Renasant Convention Center: Address, Capacity, Parking and Hotels

Renasant Convention Center is a modern convention, exhibition and performing-arts complex in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Formerly known as the Memphis Cook Convention Center, the riverfront property completed a major $200 million modernization that transformed its meeting rooms, public areas, exhibit facilities and exterior.

The center now offers approximately 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Its principal facilities include a 118,000-square-foot column-free exhibit hall, 28,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 18,000-square-foot Junior Ballroom, 46 flexible meeting rooms and the adjoining Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

Address and Downtown Location

The main entrance and passenger drop-off address is:

255 North Main Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Drivers using the convention-center parking garage should navigate to:

266 North Front Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103

The venue sits on the northern side of downtown Memphis near the Mississippi River and Interstate 40. Main Street connects it with hotels, restaurants, entertainment districts and major attractions.

Nearby destinations include:

• Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
• Beale Street
• Peabody Hotel
• FedExForum
• National Civil Rights Museum
• Mississippi Riverfront
• Mud Island
• Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• AutoZone Park
• Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

Memphis International Airport is approximately 12 miles away. A taxi or rideshare journey commonly takes around 15–25 minutes in normal traffic.

Facilities at Renasant Convention Center

The convention center has three principal event levels plus the connected Cannon Center. The modernisation introduced natural light, new finishes, digital wayfinding, public art and improved loading access.

Main facilities include:

• 118,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall
• 28,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom
• 18,000-square-foot Junior Ballroom
• Approximately 46 meeting and breakout rooms
• Memphis Board Room
• Riverview Terrace
• Main Street Lobby and Concourse
• Large pre-function areas
• Registration and ticketing space
• Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
• Covered on-site parking garage
• Loading docks and truck-access tunnel
• Exhibitor storage
• Catering and concessions
• Audiovisual and event-technology services

Public areas offer free Wi-Fi, although exhibitors and organisers requiring dedicated internet service should arrange it through the event’s approved provider.

Exhibit Hall Capacity and Layout

The main Exhibit Hall provides approximately 118,000 gross square feet of column-free space. It can operate as one large hall or divide into three smaller sections.

The unobstructed floor supports:

• Trade and consumer shows
• Large general sessions
• Sporting competitions
• Product demonstrations
• Banquets and receptions
• Job fairs
• Religious conferences
• Educational and corporate events

The center promotes a maximum facility group size of around 10,000. The actual exhibit-hall capacity depends on the selected sections, seating plan, stage, production equipment, catering areas and emergency aisles.

One published planning configuration refers to a 67,500-square-foot flex arrangement capable of operating as a large ballroom. Organisers should use the current scaled floor plan to determine whether this configuration is available for their event.

Large freight and exhibit materials enter through assigned loading facilities. Exhibitors must follow scheduled move-in times and cannot use public streets as waiting areas.

Grand Ballroom

The Grand Ballroom provides approximately 28,000 square feet on Level 2. It can operate as one large room or divide into as many as five sections.

The ballroom is suitable for:

• Conference general sessions
• Gala dinners
• Award ceremonies
• Weddings
• Receptions
• Exhibitions
• Corporate meetings

An extensive pre-function foyer can support registration, sponsor displays, coffee service and networking. The nearby Memphis Board Room and Riverview Terrace allow organisers to add executive sessions or outdoor receptions.

Capacity varies with the room division and furniture arrangement. Staging, dance floors, screens and food stations reduce the final approved attendance.

Junior Ballroom

The Junior Ballroom provides approximately 18,000 square feet on the lower level. It has a large pre-function lobby and can support meetings, meal functions, exhibitions and conference breakouts.

The lower level also includes a spacious boardroom, exhibitor storage, loading access and a direct connection to covered parking.

Because of its separate location, the Junior Ballroom can host an independent event while larger activities use the exhibit hall and Grand Ballroom.

Meeting Rooms

Renasant Convention Center offers approximately 46 flexible meeting rooms, totalling more than 90,000 square feet when meeting and supporting spaces are considered.

Level 1 contains 24 flexible meeting rooms along with the Main Street Lobby and Concourse. Level 2 adds five meeting rooms with approximately 16-foot ceilings, while other rooms are distributed through the complex.

The meeting facilities can be used for:

• Breakout sessions
• Workshops
• Executive meetings
• Training programmes
• Event offices
• Press and media rooms
• Speaker preparation
• Private meals
• VIP hospitality

Many rooms can divide or combine. Organisers should check the current capacity chart because room totals can differ depending on how movable partitions are counted.

Memphis Board Room and Riverview Terrace

The Memphis Board Room is a three-sided glass meeting space with views over downtown Memphis. It is suited to board meetings, executive sessions, private dining and sponsor functions.

Riverview Terrace provides outdoor event space with views toward the Mississippi River. It can support receptions, networking breaks and private gatherings.

Outdoor events require plans for rain, heat, wind and severe weather. Temporary structures, cooking equipment and amplified sound require approval.

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts is integrated into the convention complex and provides approximately 2,100 fixed seats.

It is suitable for:

• Convention general sessions
• Concerts
• Graduations
• Lectures
• Awards programmes
• Religious gatherings
• Theatrical performances

Its permanent stage, fixed seating and production facilities make it useful for programmes that need a theatre rather than a flat-floor ballroom.

Events using both the Cannon Center and convention spaces can place registration, exhibitions and meals in the adjoining convention center.

Parking

The Renasant Convention Center Garage is located at 266 North Front Street and provides covered access to the facility. Published destination information lists approximately 700 parking spaces.

