A GUIDE TO MEETING. in SAVANNAH. SavannahMeetings.com

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1 A GUIDE TO MEETIG in SAVAAH SavannahMeetings.com

2 3 REASOS TO MEET in Savannah ou ll enjoy record attendance and revenue. Savannah is a city on your attendees bucket list. Visit Savannah is happy to provide you with a list of firsthand testimonials from meeting-planning professionals that have experienced record registrations. Boost your attendance and revenue by bringing your meeting to Savannah. Off-sites done right. With breathtaking waterfront views, Savannah s meeting spaces and hotels are located in the heart of the walkable city. After the meetings are done, enjoy off-site events like a themed party in one of Savannah s many squares or museums, a casual night out in City Market or a picnic at the beach. 3 We re the tops. ear after year, Savannah ranks in the top ten cities to visit in reader polls of many of the top lifestyle, food and travel publications like Travel + Leisure. Similar accolades come from Meetings & Conventions magazine, which has awarded Savannah its Gold Service Award for seven consecutive years and Successful Meetings magazine, which has presented Savannah with its Pinnacle Award of Excellence for the third straight year! Submit your RFP at SavannahMeetings.com today! 3

3 { { ABOUT SAVAAH 5

4 { OVERVIEW of SAVAAH { atural beauty and history converge in Savannah, where Southern charm can be found along its many cobblestone streets. oak-lined squares are interwoven with Spanish moss and architectural gems housing historic attractions, shops and restaurants. Beautifully preserved, Savannah reveals its endearing quirks and artistic flair to visitors through Savannah College of Art and Design galleries and through the students that attend other colleges and universities in the area. Meetings attendees flock to attend an event held here, where visitors of all types can explore the allure of this graceful Southern city. Read on to begin planning your next meeting in Savannah and give your attendees a conference experience unlike any other. 6

5 { { GETTIG HERE With easy access via highway, rail and air, you can add accessibility to Savannah s long list of attractive aspects. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you ll have no trouble getting your group to and from Savannah. AIR Located just 5 miles from Savannah s Historic Meeting District, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers approximately 9 daily flights in and out of Savannah. Scheduled airlines include Delta, United, US Airways, American, JetBlue (Seasonal: Allegiant, Sun Country and Silver). We hope to expand the number of cities served with direct flights in the coming year with potential to expand in the future. (See following pages for flight information). CAR Getting to Savannah by car is easy and enjoyable, with plenty of scenic Georgia beauty to take in along the way. Savannah is best accessed via Interstate 95 (orth/south) or Interstate 6 (East/West). RAIL Many groups find that Amtrak is a fun, convenient and affordable way to travel. Savannah is a major stop on Amtrak s Palmetto and Silver Service lines between ew ork and Miami. The Silver Star and Silver Meteor provide daily service to and from Savannah. Sleeper cars and sightseeing lounge cars are available. BUS Savannah is a hub for Greyhound Bus Lines, so your guests can access Savannah by bus from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. 7

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8 { { GETTIG AROUD Visit Savannah offers a comprehensive transportation plan that makes getting around Savannah both easy and enjoyable. And it makes planning and coordination a breeze for busy meeting planning professionals. If your group qualifies, Visit Savannah s director of destination services will personally coordinate your transportation plan, serving as your single point of contact prior to, during and after your conference. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride. Our system is designed to quickly and easily move attendees between conference hotels and the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center or the Savannah Civic Center. GROUD Ground service consists of a shuttle bus fleet that runs from designated Historic District hotels to the Trade Center or Civic Center. Visit Savannah s director of destination services will help you coordinate shuttle schedules based on your group s agenda. With one of the most walkable downtown historic districts in the country, many meetings attendees prefer to explore the city by foot. Twenty-two park-like squares are spread throughout the.5-mile Historic District, which makes for a picturesque walk between sessions and events. WATER The Chatham Area Transit Savannah Belles Ferry boat service is available to all Savannah visitors free of charge. The Belles Ferry boats offer a unique opportunity for your group to get a skyline view of Savannah s beautiful riverfront. Ferry stops include River Street at City Hall, the Waving Girl Landing at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront and Hutchinson Island at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. We will supplement the service with additional boats and hours to better suit the needs of your conference. For more information on our comprehensive transportation package, contact Visit Savannah at

