Looking Back/ Moving Forward
Select Here for Electronic RegistrationConference Overview PDFConference SchedulePDF Registration FormPDF Sponsorship FormKnoxville Chapter is excited to welcome you to the 2018 Gulf States Region Conference on June 8, 9. Our theme for the conference Forensics of Design & Construction will bring you valuable information from looking closely at previous design or construction errors and prepare you for avoiding such issues in the future. You will be able to achieve 6 hours of HSW continuing education credits or you can choose to select some great offering from our Leadership Track.
We have moved the conference to June this year so you can take advantage of some fantastic family offerings here and around Knoxville. Bring your family and make it a trip to remember with great CSI events for the whole family and fun filled times seeing the sights of Knoxville. Then spend a couple of days at
Dollywood or the
Great Smoky Mountain National Park Our hotel is the Holiday Inn on the 1982 World’s Fair park site.
History & Heritage: As the first capital of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud of its heritage and is committed to preserving it. A great many visitors come to Knoxville to learn more about Civil War sites in our area, and tour earthworks, battle sites and historic homes.
Knoxville Outdoors: Knoxville is one of the region’s most accessible cities for authentic outdoor adventure. You can rent a kayak downtown and explore the waterfront. Whether on a greenway through a historic park or on a natural trail through the woods, you will observe historic relics and beautiful wildflowers among the dogwood trees on these easy, three-mile hikes. Pedal your way along the colorful Dogwood Trails on family friendly bike rides through scenic neighborhoods and on local greenways.
Museums & Galleries: Knoxville’s museums boast something for everyone. Together they tell the unique story of the culture and heritage of our region. Knoxville is home to a diverse community of artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions, a concentration of which you’ll find in the Arts District along Gay Street including the East Tennessee History Center which is home to everchanging, award-winning exhibits and one of the region’s premier genealogy research libraries. The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee and is home to one of the largest figurative glass-and-steel assemblages in the world. The McClung Museum at the University of Tennessee features strong collections in anthropology, archaeology, decorative arts, local and natural history.
Market Square hosts many restaurants, bars and shops just a few blocks away from our hotel. On Saturday morning the area will be bustling with folks downtown visiting the Farmer’s Market.
Awards Banquet: The Awards Banquet will be held at the iconic Sunsphere! The Sunsphere offers a 360 degree vista of the World’s Fair Park, downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. We will be providing child care back at the hotel for any that need it. This is an Awards Banquet you will want to attend! This Conference will be well attended so make your reservations early. Contact the Hotel at 865-522-2800. Use group code "CSI" to access the following conference rates: Standard Room - $ 126.00/Night (book early - limited rooms at this rate). Gulf States Region CSI Annual Conference June 7-10, 2018
Family / Spouse/ Children Activities
We will provide you plenty of ideas about things to explore while your CSI member is in meetings on Friday and Saturday. Most of these are free.
ChildrenFort Kid is right across the lawn from the hotel for kids 10 and under. Knoxville Museum of Art has a children’s area on the lower floor Splash Pad located on the World’s Fair lawn. Wear a swimsuit! Volunteer Landing has a lovely paved trail along the river. There are play areas (wet and dry) for children. Good area to bike also. Pizza party & movie on Friday night during the Awards Banquet Urban Wilderness offers a wide variety of activities from nature walks, canoe rentals at the quarry, nature exhibits and bike trails at Ijams park on the river. Maple Hall Bowling Lanes is located one floor down on Gay Street. The Knoxville Zoo is outstanding and just a few exits north on I40.
ShoppingIn and around Market Square there is a wide variety of specialty shops and even a general store - Mast General Store. The Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday morning on Market Square and the adjacent streets. It’s absolutely worth visiting! Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, herbs, shrubs, crafts, and musicians. The 100 block of Gay street is full of art galleries.
EntertainmentThe Blue Plate Special is a radio show that the broadcast live from the Knoxville Visitor Center on WDVX. You can be part of this performance at noon on Friday. The Knoxville Museum of Art has a wide variety of lovely exhibits adjacent to the hotel. The East TN History Museum has fascinating collections depicting milestone events in our history or if you prefer ancient history visit the McClung Museum on the UT Campus.
DiningThere are over 80 restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Pick your flavor and it is here. You can dine inside or outside in most restaurants downtown.
Adult LibationsThe craft beer craze has hit Knoxville also. We can provide you a map to the Knoxville Ale Trail and you will float away in delicious bliss. Many are within walking distance (or bike) from our conference.There are also too many bars to count that you can reach without a car.
Pet FriendlyKnoxville is the home to the headquarters of Pet’s Safe and has declared Knoxville the most dog friendly town in America. Your canine may dine outside with you most places downtown. The Holiday Inn is a pet friendly hotel also.
PoolThe indoor pool at the hotel is wonderful on inclement days. It is located right adjacent to our hospitality suite.