Signature Events

Honors Night Celebration

Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Hosted by Gold Level Sponsors 
Entertainment featuring Mississippi's own Eden Brent
The Peabody
Recommended Dress: Semi-Formal
Invitation Only

Celebrating the contributions that top-tier Travel South Ambassadors around the globe make that support inbound tourism as a leading sector of the Southern USA's economy and the South as a top-tier global destination, join us for a night at the Peabody for a progressive dinner event. This invitation-only event is exclusively for International Tour Operators, Trade Journalists, Receptive Tour Companies, State Tourism offices, and sponsor DMO/attractions. Each destination will have a special hosted table with authentic décor to welcome VIP guests. 

Memphis City Tours

Hosted by Memphis Tourism
Monday, December 4, 2023 | 8:45 am - 4:30 pm

All city tours will be departing from the Hyatt Centric. City Tours are open to just international buyers and media. Transportation will begin loading at 8:45 am and depart promptly at 9:00 am. 

Click here to view all Memphis City tours.

Tourism Exchange USA Workshop

Monday, December 4, 2023 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 
Memphis Renasant Center 
 
Powered by Brand USA and in partnership with Travel South USA, Tourism Exchange USA has launched a new B2B digital marketplace that connects inventory and availability from tourism businesses with a diverse marketplace of OTAs, travel distributors, and international buyers.

The goal of this platform is to help businesses increase their distribution and online visibility, including helping offline businesses with making inventory bookable online for the first time. There is no cost to join – businesses only pay a small fee when they receive an actual booking.

Tourism Exchange USA will be presenting a workshop for any DMO or supplier attending Travel South International. Come learn more about the program, participation opportunities, and the potential benefits 
for your destination or your business.

Click here to register!
 

Music that Makes Memphis

Opening Night Reception 
Hosted by Memphis Tourism
Monday, December 4, 2023 | 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Beale Street
Recommended Dress: Business Casual

Stand on the hallowed ground of Beale Street and legendary music attractions, Immerse yourself in the sound of modern day musicians at venues citywide.  But in Memphis, almost any location can conjure a lyric, from the mighty Mississippi River and Civil Rights sites to neighborhoods vibrant with entertainment venues and original restaurants, attractions and shops.  Explore and you'll pass spots where famed late-night sessions were logged, soundtracks were inspired and legendary are still being made.  Just like that, you realize:  In Memphis, every story is a song. "Music that Makes Memphis" starts off with DJ performances at Hyatt Centric and Caption by Hyatt and stroll down Beale Street with the Strut Performance to Handy Park our Main Stage with Live Performances and highlighting several other venues on Beale Street and we can feed your Beale Street Soul with BBQ, Wings and a Twist  of Soul Food with our Food Stars.  
 

Bourbon Reception

Hosted by Team Kentucky
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Southwest Hall Foyer - RCC

Join us for the Annual Kentucky Bourbon Reception, highlighting the very best quintessential Kentucky experiences, with culinary delights, bluegrass music, horse culture, and Bourbon.
 
This year our signature event will also include a call to the post as we celebrate 150 days to the world-famous 150th running of the Kentucky Derby! Slap on a fascinator and dig out your bowtie for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample a variety of Bourbons, enjoy delicious bites, and celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports.
 

Taste of Memphis

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Recommended Dress: Casual

We invite you to explore the vibrant city of Memphis Monday night on your own. Memphis has something for everyone! Grab a few friends and explore Memphis' Food Scene. 

Click here for a list of restaurant options.

Tennessee Tracks and Retro Rhythm

Final Night Reception
Hosted by Tennessee Tourism
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Central Station Memphis

Unleash your inner groove as the Central Station Hotel transforms into a funky, retro Soul Train with the sounds of Tennessee. DJ Alpha Whisky will spin tunes that keep you movin’ and groovin’ all night long. You’ll want to don your best retro threads for this unforgettable closing night party.

Signature Meal Functions

Ballroom A - Southwest Hall Renasant Convention Center
Tuesday, December 5 - Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Recommended Dress: Business Attire

Gospel & Grits & Opening Ceremonies 
Sponsored by Tennessee Tourism 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Ballroom A -  RCC | 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Kick-start your day with a soulful breakfast. Tennessee Mass Choir will get everyone in the spirit with a performance that will have you grooving in your seat. Tennessee leaders will share their wisdom and passion to leave you inspired.

Luncheon: Rhythms of the South 
Sponsored by Rhythms of the South: Atlanta, Nashville & New Orleans
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Ballroom A - RCC | 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Join Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans for the annual Rhythms of the South Luncheon. Enjoy the sweet sounds of Elizabeth Cook an American singer-songwriter and radio host of mid-day radio show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" on the Sirius XM radio station Outlaw Country. She has been nominated for two Ameripolitan Music Awards for her radio work. You don’t want to miss this one where good Southern food and great music are always guaranteed!

Grab n Go Breakfast
At Your Leisure Breakfast Grab n Go
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
RCC | 8:00 am - 9:00 am 

As you depart the motorcoaches for the Convention Center grab n go breakfast boxes will be available.  

Muscle Shoals to Memphis
Sponsored by Sweet Home Alabama
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Ballroom A -  RCC | 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm 

Jerry Phillips, son of music legend Sam Phillips of Florence, Alabama, will perform during Sweet Home Alabama’s Muscle Shoals to Memphis lunch extravaganza. Sam Phillips was the founder of Sun Records, discovered Elvis Presley and made recordings with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in the 1950s. Jerry Phillips continues the family’s status as southern music icons. Jerry Phillips is a singer and music business executive who operates Big River Broadcasting radio stations in Florence and is currently recording an album at his family’s Phillips Recording Service in Memphis. A short update from the Alabama Tourism Department will be presented prior to the Jerry Phillips and his band’s live performance.