Meridian

First settled in 1831 as a railroad city in the east-central part of the state, Meridian is the hometown of Jimmie Rodgers, “The Father of Country Music.” This city has a rich history and cultural heritage.

Meridian offers traditional meeting space as well as unique accommodations including the historic Union Station Multi- Modal Transportation Center, the Hamasa Shrine Temple Theatre, and the Riley Center opening Fall 2006. Many of Meridian’s hotels also offer conference and meeting space.

Commercial air service is available at the Meridian Regional Airport, just minutes from downtown Meridian. By car, Meridian is conveniently located near the junction of Interstate 20 and Interstate 59.

Leisure activities are unlimited and can be customized to fit any group or interest. Outdoor activities including golf, biking, and boating are popular diversions. For historic and cultural attractions, itineraries may include visiting the historic Dentzel Carousel, the Around Town Carousels Abound Public Art Project, Meridian Museum of Art, Causeyville General Store, Bonita Lakes, and Merrehope. Great dining can be found throughout the city. A variety of restaurants serving everything from gourmet cuisine to traditional Southern cooking will make your dinner decision difficult. You’ll find great local shops downtown and at Bonita Lakes. Be sure to take home a Mississippi souvenir!

THE 411
• 1,600-plus hotel rooms citywide
• A shuttle program can be arranged upon request
• Largest exhibit facility features 20,000 gross sq. ft. of column-free, unobstructed space
• Largest banquet capacity in one facility seats 1,250
• Largest meeting capacity in one facility seats 2,000 theater-style
• New meeting and convention space: Riley Center with 30,000 sq. ft. of conference space set to open Fall 2006 as well as the Hilton Garden Inn Meridian featuring 2,200 sq. ft. of meeting space Call the Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau to make Meridian your meeting place.

Services include:
• Registration assistance
• Welcome bags/banners
• Name badges and covers
• Hotel liaison
• Housing bureau service
• Full convention consulting
• Media liaison

For more information, contact:
Cecilia Derrington, Executive Director
Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau
P.O. Box 5313
Meridian, MS 39302
601-482-8001
888-868-7720
601-486-4988 (fax)
www.visitmeridian.com
tourism@lauderdalecounty.org