**Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Hostess City of the South, the Savannah Convention Center stands as a beacon of modern event hosting, seamlessly blending state-of-the-art facilities with the timeless charm of its historic surroundings. This premier venue offers an unparalleled experience for organizers and attendees alike, promising successful meetings, dynamic trade shows, and truly memorable special events. Its recent, monumental expansion has not only solidified its position as a regional powerhouse but has also elevated Savannah's standing on the national stage for conventions and gatherings.** From intimate corporate retreats to large-scale international conferences, the Savannah Convention Center is meticulously designed to accommodate a diverse range of needs. Its strategic location, breathtaking views, and comprehensive services make it more than just a venue; it's a destination where ideas flourish, connections are strengthened, and history is made for meetings in Savannah, Georgia. Whether you're a professional looking for the perfect setting for your next industry gathering or an event planner seeking a unique backdrop, understanding the full scope of what the Savannah Convention Center offers is key to unlocking an exceptional event experience. **Table of Contents:** 1. [The Savannah Convention Center: A Landmark on the Savannah River](#the-savannah-convention-center-a-landmark-on-the-savannah-river) * [Location and Breathtaking Waterfront Views](#location-and-breathtaking-waterfront-views) 2. [A Journey of Growth: From Vision to Vastness](#a-journey-of-growth-from-vision-to-vastness) * [The Initial Footprint and Its Early Success](#the-initial-footprint-and-its-early-success) * [The Transformative $276 Million Expansion](#the-transformative-276-million-expansion) 3. [Unparalleled Versatility: Spaces Designed for Success](#unparalleled-versatility-spaces-designed-for-success) * [Diving Deep into the Expanded Facilities](#diving-deep-into-the-expanded-facilities) 4. [Seamless Connectivity: Arriving at the Hostess City](#seamless-connectivity-arriving-at-the-hostess-city) 5. [Beyond the Venue: Comprehensive Services and Support](#beyond-the-venue-comprehensive-services-and-support) 6. [The Economic Ripple: Boosting Savannah's Meetings Industry](#the-economic-ripple-boosting-savannahs-meetings-industry) 7. [Why the Savannah Convention Center Stands Apart](#why-the-savannah-convention-center-stands-apart) 8. [Your Next Event Starts Here: Planning for Success](#your-next-event-starts-here-planning-for-success) --- ## The Savannah Convention Center: A Landmark on the Savannah River The Savannah Convention Center is not just another convention facility; it is an architectural marvel strategically positioned to offer both convenience and captivating aesthetics. Located at 1 International Drive, Savannah, GA 31421, it enjoys a prime spot on Hutchinson Island, directly across the iconic Savannah River from the city's historic downtown district. This unique placement provides a tranquil yet accessible environment, setting it apart from many urban convention centers. ### Location and Breathtaking Waterfront Views One of the most defining features of the Savannah Convention Center is its spectacular waterfront views. Imagine hosting a gala with the shimmering river as your backdrop, or attendees enjoying coffee breaks while watching ships glide by. This picturesque setting offers an immediate sense of place, immersing visitors in the natural beauty and historic charm that Savannah is renowned for. The facility sits majestically across from the historic district, ensuring that even within the modern confines of the convention center, the essence of Savannah is ever-present. This blend of natural beauty and urban convenience makes the Savannah Convention Center a truly unique and memorable venue for any successful meeting, trade show, or special event. ## A Journey of Growth: From Vision to Vastness The story of the Savannah Convention Center is one of ambitious vision and continuous evolution. Since its inception, it has served as a cornerstone for economic development and a hub for professional gatherings in the Southeast. Its journey reflects a commitment to providing world-class facilities capable of meeting the ever-growing demands of the events industry. ### The Initial Footprint and Its Early Success The facility first opened its doors in 2000, immediately establishing itself as a significant player in the regional convention market. In its initial configuration, the Savannah Convention Center boasted a substantial 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, providing ample room for trade shows and exhibitions. Complementing this, it featured 13 versatile meeting rooms, a grand 25,000 square foot ballroom perfect for banquets and large receptions, a 367-seat auditorium for presentations and keynotes, and 4 dedicated boardrooms for executive meetings. This initial design was well-received, enabling the center to host a variety of events, from corporate conferences to community gatherings, and quickly earning a reputation for its functional design and picturesque location. It offered exhibit space, an auditorium, meeting rooms, a ballroom, and boardrooms for various events and functions, catering to a wide range of needs. ### The Transformative $276 Million Expansion Recognizing the growing demand and the potential to attract even larger, more prestigious events, the Savannah Convention Center embarked on a monumental $276 million expansion project. This ambitious undertaking was designed to significantly enhance the center's capacity and modernize its offerings, ensuring it could compete on a national scale. The expansion of the Savannah Convention Center is now complete, marking a new era for Savannah’s meetings and events industry. For instance, the GMA (Georgia Municipal Association) has already utilized the full, expanded facility for its annual convention, showcasing the center's enhanced capabilities. This comprehensive