Meeting Spaces in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is best known as a leisure destination, but it also works well for small group meetings, corporate retreats, and team offsites. Its mountain setting and drive-to location make it a practical option for teams looking to step away from traditional conference environments and focus on collaboration.
While meeting space options in Gatlinburg are more limited compared to larger cities, there are still workable solutions for hosting group gatherings. Understanding what is available and how to plan around those options helps teams create a productive and well-organized meeting experience.
What to Look for in a Gatlinburg Meeting Space
Before choosing a meeting space in Gatlinburg, it’s important to understand what will actually support your group’s goals. Options in the area are limited, so planning around real needs—not assumptions, will save time and frustration.
Group size and capacity needs
Start by confirming how many people will attend and how the space will be used. Some venues work well for small workshops or presentations but may feel tight for larger groups or breakout sessions.
On-site vs off-site meeting space
Many groups rely on off-site venues rather than spaces attached to their lodging. This means factoring in travel time, coordination, and setup between locations, especially if meetings span multiple days.
Parking and accessibility
Easy parking and clear access matter more than most planners expect. Downtown locations may offer convenience but can come with limited parking or increased foot traffic during peak seasons.
Privacy and noise considerations
If your meeting requires focus, confidentiality, or uninterrupted discussion, consider how public the space is. Tourist-heavy areas can bring background noise and distractions that aren’t ideal for business settings.
Proximity to lodging and dining
Meeting spaces located near accommodations and restaurants make schedules easier to manage. Short travel times help keep groups organized and allow for smoother transitions between meetings, meals, and downtime.
Understanding these factors upfront helps narrow down the right options and sets realistic expectations for hosting a successful group meeting in Gatlinburg.
Meeting Spaces in Gatlinburg
Meeting space options in Gatlinburg are limited compared to larger cities, but there are still a handful of venues that support group meetings, retreats, and organized events. These range from large-scale facilities designed for conventions to smaller, off-site venues better suited for focused gatherings.
The options below highlight meeting-friendly spaces in and around Gatlinburg, with notes on capacity, location, and best use cases. This makes it easier to compare what each space offers and decide which setup aligns with your group size, meeting goals, and overall experience.
Ole Red Gatlinburg
Address
511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone
(865) 325-3101
Overview
Ole Red Gatlinburg is a large entertainment venue and restaurant located on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. The space is designed to host private events, group gatherings, and meetings that benefit from built-in audio, visual, and food service options.
Best for
Large group meetings, corporate receptions, presentations, media events, and social-forward gatherings where entertainment and dining are part of the experience.
Capacity
Total event space: approximately 9,000 square feet
Reception capacity: up to 888 guests
Theater-style seating: up to 400
Classroom-style setup: up to 170
Multiple rooms across two floors, plus an outdoor patio
Location
Downtown Gatlinburg on the Parkway, within walking distance of the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Pros
High-capacity, flexible event space
Built-in sound, media, and staging capabilities
On-site catering and bar service
Central location with easy access for group transportation
Limitations
Active entertainment environment
Limited privacy for quiet or confidential meetings
Downtown foot traffic during peak travel seasons
Daffodil Designs
Address
170 Glades Road, Suite 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone
(423) 664-2070
Overview
Daffodil Designs is a small art gallery and pottery studio located in the Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community. In addition to showcasing locally made art and offering hands-on pottery classes, the space can accommodate small group meetings in a creative, low-key setting.
Best for
Small meetings, creative workshops, team brainstorming sessions, and intimate group gatherings that do not require formal conference-style seating.
Capacity
Meeting seating for 20 or more guests
Single gallery-style meeting space
Location
Outside downtown Gatlinburg, within the Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community.
Pros
Quiet, creative environment
Free on-site parking
Unique setting compared to traditional meeting rooms
Handicap accessible
Limitations
Limited capacity
Not designed for large groups or formal presentations
Minimal built-in meeting technology
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg
Address
229 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone
(865) 412-9800
Overview
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg is a boutique hotel offering modern accommodations and flexible meeting space near downtown Gatlinburg. The property combines lodging and meeting capabilities in one location, making it a convenient option for groups looking to host meetings without traveling between venues.
Best for
Small to mid-size corporate meetings, team retreats, workshops, and business gatherings that benefit from on-site accommodations and shared meeting space.
Capacity
Flexible meeting space suitable for small to mid-size groups
Designed for meetings, presentations, and organized group sessions
Exact room configurations vary based on setup
Location
Just outside the downtown core on East Parkway, approximately 0.9 miles from the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Pros
On-site lodging and meeting space in one location
Rooftop bar and outdoor patio areas for group downtime
Modern design with a more professional atmosphere
Walkable access to downtown Gatlinburg
Limitations
Limited meeting space compared to large convention venues
Better suited for smaller groups rather than large conferences
Availability may be impacted during peak travel seasons
Ober Mountain Special Event Venue
Address
1339 Ski Mountain Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone
(865) 436-5423
Overview
Ober Mountain Special Event Venue is a scenic, mountain-top event space located above Gatlinburg at Ober Mountain. The venue is primarily designed for large-scale events and special occasions, offering elevated views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a destination-style setting.
Best for
Large group events, association luncheons, corporate receptions, banquets, and milestone gatherings where atmosphere and views are a priority over traditional meeting layouts.
