Meet Your Meetings Planning Team at Visit Hattiesburg

At Visit Hattiesburg, we are committed to ensuring your event is a success from start to finish. We take pride in offering expert support, personalized service, and the best resources available for meetings, conferences, and events. Leadership starts at the top, and we’re proud to be guided by Mayor Toby Barker, whose vision has made Hattiesburg a top destination for events of all sizes

A Message from Mayor Toby Barker

“Our city welcomes you and your organization to one of the best communities in the Gulf South. Hattiesburg’s renaissance offers everything you need for your next corporate or leisure event—from turnkey event facilities and local dining options that rival any major metropolitan area to multiple music venues. We invite you to explore all that the Hub City has to offer.”

Our Meetings Planning Team

The team at Visit Hattiesburg is here to make sure your meeting or convention is seamless, enjoyable, and memorable. Here’s a closer look at the dedicated professionals who will help you plan every detail:

Marlo Dorsey, Visit Hattiesburg, Executive Director

Marlo Dorsey, the Executive Director of Visit Hattiesburg, leads the organization with a focus on making Hattiesburg a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and conventions. With years of experience in tourism and event management, Marlo ensures that the city provides the best venues, resources, and support for event planners and attendees alike.

Kristen Brock, Visit Hattiesburg, Director of Programs and Development

Kristen Brock is the main point of contact for meeting planners. Kristen’s extensive knowledge of local meeting spaces, accommodations, and resources helps her provide tailored recommendations to ensure that every event is planned perfectly. Whether you need help booking hotel room blocks or finding the perfect meeting space, Kristen is there to guide you every step of the way.

Megan Mallory, Sales and Visitor Services Manager

Megan Mallory, Sales and Visitor Services Manager, works alongside Kristen to provide logistical support and ensure a smooth experience for both meeting planners and attendees. Megan coordinates everything from transportation and local dining suggestions to visitor services, helping to ensure that your attendees have everything they need during their time in Hattiesburg.

Working Together for Event Success

At Visit Hattiesburg, we understand the importance of collaboration, and we work closely with several key local organizations to create the best event experiences. Our trusted partners include:

  • City of Hattiesburg: With numerous iconic spaces like the Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot, Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center, the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center, and the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, the City’s Cultural Affairs team is an excellent partner throughout the year.
  • Hattiesburg Convention Commission: This local organization provides access to versatile venues like the Lake Terrace Convention Center, Historic Saenger Theater, and the African American Military History Museum. These venues facilities are perfect for a range of events, from small seminars to large conferences. Additional facilities spaces like Hattiesburg Zoo, Serengeti Springs Water Park, and the Historic Eureka School offer unique, customizable options for group activities or themed events.
  • William Carey University: Offering additional flexible meeting spaces, William Carey University is ideal for hosting academic conferences or smaller business meetings.
  • The University of Southern Mississippi: With numerous across-the-board options indoors and out, USM provides top-tier venues for larger conferences, sporting events, and academic gatherings.
  • Hotel Meeting Rooms: Need your meeting space and accommodations under one roof? Hattiesburg has several conference hotels available to host meetings and events for up to 150 including the newly-renovated DoubleTree and Holiday Inn North.
  • Pearl River Community College and the Forrest County Multi-purpose Center provide additional facility space for large scale events throughout the year.

These local venues and partners work together to ensure that your event in Hattiesburg has everything it needs for success.

Other Key Venues for Your Event

Hattiesburg offers a variety of indoor venues for meetings, conventions, and social events. Here are just a few additional available:

The Bottling Company: – A distinctive venue offering flexible spaces ideal for corporate meetings, social gatherings, and private events, t. This unique venue combines industrial charm with modern amenities, making it perfect for both casual and professional events.

Southern Oaks House and Gardens:– A beautiful venue offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for conferences, meetings, and special events,. Southern Oaks provides a stylish setting for both corporate and private gatherings.

Southern Prohibition Brewing: – A local craft brewery offering a relaxed atmosphere for meetings, networking events, or team-building activities, this is. It’s a great spot for informal events with a touch of local flavor.

The Bezerra Downtown: – A modern, upscale venue offering stylish indoor spaces perfect for hosting meetings, conferences, and corporate events, this facility’s sleek design and flexible layout make it ideal for a variety of events.

The Venue at the Bakery Building: – A beautifully renovated space with high ceilings and configurable spaces nestled in the heart of Downtown Hattiesburg, the Venue is a popular spot for social and corporate gatherings.

Why Choose Hattiesburg for Your Next Event?

At Visit Hattiesburg, we provide expert guidance and personalized support every step of the way. Through our collaboration with local venues and trusted partners, Hattiesburg is equipped to handle events of all types and sizes.

Explore all of our meeting venues and find the perfect space for your event by visiting the Visit Hattiesburg Meeting Venues page.

For more detailed information and to get started planning, visit the Meeting Planners Guide.