expansion has dramatically transformed the facility. It now features more than 660,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Specifically, the expansion added 200,000 square feet of divisible exhibit space, bringing the total to an impressive 300,000 square feet. The number of meeting rooms has increased to 27, with 5 executive boardrooms. A new, sprawling 40,000 square foot ballroom has been added, complementing the existing 25,000 square foot ballroom, offering unparalleled flexibility for large banquets and plenary sessions. Furthermore, the expansion introduced 24 new meeting rooms, significantly increasing the center's capacity for breakout sessions and concurrent events. Beyond the meeting spaces, the expansion also brought practical improvements such as more parking, additional seating areas, and larger meeting rooms, all designed with the hopes of keeping Savannah in the running with other tourist cities. The scale of this expansion is truly remarkable. With the expansion, this convention center is now the 72nd largest in the country, a significant leap that allows Savannah to compete with larger cities such as Tampa and Nashville for major conventions and trade shows. The Savannah Convention Center's $276 million expansion was a strategic investment, positioning it as a top-tier destination for events of all sizes. ## Unparalleled Versatility: Spaces Designed for Success The expanded Savannah Convention Center is a masterclass in flexible design, offering a vast array of spaces that can be configured to suit virtually any event requirement. This versatility is a key reason why it's a unique and memorable venue for your next successful meeting, trade show, or special event. ### Diving Deep into the Expanded Facilities The sheer scale of the 660,000 sq ft waterfront complex on the Savannah River means there's a space for every need. The 200,000 sq ft of divisible exhibit space can be easily partitioned for smaller trade shows or combined for massive expos. This flexibility is crucial for organizers who need to adapt their floor plans based on attendance and vendor requirements. Beyond the exhibit halls, the 27 meeting rooms offer a range of sizes and setups, from intimate board meetings to larger breakout sessions. The 5 executive boardrooms provide a sophisticated setting for high-level discussions. The dual ballrooms – the existing 25,000 sq ft and the new 40,000 sq ft additions – offer immense capacity for banquets, keynote speeches, and social events. The Savannah Convention Center hosts banquet and social events for groups of a few dozen people to conventions of 10,000 and everything in between, demonstrating its remarkable adaptability. For instance, across two days in beautiful Savannah, senior living professionals from Georgia and beyond will gather here to share ideas, grow together, and strengthen the connections that are moving senior living forward, highlighting the center's ability to cater to specialized professional communities. The 367-seat auditorium remains a valuable asset for presentations, theatrical performances, and educational seminars, providing a dedicated space with excellent acoustics and sightlines. The thoughtful design ensures that every space, whether large or small, is equipped with the necessary infrastructure for successful event execution. ## Seamless Connectivity: Arriving at the Hostess City Accessibility is paramount for any major convention center, and the Savannah Convention Center excels in this regard. Its location on Hutchinson Island, while offering scenic beauty, is also remarkably easy to reach, making travel convenient for attendees from across the region and the nation. The Savannah Convention Center is easily accessible from most of the Southeast via two major interstates, I-95 and I-16, which provide direct routes to Savannah. This makes driving a viable and convenient option for many regional attendees. For those preferring rail travel, it's also easy to reach from most of the country via Amtrak, with the Savannah station offering a comfortable alternative to flying. However, the most efficient way for many national and international visitors to arrive is through the acclaimed Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). This modern airport offers more than a dozen direct flights from major cities daily, ensuring that attendees can reach Savannah with minimal hassle. Once in Savannah, guests will find the convenience of a short drive to the convention center. On-site, guests will find the convenience of ample parking, making arrival and departure stress-free. Furthermore, for attendees staying at the Westin Hotel, the walkway between the Westin Hotel and the Savannah Convention Center will be open for access between the two venues, providing a seamless and covered connection that enhances the overall attendee experience. ## Beyond the Venue: Comprehensive Services and Support A world-class convention center offers more than just space; it provides a full suite of services designed to ensure every event runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. The Savannah Convention Center prides itself on offering comprehensive support that addresses every detail, from culinary needs to logistical coordination. Catering services offered by the Savannah Convention Center span the full spectrum of catering needs. Whether it's an elegant sit-down banquet for thousands, a casual buffet lunch for a trade show, or a series of coffee breaks throughout the day, the in-house culinary team is equipped to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Their expertise ensures that food and beverage services perfectly complement the event's theme and attendee preferences, adding a touch of local flavor and hospitality. Beyond catering, the center provides robust technical support, ensuring that all audio-visual requirements are met with precision. From high-speed internet access to sophisticated lighting and sound systems, the infrastructure is in place to support dynamic presentations and interactive