Capacity
Designed to accommodate large groups
Capacity varies based on event setup and space configuration
Best suited for receptions and hosted events rather than classroom-style meetings
Location
Outside downtown Gatlinburg on Ski Mountain Road, accessed via mountain roads leading to Ober Mountain.
Pros
Elevated mountain setting with panoramic views
Suitable for high-capacity events
Established venue for hosted group functions and association events
Distinct destination feel compared to downtown venues
Limitations
Not ideal for standard corporate meetings or breakout sessions
Limited flexibility for traditional meeting setups
Travel time and weather conditions may affect accessibility
Hidden Gem Masterpiece by Ghosal Luxury Lodging
Address
737 Mountain Top Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone
(865) 378-7383
Overview
Hidden Gem Masterpiece by Ghosal Luxury Lodging is a spacious, private mountain property designed for group stays, retreats, and corporate getaways. Located just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, the property offers a quiet setting with mountain views and ample indoor and outdoor space that supports both meetings and group connection.
Best for
Corporate retreats, leadership offsites, team meetings, family reunions, and group gatherings that value privacy, flexibility, and staying together in one location.
Capacity
6-bedroom property
Sleeps up to 16 guests
Multiple shared living areas suitable for meetings, discussions, and breakout conversations
Location
Outside downtown Gatlinburg on Mountain Top Road, approximately 10 minutes from the Parkway.
Pros
Private, secluded setting ideal for focused group gatherings
Large shared spaces that can double as informal meeting areas
On-site lodging eliminates the need to travel between meeting and sleeping spaces
Mountain views and upscale amenities that support multi-day stays
Pet-friendly accommodations
Considerations
Best suited for private group meetings rather than large public conferences
Ideal for teams seeking flexibility instead of formal conference-style layouts
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Address
234 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Overview
The Gatlinburg Convention Center is the largest meeting and event facility in the area, offering extensive, flexible space for conventions, trade shows, and large corporate or association events. Located near downtown Gatlinburg, the venue is designed to accommodate gatherings ranging from mid-size meetings to events with thousands of attendees.
Best for
Large conferences, trade shows, association meetings, corporate functions, religious events, and multi-day conventions that require formal meeting layouts and high-capacity space.
Capacity
Over 160,000 square feet of total meeting and event space
Great Hall: 67,000 square feet, accommodates up to 6,000 guests in theater seating
Tennessee Ballroom: 17,064 square feet, accommodates up to 2,100 guests
Mills Auditorium: 8,800 square feet, accommodates up to 1,100 guests
Additional boardrooms and meeting rooms available for breakout sessions
Location
Near downtown Gatlinburg, within walking distance of attractions, restaurants, and lodging.
Pros
Largest meeting venue in Gatlinburg
Highly flexible layouts for large-scale events
On-site catering and event planning support
Central location with access to downtown amenities
Limitations
Designed for large events rather than small or intimate meetings
May be more space than necessary for retreats or team offsites
Best suited for structured, conference-style programming
Planning Tips for Group Meetings in Gatlinburg
Planning a successful group meeting in Gatlinburg requires thinking beyond the meeting room itself. Seasonal tourism, traffic patterns, and location logistics all play a role in how smoothly an event runs.
Best times of year for group meetings
Late winter, early spring, and late fall tend to be the most manageable times for group meetings. These periods often offer fewer crowds, better availability, and more flexibility across venues and lodging options.
Traffic and seasonal crowd considerations
Peak travel seasons, including summer months and major holidays, can significantly impact traffic flow through Gatlinburg. Scheduling meetings outside peak hours or selecting locations slightly outside downtown can help reduce delays and keep group schedules on track.
Transportation and parking planning
Not all venues offer ample parking, especially in downtown areas. Confirm parking availability early and consider group transportation for larger gatherings to simplify arrival and departure logistics. For more information read our guide on transportation services in the area.
Catering and food logistics
Some meeting venues provide on-site catering, while others require outside vendors. Planning meals in advance and accounting for dietary needs helps avoid last-minute disruptions and keeps meetings running smoothly. For more information read our top picks for best restaurants for large groups.
Scheduling downtime around meetings
Gatlinburg’s setting makes it easy to balance meetings with breaks. Building in downtime for meals, informal gatherings, or short breaks allows groups to stay focused while still enjoying the destination.
Choosing the Right Meeting Space for Your Group
| Group Need or Goal | Traditional Meeting Venue | Flexible or Private Option |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Works best for large groups or formal events | Ideal for small to mid-size groups |
| Meeting format | Structured agendas, presentations, and panels | Discussions, workshops, and collaborative sessions |
| Privacy needs | Public or semi-public setting | Private, closed-group environment |
| Technology requirements | Built-in AV and formal staging | Flexible setup, often using portable or shared tech |
| Lodging needs | Separate lodging may be required | Lodging and meeting space in one location |
| Schedule flexibility | Fixed timelines and room bookings | More flexible pacing and breakout time |
| Overall atmosphere | Professional and conference-style | Relaxed, focused, and retreat-oriented |
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is the best choice if you want to stay close to mountain views and the national park. Cabins in this area often sit higher on the mountain or tucked into quiet wooded spots, giving you quick access to hiking, scenic overlooks, and walkable downtown attractions. It’s a strong fit for couples or guests who want a cozy setting, easy access to nature, and the ability to explore the town on foot without driving from one spot to the next.
