Scott Murphy, Vice President of Operations, reflects on the center’s evolution. “The original auditorium from the mid-50s was the main public gathering space for years. When we opened the convention center, we saw a significant shift in how we could host and attract larger events,” he says. The facility now spans a quarter of a million square feet. It is situated in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, providing easy access for attendees to local shops, restaurants, and hotels. Murphy emphasizes the center’s economic impact, particularly during shoulder seasons. “Our primary industry is tourism, and the convention center plays a crucial role in maintaining hotel occupancy during midweek and off-peak times,” he explains. The strategic location and extensive amenities make it a preferred destination for conferences and conventions. The center’s prime position as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major draw. Murphy mentions, “The park saw 14 million visitors recently, many of whom come through Gatlinburg. The convention center’s central location allows attendees to explore the city without needing additional transportation.” Highlighting some successful events, Murphy talks about the longstanding relationship with Bill Gaither, the gospel singer who has been hosting Family Fest over Memorial Day weekend for over 30 years. “We host about 6,000 attendees for five concerts over three days. It’s a well-established event that greatly benefits both the convention center and the city,” Murphy says. He also points out the growth of various youth groups’ events. “We’ve had some groups start with a couple of hundred kids in the 90s and grow to thousands. Our Great Hall’s capacity is 6,500, and we’ve had to adapt by holding multiple sessions to accommodate everyone.” The range of events hosted at the convention center is impressive, from wrestling tournaments and cheer competitions to corporate conferences and state and regional association meetings. Murphy remarks, “We’ve hosted everything from physician assistants’ 149 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07 GATL INBURG CONVENT ION CENTER
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