chattanooga Convention Center is a highly adaptable and modern facility, distinguished by its expansive and flexible spaces, fast technological infrastructure, and environmentally conscious operations. It is well-equipped to serve the varied needs of conferences, exhibitions, and social events, backed by excellent accessibility, professional services, and a prime downtown location that enriches the overall event experience.