Parking is paid, and the rate may vary by event. Some recent public events have offered advance reservations at approximately $11.41, including taxes and fees, but visitors should check the rate shown for their specific date.

Guests may pay through on-site kiosks or the parking system designated for the event. Large concerts, conventions and downtown activities can fill the garage.

Parking guidance includes:

• Use 266 North Front Street for garage navigation.
• Reserve in advance when the event offers that option.
• Keep the payment confirmation available.
• Confirm whether re-entry is included.
• Do not use loading docks for attendee parking.
• Display a valid placard or plate in accessible spaces.
• Arrange bus, van and oversized-vehicle parking in advance.

The center can arrange long-term bus and van parking for qualifying groups. Organisers should reserve this service through the convention or tourism team.

Loading and Delivery Addresses

Commercial deliveries should use the dock assigned by the event manager rather than the main public entrance.

Current published addresses include:

• Winchester Dock: 272 North Front Street
• Scene Dock: 226 North Front Street

The lower-level dock address should be confirmed directly because venue instructions may change during operational updates.

Exhibitors should obtain their move-in schedule, dock assignment, material-handling rules and storage instructions before dispatching freight.

Transportation

From Memphis International Airport

Taxi, rideshare and rental-car services provide the simplest connection from the airport. Travel time is normally around 15–25 minutes.

Hotels may offer shuttle arrangements for particular groups, but visitors should not assume that a complimentary airport shuttle is included.

MATA Main Street Trolley

The MATA Main Street Trolley serves downtown Memphis and stops near the convention center. It provides access toward central downtown attractions and transit connections.

Service frequency and hours vary. Attendees should check the current MATA schedule before relying on the trolley for early morning or late evening events.

Local Buses

MATA bus routes serve downtown Memphis. Routes may be affected by construction, festivals and special events.

Walking

The center is within walking distance of many northern downtown attractions and hotels. Beale Street and FedExForum are farther south but remain reachable by trolley, rideshare or a longer walk.

Guests should use well-lit routes at night and consider weather conditions during summer heat or storms.

Driving

Interstate 40 passes close to the center, providing access from Arkansas, East Memphis and regional highways. Downtown street closures may operate during festivals and major events.

Connected Hotel

The approximately 600-room hotel connected to the convention center was historically known as Sheraton Memphis Downtown. It is now marketed as Memphis Riverline Hotel.

The hotel provides weather-protected convention access and more than 12,000 square feet of its own meeting facilities. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, fitness center, pool and guest services.

Because the hotel recently changed branding, event materials or older maps may still use the Sheraton name. Guests should verify the current reservation name and address.

Other Hotels Near Renasant Convention Center

Nearby downtown hotels include:

• Big Cypress Lodge: Located inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
• Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown: Close to the convention district
• Hotel: A downtown boutique property
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown: Near AutoZone Park
• The Peabody Memphis: A historic hotel near Beale Street
• Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown: Near AutoZone Park
• Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown: A modern downtown option
• ARRIVE Memphis: Located in the South Main district
• Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis: Near the riverfront and Beale Street

Walking distance varies. Guests should compare the hotel location with the correct convention-center entrance.

Dining and Catering

The convention center provides contracted catering and concession service. Organisers can arrange breakfasts, refreshment breaks, boxed meals, receptions, plated dinners and large banquets.

Outside food, beverages and alcohol generally require written approval. Exhibitors offering samples must comply with venue and health requirements.

Downtown Memphis offers restaurants along Main Street, Beale Street, Front Street and nearby entertainment districts. Groups should reserve larger tables during major events.

Accessibility

Renasant Convention Center provides accessible parking, entrances, elevators, escalators, restrooms and event routes. Wheelchair storage and guest assistance are available under current venue services.

Guests needing wheelchair seating, assisted listening, captioning, sign-language interpretation or another accommodation should contact the event organiser before arrival.

Event layouts must keep accessible paths open between registration, seating, stages, exhibits, food service and emergency exits.

Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law. Pets and other animals may be restricted unless approved as part of an event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the address of Renasant Convention Center?

The main entrance is at 255 North Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103.

Q2. Where is the parking garage?

The convention-center garage is at 266 North Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103.

Q3. How large is Renasant Convention Center?

The facility provides approximately 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Q4. How large is the exhibit hall?

The column-free Exhibit Hall provides approximately 118,000 square feet and divides into three sections.

Q5. How large is the Grand Ballroom?

The Grand Ballroom provides approximately 28,000 square feet and can divide into as many as five spaces.

Q6. Does the center have another ballroom?

Yes. The lower-level Junior Ballroom provides approximately 18,000 square feet.

Q7. How many meeting rooms are available?

The center promotes approximately 46 flexible meeting and breakout rooms.

Q8. Is a hotel connected to the convention center?

Yes. The approximately 600-room Memphis Riverline Hotel, formerly Sheraton Memphis Downtown, is connected to the center.

Q9. Is parking free?

No. The connected garage charges for parking. Rates vary by event, and advance reservations may be available.

Q10. Is bus parking available?

Long-term bus and van parking can be arranged in advance through the convention and tourism team.

Q11. Which airport is closest?

Memphis International Airport is the closest major airport, approximately 12 miles away.

Q12. Is public transport available?

Yes. The MATA Main Street Trolley and local buses serve downtown Memphis near the convention center.

Q13. What is Cannon Center?

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts is the approximately 2,100-seat theatre integrated into the convention complex.

Q14. Is the venue accessible?

Yes. Accessible parking, entrances, elevators, restrooms and event routes are available. Specific accommodations should be arranged beforehand.