Hattiesburg, Mississippi at a Glance
Location: Centrally located between Jackson, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Access: Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT); Interstate 59 and U.S. Highways 49, 98 and 11
Major Meeting Spaces: Lake Terrace Convention Center; University of Southern Mississippi campus venues
Hotel Rooms: 3,000-plus rooms across full-service, boutique and extended-stay properties
Off-Site Venues: Hattiesburg Zoo, African American Military History Museum, Saenger Theater and the historic Hattiesburg Train Depot
Contact Info:
Visit Hattiesburg
601-296-7475
visithburg.org
When it comes to Mississippi, it’s hard to top the blend of attractions, hospitality and upbeat atmosphere that have made Hattiesburg a favorite for meetings and events.
“We’re a shopping destination, an attractions destination, and a big city for our region,” said Kristen Brock, vice president of marketing and programs for Visit Hattiesburg, the charming community of approximately 150,000.
Brock remarked that “The Hub City” is also known as a medical and educational mecca, energized by the presence of two local college campuses: William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). “It adds a whole other layer of potential for meetings,” she added.
A major part of that promise comes from the many event spaces planners can choose from at the pair of universities, including some “smaller spaces with character” at William Carey and some larger, splashier event venues at USM. These include the Trent Lott Center, highlighted by a dazzling rotunda-shaped atrium that can host up to 60 for a reception and 100 theater style.
Also at USM is the popular Touchstone Club, a spacious, “completely glassed-in” event suite overlooking the football stadium that is especially appealing to corporate groups because attendees can gaze out at a jumbotron over the field showcasing their logo and customized messaging. Brock said the snazzy setting can host roughly 300 guests and is “a great space any time of year.” During football season, groups of up to 500 can enjoy a nearby rooftop area to take in a game, another popular option.
Brock also described Hattiesburg as “the most progressive city in Mississippi” and a bastion of public art as well. Adding to its allure for drive-to meetings is its central locale within “easy driving distance of a majority of the Southeast.” And the convenient location is boosted further by Visit Hattiesburg’s hospitable nature for any visiting groups.
Active, sports-minded groups will want to take note of the dynamic new Recreation and Sports Events Center at Tatum Park that just broke ground and is slated to open in 2027. The new, fully accessible venue will cover 117,000 square feet, include six basketball and 10 volleyball courts, among many other spaces, and be available for event rentals.
Superb Center
Hattiesburg’s most renowned meeting space, the Lake Terrace Convention Center, features more than 33,000 square feet of adaptable event spaces. They include an expansive hall, multiple meeting rooms, generous pre-function areas and a modern conference suite overlooking a tranquil 2-acre lake. Ringed by towering pines, vibrant landscaping and calming water elements, the venue blends natural beauty with polished Southern charm and offers advanced amenities to create a memorable setting for gatherings of all kinds. The facility is operated by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, and the surrounding landscape and thoughtfully designed interiors work together to create an atmosphere that encourages connection, creativity and celebration for groups of all sizes.
Downtime Diversions
Hattiesburg offers an array of indoor and outdoor options for groups to explore, from the Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Museum and the African American Military History Museum to the breathtaking All-American Rose Garden and the sprawling De Soto National Forest, which spans over 518,000 acres of pine forests. But the real must-see attraction, Brock said, is the colorful and captivating Lucky Rabbit, a bastion of remarkable retail, dazzling displays and fun photo ops. “It’s an eclectic vintage antique experience that’s both immersive and interactive,” she said, adding that the sprawling shop re-creates favorite movie and TV show sets in great detail, including recent takes on “The Golden Girls” and “Schitt’s Creek.”
Appealing Off-Sites
Hattiesburg provides planners with a range of distinctive venues that are ideal for off‑sites, receptions and special events. Among them is Venue 49, offering a contemporary, flexible space convenient to Highway 49, making it ideal for corporate gatherings or social functions. Ardor Venue, located on East Pine Street, has a polished, modern interior that works well for receptions, workshops and private dinners. For groups seeking a more historic setting with real atmosphere, Ross Mansion is highlighted by elegant indoor rooms and garden areas perfect for intimate events, while Southern Oaks is a contemporary event venue that showcases landscaped grounds and classic decor for receptions or team‑building activities.
Likeable Lodgings
Hattiesburg’s hotel options offer a solid range of choices, with the top meetings properties highlighted by a trio of promising possibilities. For planners seeking on-site meeting space to work with, the DoubleTree Hilton provides 138 guest rooms and the Magnolia Ballroom, with capacity for up to 250 reception style. The Holiday Inn North, meanwhile, offers 128 guest rooms, a ballroom and boardroom, plus a popular on-site eatery with a full bar, Burger Theory. And while downtown’s boutique beauty, Hotel Indigo Hattiesburg, has limited meeting space, its proximity to USM and the many meeting options there — plus the acclaimed Brass Hat restaurant — are major pluses to consider.