9 { 5 THIGS TO DO in SAVAAH { CIT RIVER MARKET Four blocks in the heart of the Historic District have been renovated to capture the authentic atmosphere and character of the city s old open marketplace. The market features artists working in their lofts and exhibits of works for sale. There are also restaurants, open-air cafés, theme shops, and stores offering crafts, accessories, and gifts. STREET Bordering the thriving river port, River Street imparts old-world charm. The nine-block brick concourse is ideal for strolling and ship-watching. More than 75 boutiques, galleries, artists studios, restaurants, and pubs are housed in one-time cotton warehouses that have been restored to their rustic beauty E River St, Savannah, GA 34 9 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 34 DAVEPORT HOUSE MUSEUM Located on Columbia Square, the Isaiah Davenport House was built between 85 and 8 and is an exceptionally fine example of Federal architecture. It was the proposed demolition of this home that served as a catalyst in the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation. It features a fine collection of Davenport china and period decorative arts. 34 E State St, Savannah, GA 34 JEPSO CETER FOR THE ARTS Jepson Center for the Arts features two large galleries for major traveling exhibitions and galleries for African-American art, Southern art, photography, and works-on-paper, as well as a community gallery. The center also has a 3,5-square-foot hands-on gallery for young people; two outdoor sculpture terraces; education studios; a -seat auditorium; a café; and a store. The center is covered with glistening white Portuguese stone and consists of two separate structures connected by glass bridges. The building has a soaring, light-filled atrium and a sweeping, three-level staircase that provides access to its expansive galleries. 4 7 W ork St, Savannah, GA, 34

10 Leopold s is an ice cream parlor circa 935. Much of the décor is original including the original soda fountain, soda fountain cover, back bar, sundae holders, banana split boats, and malted milk dispenser all of which are still in use. Even the old Philco radio and the wooden-interior phone booth from the old store are being used! 5 LEOPOLD S ICE CREAM E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 34 THE OLDE PIK HOUSE RESTAURAT Located on Reynolds Square in Savannah s Historic District, The Olde Pink House was built by one of the city s founding families in the mid 7s and was, at one time, a bank. This iconic building is now an upscale restaurant serving Southern classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, crab cakes and more. Take the steps down into the cellar and you ll discover a cozy, dimly lit tavern with live piano music and delicious craft cocktails. 8 3 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 34 The Beach Institute is Georgia s oldest school for African Americans. Initially, the school had 6 students enrolled, with nine female teachers and a male principal. Most of the teachers were white and tuition was $ per month. The Beach Institute closed as a school in 99. Visitors may view local and national African American art exhibitions, including an impressive collection by Ulysses Davis, a renowned native Savannah wood carver. 6 BEACH ISTITUTE 5 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 34 THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOH THE BAPTIST Located on Lafayette Square, built between 873 and 876, the Cathedral is an excellent example of French Gothic architecture. Most of the decorative appointments are of European origin and design. Elegantly restored in, the church is regularly called breathtaking and amazing! TripAdvisor rated the Cathedral #6 on its list of top US attractions in 3. 9 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 34 THE SHIPS OF THE SEA MUSEUM William Jay designed this house for merchant prince William Scarbrough, one of the principal investors in the S.S. Savannah, the first steam vessel to cross the Atlantic. This maritime museum houses a large collection of ship models, artifacts, and memorabilia representing humanity s, year quest to conquer the sea. 7 4 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 34

11 Savannah s Central of Georgia Railway ational Landmark District is the oldest and most complete antebellum railroad manufacturing and repair facility still in existence in the United States. The Georgia State Railroad Museum now has permanent exhibits in seven of the 3 structures on the site. Exhibits focus on steam engines, belt-driven machinery, locomotives, railroad rolling stock, and model railroad layouts. This is one of the most extensive collections of rolling stock and machinery in Georgia. GEORGIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM 655 Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 34 JULIETTE GORDO LOW BIRTHPLACE Built between 88 and 8, the center is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. The building has been restored and furnished to depict the 87s and was named Savannah s first ational Historic Landmark in 965. It is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. as a memorial to their founder and is a program center for all members. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is an exciting destination for Girl Scout troops from across the country and around the world. E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 34 The Savannah Theatre opened its doors for the first time December 4, 88 with a production of the comedy A Soldier s Daughter. ow, after several centuries and a few face lifts, the Savannah Theatre houses the performance ensemble The Beat Goes On and remains the oldest continuously operating theater site in America. THE SAVAAH THEATRE Bull St, Savannah, GA 34 TELFAIR MUSEUM OF ART Designed and built in 88 by William Jay, the Telfair Mansion was the site of the royal Governor s residence. The mansion contains many family furnishings. A large wing was added in 883 that contains superb American and European paintings and sculpture. It is the oldest art museum in the South. 3 Barnard St, Savannah, GA 34 3