exhibits. The dedicated event staff works closely with organizers from the initial planning stages through to execution, offering invaluable assistance with logistics, setup, and on-site management. This level of personalized service ensures that event planners can focus on their content, knowing that the operational details are in expert hands. The convenience of on-site support means any unforeseen issues can be addressed swiftly and efficiently, contributing to a stress-free event experience. ## The Economic Ripple: Boosting Savannah's Meetings Industry The expansion of the Savannah Convention Center is not merely about increasing square footage; it's a strategic investment with profound economic implications for the city and the wider region. By enhancing its capacity and competitiveness, the Savannah Convention Center is poised to significantly boost the local economy and solidify Savannah's reputation as a premier destination for business and tourism. The fact that the convention center is now the 72nd largest in the country directly enables Savannah to compete with larger cities such as Tampa and Nashville. This increased capacity means the city can attract larger conventions and trade shows that previously might have bypassed Savannah due to space limitations. These larger events bring with them thousands of attendees who contribute significantly to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, shopping, and utilizing local transportation and services. The economic impact is already being projected with optimism. The Savannah Convention Center (SCC) projects a $3 million increase in event revenue for fiscal year 2026, totaling $14 million. While the SCC's anticipated deficit for fiscal year 2026 is $1.8 million, this projection highlights the significant growth in revenue generated by events, which in turn stimulates broader economic activity across the city. The increase in event revenue is a direct indicator of the center's enhanced ability to attract and host more lucrative events. Furthermore, keeping Savannah in the running with other tourist cities translates into sustained job creation in the hospitality sector, from hotel staff and restaurant workers to transportation providers and local attractions. The influx of convention visitors also provides a consistent revenue stream for local businesses, fostering a vibrant and resilient economy. The expansion ensures that "history is in the making for meetings in Savannah, Georgia," promising a bright future for the city's tourism and events industry. ## Why the Savannah Convention Center Stands Apart In a competitive landscape of convention venues, the Savannah Convention Center distinguishes itself through a unique combination of features and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It offers more than just flexible meeting space; it provides an experience. Firstly, its location is truly unparalleled. The vibrant Hostess City of the South provides a charming and memorable backdrop, while the facility's position on Hutchinson Island across the Savannah River from the historic district offers spectacular waterfront views that few other convention centers can match. This picturesque setting naturally enhances the appeal of any event, providing a unique ambiance that attendees will remember long after they leave. Secondly, the sheer scale and versatility of the expanded Savannah Convention Center are formidable. With over 660,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including 200,000 sq ft of divisible exhibit space, two grand ballrooms (25,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft), 27 meeting rooms, 5 executive boardrooms, and a 367-seat auditorium, it can accommodate an extraordinary range of events, from intimate gatherings of a few dozen people to conventions of 10,000 attendees. This adaptability, combined with the new parking and seating areas, makes it a highly functional choice. Finally, the comprehensive support services, including top-tier catering and seamless connectivity to the Westin Hotel via a dedicated walkway, underscore the center's commitment to attendee comfort and organizer success. The ease of access via major interstates, Amtrak, and the acclaimed Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport further solidifies its appeal. The Savannah Convention Center is a unique and memorable venue for successful meetings, trade shows, and special events, offering an experience that blends professional efficiency with Southern charm. ## Your Next Event Starts Here: Planning for Success Choosing the right venue is the first critical step in planning a successful event, and the Savannah Convention Center offers a compelling proposition for organizers across various industries. Whether you're coordinating an annual convention, a specialized trade show, or a significant corporate gathering, the center is equipped to bring your vision to life. For senior living professionals, as noted, the center provides an ideal environment to gather, share ideas, and strengthen connections. Similarly, for any industry seeking a dynamic and engaging setting, the Savannah Convention Center delivers. Its flexible spaces can be tailored to specific needs, from large exhibition halls to intimate breakout rooms. The experienced event team is ready to assist with every detail, ensuring a seamless planning process and flawless execution. To begin planning your next unforgettable event, consider visiting the official website of the Savannah Convention Center for detailed floor plans and virtual tours. A map of the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center is available, providing a clear overview of its impressive layout. You can also contact their dedicated sales team directly to discuss your specific requirements and explore how this premier venue can elevate your event. With its world-class facilities, stunning location, and commitment to service, the Savannah Convention Center is more than just a space; it's a partner in your event's success. ---
