You may not have heard of Branson, Mo., but it’s a unique place to plan your next meeting or event.  Located about an hour south of Springfield, Mo., Branson provides some fantastic options for meeting spaces and entertainment options, all with the backdrop of the Ozarks.

The Branson Convention Center is located next to Branson Landing and is connected to the Hilton Branson.  The 220,000 square foot meeting space in the convention center has been designed to mimic the vast waterways in the area, in terms of materials, shaping of accents and hallways and large windows that overlook the river. 

“One of the unique, and popular, features of the convention center is our LED lights in the 28,000 sq. ft. ballroom,” said Janet Peterson, director of Sales & Events at the Branson Convention Center.

She added, “The ceiling lights can be programmed to change colors and we have had clients request the lighting for additional branding and even a light show choreographed to music.”

Complimentary parking also is available at the convention center.

If you are looking to have more of a vacation setting as your meeting backdrop, the Grand View Conference Center at Big Cedar Lodge may be your secret oasis. 

The lodge and conference center are located near Table Rock Lake, on a beautiful and picturesque setting near the Ozark Mountains.  

The conference center itself is more like a beautiful cabin than a typical conference center, and the 21,000 sq. ft. space has that same type of cabin feel. 

This location also is ideal for incentives meetings or a corporate retreat, with activities on and around the property, including driving a golf cart through one of the many caves in the state, as well as a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Opened in 1997, Chateau on the Lake Resort provides over 43,500 sq. ft.  of meeting space, in addition to 301 rooms, 75 percent of which have at least a partial water view. 

As the name suggests, Chateau on the Lake is found on Table Rock Lake.  The property has the largest carpeted ballroom space in Branson, at 32,000 sq. ft., and the great hall is divisible by 7, with moving walls, so there are multiple configurations available.

Andrea Sitzes, sales manager at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, said, “Our founder, John Q. Hammons, took inspiration from his travels in Europe for this property. One unique design feature he added are the seven hand-painted murals of different European castles around the meeting spaces. It adds a human touch not normally seen in event spaces, and we are proud of Mr. Hammons’ influence on the attendee experience here.”

Branson has many possibilities for meetings and conventions, including several things to see and do, so you can provide your attendee with a variety of space options.