Business View Magazine May 2023

144 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5 Work began on the facility shortly before the COVID pandemic turned many things upside down in the business world. Yet Renasant was able to move through its renovation process, reopening in late 2021 to fanfare and high demand. Today, Renasant resembles the type of meeting and event facility that such a vibrant city like Memphis demands. Memphis serves as the legendary home of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll on the Mississippi River. The now 300k-square- foot facility offers plenty of scenic river views and natural light without the need for columns. It includes flexible space with loading docks on three decks, a ballroom of roughly 28,000 square feet, and nearly 50 meeting rooms. “It has been transformed into a truly great meeting facility for any type of need,” says Renasant Senior Vice President and General Manager Dean Dennis. “It was designed with all the modern comforts and needs in mind.” That included countless carpeted rooms, brand- new HVAC systems, and efficient LED lighting that is sensor controlled. There are other “green” features such as touchless washrooms and doors as well, minimizing direct human contact on surfaces. These features were ironically planned before COVID even arrived. The former mezzanine level was completely rebuilt, with 18-foot-tall ceilings added to provide a sense of space and luxury. Windows are floor to ceiling on two levels, a stark contrast to how the facility looked before its renovation. “It was still a popular (events center), but it used to look like a prison,” says Dennis, who adds, “We did a great job taking advantage of all the (Mississippi) river has to offer. It’s amazing how appealing and inviting natural light is to our clients.” Also noteworthy is the attached Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, a nearly 2,100- seat, multi-purpose venue that is home to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. The Cannon Center hosts numerous other events throughout the year, including ballet, opera, pop, and jazz concerts, touring theatrical productions, children’s theater, and general sessions. It can host graduations and other special events and sits adjacent to Renasant. RENASANT CONVENT ION CENTER