Ground-up transformation · Photo: Creation Studios

Renasant Convention Center

Year: 2021
Practice: Program management
Type: Convention & community centers
Location: Downtown Memphis, TN

The City of Memphis embarked on a ground up transformation of the Renasant Convention Center. Located in downtown Memphis, every square inch of the convention center brings hotel quality finishes and modern amenities desired by meeting planners and delegates. The expansion of the building consists of outdoor terraces and glass enclosed concourses, pre-function and meetings spaces that embrace the river and skyline views, while adding valuable square footage that includes additional breakout meeting rooms.

Renovations also incorporated public art, added digital wayfinding, created a sense of arrival within the parking structure, and included four additional bays for Main Exhibit Hall load in and load out.

Inside the center

A glass-walled lounge looking out to the river and bridge

The facade above the curving highway ramp

The center lit purple at night from the street

Aerial view of the center's red and glass facade

Guests on the balcony at sunset, the Pyramid beyond

Guests on the terrace at sunset, the bridge beyond

The lobby with a chandelier over the escalators

A meeting room with river and bridge views

A lit display case of costumes along the concourse

The prefunction concourse with timber slats and a blue feature wall

The prefunction hall under a ceiling of hanging lights

A narrow view down the concourse past a colorful art wall

The boardroom with a long table and white chairs

An exhibit hall with a dance floor and stage

Rendering of the renovated facade from the off ramp

Rendering of the Front Street entrance with new signage

The Memphis facade lit at dusk beside the curving overpass

The center at sunset, the glass corner and the MEMPHIS letters glowing

Awards & Recognition

Smart Meetings, June 2023Memphis' Renasant Convention Center named Best Convention Center by Smart Meetings' Smart Stars 2023.

ConventionSouth, October 2022Renasant Convention Center and its managing partner, Memphis Tourism, have been honored with a Readers' Choice Award by ConventionSouth Magazine.

Exhibitor Magazine, October 2022For the third year in a row, the Renasant Convention Center is named to Exhibitor Magazine's annual Centers of Excellence list, honoring North America's best convention centers for trade shows and corporate events.

Smart Meetings' Smart Stars, July 2022Memphis' Renasant Convention Center was named Best Convention Center by Smart Meetings' Smart Stars 2022.

Exhibitor Magazine, December 2021Memphis' Renasant Convention Center was one of seven facilities recognized by Exhibitor with a special award: Best Customer & On-Site Support.