12 FORSTH PARK This 3-acre park is bordered on the north by Gaston Street, on the south by Park Avenue and has a mile perimeter, making it a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts. The park s north end is home to a cast iron fountain that was erected in 858. The famed Forsyth Park Fountain was designed to resemble the grand fountain in Paris at the Place de la Concorde. An exact replica of the Forsyth Park Fountain resides in Cuzco, Peru. The park is also adorned by monuments to the Confederate Soldier, the Marine Corps Monument and the Fragrant Garden for the Blind. The Forsyth Park Fountain is one of the most popular attractions for Savannah visitors. ATIOAL MUSEUM OF THE MIGHT EIGHTH AIR FORCE This $3 million museum honors the courage, character, and patriotism embodied by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to the present. The 95,- square-foot museum is situated on a 3-acre tract at the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 8 in Pooler, just outside of Savannah. This landmark includes a museum, library, static aircrafts, displays, archives, research center, bookstore and gift shop Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA, acres bordered by Gaston, Drayton, Park & Whitaker Streets Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

13 { { DESTIATIO SERVICES Visit Savannah is pleased to offer our assistance in making your meeting a success. The Destination Services team will coordinate with local professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly. Visit Savannah will make your visit more enjoyable by providing you with information and services you need regarding accommodations, historic attractions, tours, Low Country Cuisine, shopping, special event venues and more. From simply providing visitor guides to coordinating a fun scavenger hunt, eco-tour or a fishing competition, Visit Savannah s Destination Services team can help your meeting be successful, enjoyable and memorable for every attendee. For all of your service needs, call the Destination Services team at COVETIO TRASPORTATIO Qualifying conventions will receive transportation to and from the event venue and your convention hotels. This will include ground transportation by bus or trolley and extension of the Savannah Belles Ferry schedule to suit your conference agenda. Knowledgeable Savannah hosts will be at each of the three water-taxi docks as well as in the lobby at each of your convention hotels. Transportation cards and large full-color boards will be printed and available at the convention center detailing the bus schedule, ferry schedule and any extended ferry hours. PASSKE HOUSIG Visit Savannah s Destination Services team offers Passkey housing to groups using two or more hotels with 6 rooms or more for two or more nights. Passkey connects registration and housing for a seamless process and easy cross-referencing. A unique reservation website is customized by Visit Savannah staff. Attendees can make and manage their hotel reservations online or book over the phone. Access to all areas of the event, including the ability to search for reservations by name, view rooming lists, and pull pick-up reports 4/7 in real time, is available to the meeting planners, although Visit Savannah staff is happy to send any reports needed. SHOW US OUR BADGE The Show Us our Badge program offers discounts to meeting and convention attendees from restaurants, shops, tours & attractions and service providers near Savannah s Historic District. Conference badges must be presented to participating places of business in order to receive discounts. PRE-PLAIG VISITS Whether you make several trips to Savannah to plan your meeting or do one all-inclusive visit, the Destination Services team is happy to assist you. Our team can arrange an itinerary for your final planning visit including tours of the convention center and hotels, tastings, interviews with local companies, exploration of Savannah and inspection of off-site venues. Visit Savannah s team is happy to personally take you to all of the above and answer any questions you may have along the way. 5

14 6 MEETIG & COVETIO PLAIG Visit Savannah can assist you with everything you need in order to hold a successful meeting or convention; anything from A/V services to staffing, event production to exhibitor design and accessing local speakers. EVET PLAIG Savannah has a variety of great venues for programs and leisure activities. Whether a small tour or large welcome reception, we will put you in touch with all of our applicable member companies and assist you in planning: off-site events such as board dinners, welcome receptions, award banquets, teambuilding activities, spousal activities, children activities and field trips. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPOSIBILIT A growing trend in meetings and conventions is the desire travelers have to give back to their host city. Visit Savannah s Corporate Social Responsibility program enables your organization to get involved with volunteer activities that benefit Savannah s local community and environment. For more information about how your group can volunteer in Savannah, please contact Destination Services at WELCOME PROGRAM Qualifying Groups with 6 rooms on peak or more for at least two nights: This would be categorized as a citywide, and they would receive the following: Banner call-outs with group acronym and logo to hang below welcome banners on Hutchinson Island, the road that leads to the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Complimentary ground transportation and extended water ferry service between contracted hotels and the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Welcome ribbons with group s acronym or message to be worn by all contracted hotel staff and Savannah International Trade & Convention Center staff. Logo and group name displayed on the welcome screen at the airport during conference dates Upon request, a Savannah Welcome Ambassador will be stationed at the information table at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center during peak meeting times. (May not be available for repeat/annual business. Please reach out to Destination Services team for further details). Savannah promotional items and brown paper bags are available for the group. Attendance builder trips for groups meeting in Savannah for the first time (must be approved by Visit Savannah management). Savannah information (visitor guides, maps and transportation flyers) to be provided for the group with an information table at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Groups with rooms on peak (upon request): Logo and name displayed on the welcome screen at the airport during conference dates. Visit Savannah logo bags for attendees. Savannah information (visitor guides and maps) can be delivered to the conference hotel. Groups with 49- rooms on peak (upon request): Visit Savannah logo bags for attendees. Savannah information (visitor guides and maps) can be delivered to the conference hotel. Groups with 99 rooms on peak or less (upon request): Visit Savannah logo bags. Savannah information (visitor guides and maps) can be delivered to the conference hotel. Groups that did not book through Visit Savannah will receive: Savannah information (visitor guides and maps) can be delivered to the conference hotel.

