2024 AL, MS, TN Rural Tourism Conference

Recognizing that tourism is a vital part of a community’s economic development, the Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference is a collaborative effort focused on assisting smaller communities in bolstering tourism.

WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER?

The 2024 Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference will be held in Obion County, Tennessee in the beautiful Reelfoot Lake Region in the northwest corner of the state.

From eagles to white squirrels and sunken cypress trees to dinosaurs, attendees will find a destination filled with unique experiences and attractions just waiting to be discovered.

Because of Reelfoot Lake, a 15,000 biodiverse ecosystem created by a series of earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, the area has long been a mecca for hunters, birdwatchers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Recent developments have built upon decades of successful tourism and are creating a fascinating hospitality product in a rural region of the country. Our meeting venue, Discovery Park of America, is a 100,000-square-foot museum sitting on a beautifully landscaped 50-acre heritage park with a collection, exhibits and experiences designed to inspire children and adults to see beyond. Included in the conference will be opportunities to try to the restaurants and delicacies of the area, stay in one of the brand new hotels and discover ideas applicable to your own rural community that you can take home and apply.

Incredible networking opportunities and dynamic speakers are key components of the conference. The speakers present innovative ideas and relevant information that attendees always find useful in facing the unique challenges of promoting rural tourism with limited budgets. This annual conference is hosted alternately among Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, however, anyone associated with or interested in the rural tourism industry is invited to attend.

Optional Excursions

Both excursions are available at no cost, but space is limited so reserve today.

White Squirrel Winery
View Website
Morning Excursion
Monday, Oct. 21, 2024
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

(Bus leaves from Holiday Inn & Suites lobby at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the hotel by 1:30 p.m.)

Grown in the rich soils of a small northwest Tennessee farm, the Sanderson family brings you wines made with their personal touch and distinct flavor. Their wines are made from fresh fruit grown on Sanderson Family Farms where they farm eighteen acres of grapes, fruit from the orchard and bramble bushes. During this special brunch created just for the 2024 Rural Tourism Conference, a selection of their wines will be paired with a country brunch.  A complimentary White Squirrel wine glass will be included as a favor for each guest.  

CALL TO RESERVE

Reelfoot Lake Exhibit Tour and Scenic Boat Cruise
Afternoon Excursion
Monday, Oct. 21, 2024
2 – 4 p.m. 

(Bus leaves from Holiday Inn & Suites lobby at 1:30 p.m. and returns to the hotel by 4:30 p.m.)

Be prepared to get an up-close view of waterfowl, lily pads and the beauty of Reelfoot Lake on a scenic pontoon boat tour. You will also have the opportunity to see eagles, owls and other birds that were injured, have been rehabilitated and now call Reelfoot Lake State Park Home. Reelfoot rangers will show you around and provide a unique experience while at the lake. 

CALL TO RESERVE

Accommodations

We have many options for accommodations with a special rate of $119/night plus tax and fees for those coming to Obion County, Tennessee for the 2024 Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference. This special conference rate is available until August 1, 2024.

Immediately next door to Discovery Park of America:

Near Discovery Park of America:

Other Options:

The Old Cypress Lodge

Will you be with a group looking to stay together? At almost 8,000 square feet, The Old Cypress Lodge is your answer. Right on Reelfoot Lake, the lodge has 12 individual bedrooms with a shower and toilet in each room. Included are 2 king suite rooms, 3 rooms that have a full bed plus a set of full over full bunk beds and 7 rooms that have 2 full beds in them.

1685 Lake Drive
Hornbeak, TN 38232
731-446-0432
26 minutes from Discovery Park

Airbnb
There are a number of homes and cabins in Obion County that you can find on Airbnb.