The city's identity as the "Twin City," born from the harmonious union of the planned Moravian settlement of Salem and the industrious tobacco and textile town of Winston, provides an inspired backdrop for your event. Step back in time at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where you can experience a fascinating glimpse into early American life through hands-on living history exhibits. 

Wander north of the Old Salem Historic District and you’ll discover a stark contrast in the Innovation Quarter, a hub for biomedical research, cutting-edge technology, and entrepreneurial pursuits housed within revitalized historic buildings. This intriguing juxtaposition of old and new creates an atmosphere that sparks creativity and fosters collaboration, making meetings in Winston-Salem, twice as nice.

Winston-Salem shines as a remarkably accessible destination centrally located in North Carolina. Newsweek recently named Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) one of the Top 10 Small Airports in the US. Recognized for its Southern hospitality and clean facilities, GSO is conveniently located 25 minutes away from downtown Winston-Salem. Two international airports are a short drive away: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 1.5 hours from the city center, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is within two hours. Major East Coast hubs also include Atlanta and Washington, D.C, within a comfortable driving distance. The city sits at the crossroads of major interstates (I-85, I-77, I-40) and key highways.

Winston-Salem offers diverse, distinctive venues that will elevate your conference experience. Envision hosting a keynote address within the stunning architecture of the historic Millennium Center or facilitating collaborative sessions in the state-of-the-art facilities of the Wake Forest Biotech Place Conference Center within the Innovation Quarter. For a truly memorable and elegant setting, the historic Graylyn Estate and Conference Center offers luxurious accommodations and picturesque grounds, as well as a myriad of teambuilding activities for your group to participate in on site! 

Anchoring the downtown area is the Benton Convention Center, boasting 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and direct connections to the Winston-Salem Marriott and Embassy Suites. Additionally, many sophisticated meeting hotels and unique event spaces are available to suit your specific needs and budget.

What truly sets Winston-Salem apart is its genuine Southern hospitality. Recently recognized by Southern Living as one of the top Southern college towns, Winston-Salem offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere thanks to its six higher-education institutions and over 30,000 students. 

The city's friendly locals and dedicated hospitality professionals go above and beyond to ensure every visitor feels welcome and valued. Are you seeking personalized, boutique meeting experience, complete with team-building activities or a custom dine-around experience for your group? Our dedicated sales and services team has you covered.

Winston-Salem will enrich attendees' overall meeting experience during and after sessions with world-class attractions, nightlife options, live music venues, theatrical performances, and special events. As the "City of Arts and Innovation," Winston-Salem boasts a vibrant Downtown Arts District, a Forbes Top 10 Best Downtown with over 100 restaurants, shops, craft breweries, and bars within walking distance of the Benton, and a rich history to explore. Tour historic homes-turned-museums along the Reynolda Mile, sip and savor downtown’s burgeoning craft beer and culinary scene and raise a glass at one of our award-winning wineries in the Yadkin Valley Wine Region. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll find three state parks within an hour’s drive of downtown and ample city-side treks to wander on foot, bike, or Segway. There's something for everyone to enjoy during their downtime in Winston-Salem, where dynamic big-city culture and small-town charm are yours to experience. Find comfort and convenience at the end of a productive day with your choice of over 5,500 hotel rooms – 1,200 in the downtown area alone.

Often more cost-effective than larger metropolitan areas, Winston-Salem provides exceptional value without compromising quality. Maximize your meeting value in Winston-Salem by booking through Visit Winston-Salem and taking advantage of the Twice as Nice Rewards Program, which offers meeting credits of up to $3,000 based on your group size. 

When you book your event at one of five featured hotels – including the Marriott, Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, Graylyn Estate, Historic Brookstown Inn, and Embassy Suites – you might qualify for one of their unique incentive packages designed to enhance your meeting experience.

Ready to take the next step towards hosting your Winston-Salem event? Contact an expert sales manager or submit an RFP today and let the planning begin!