15 S { DIIG in SAVAAH { weet and savory, locally grown and internationally inspired, Savannah s culinary scene is packed with options to please every attendee at your meeting or event. Impress your organization with an oyster roast on the water or a Southern, family-style dine around in Savannah s Historic District. Enjoy coastal cuisine on a cruise down the Savannah River or under the stars in one of the city s scenic squares. In Savannah, dining opportunities are endless. Restaurants and caterers throughout the city proudly serve some of the best coastal cuisine in the region. Wild Georgia shrimp paired with grits, Savannah red rice and collard greens are just a few of the local tastes grown here, while Southern specialties like fried chicken, barbecue and mac n cheese are never very far from reach. But Savannah takes Southern fare up a notch with international twists on these tried-and-true recipes accomplished by the city s top chefs. All this, combined with an extensive selection of farm-to-table options and restaurants that will accommodate even the most discerning of meeting attendee, makes Savannah a foodie s paradise. If Savannah s culinary options are numerous, then it s no surprise that many picturesque places exist in which to enjoy them. Savannah s most scenic dining rooms are those that are outdoors. These outside spaces offer beautiful water or live oak covered views of Savannah s bustling Historic District, which enjoys warm weather for a majority of the year. Glass ballrooms, dining rooms with exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling embellishments, cozy candlelit bars and more offer a variety of settings to host an aftermeeting event or dining experience. A meeting in Savannah has no shortage of big ideas or memorable after-hours events! 7

16 { TOURS and TRASPORTATIO { G etting to your meeting is half the fun in Savannah, where unique transportation options abound. From the airport, hop in a taxi or onto the low-cost CAT or DOT shuttles to get you where you want to go. If you re headed into Savannah s Historic District, park your car and pack your keys away during your time here. Savannah was designed as a grid when it was founded in 733, with 4 verdant, park-like squares placed throughout it. Twenty-two of those squares still remain today, which has made Savannah one of the most pedestrian-friendly historic districts in the country. eed to traverse the Historic District faster than your feet can take you? Grab a nameyour-own-price pedicab ride on the back of a bike. Don t miss a chance to see some of the best views of Savannah on a free Savannah Belles Ferry ride from downtown to Hutchinson Island, where the convention center is located. To learn a thing or two about Savannah, take a tour. From Segways and horse-drawn carriages to bikes, riverboats and trolleys, you will find a tour that is perfect for your attendees. These exciting activities cover topics like Savannah s culinary finds, historic facts and stories about Georgia s first city, film highlights, ecology facts, pub-crawls and more. After the meetings have ended, dinner has been enjoyed and the sun has set, head out on a ghost tour in what has been called America s most haunted city. Spooky stories and shadows playing across darkened cobblestone streets are sure to make your attendees meeting experience one to remember. 8

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18 { { ACCOMMODATIOS HISTORIC DISTRICT Hotel ame # of Guest Rooms # of Meeting Rooms Maximum Sq. Ft. Theater Capacity Classroom Capacity U-Shape Capacity Reception Capacity Banquet Capacity # of Lounges # of Restaurants Exhibit Space? ADA Accessible? Andaz 5, B Historic Savannah Best Western PLUS - Savannah Historic District 89 Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront* Comfort Suites 76 boardroom 8 Courtyard by Marriott 56 3, Doubletree by Hilton 5 5, Embassy Suites 5 4 5, Fairfield Inn & Suites 4 3 3, Hampton Inn & Suites 54 4, Hampton Inn Hilton Garden Inn 33 3, Hilton Savannah DeSoto , Holiday Inn Express 43 3, Holiday Inn 7, 5 75 Homewood Suites by Hilton 6, Hotel Indigo 5 6, Hyatt Regency 35,,3 7 7, 66 Mansion on Forsyth Park 5 3, Residence Inn 9 Savannah Marriott Riverfront ,86,5,,6,5 Springhill Suites by Marriott Staybridge Suites 4, The Brice 45 5, The Cotton Sail Hotel 56, The River Street Inn 86 3, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa 43 3,537, 66 78, *ote: Reception capacity only for Rocks on the Roof. 5 indoor and 75 if using all of Rocks on the Roof. 5