Seminars and company events
The Griffin Bell Conference Center takes conferences and seminars for up to 350 people in classroom layout, or banquets for up to 240 at tables, in its golf-view ballroom. The center sits on the southwestern edge of the Georgia Southwestern State University campus at 1800 S. Lee Street in Americus, Georgia.
Corporate meetings, conferences, seminars and banquets are part of its regular business. Besides the ballroom, the Entrepreneurship Center offers flexible meeting and workshop rooms with built-in technology, which suit breakout sessions or a smaller team day. The ballroom has two 20-foot projection screens and adjustable lighting, and tables and chairs are included in the rental. Golf add-on packages on the Griffin Bell Golf Course can turn a meeting into a full company outing.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings, receptions and private celebrations are also held here. Two wedding and multipurpose rooms sit on either side of the lobby and come with the ballroom rental; one has a private en-suite restroom, which makes it a natural dressing room. The lawn beside the ballroom can hold a full-size tent, a dance floor and a band for an outdoor reception.
Rooms and capacities
The Ballroom measures 4,200 square feet and seats up to 240 guests for a banquet or 350 in classroom style, with views over the golf course and other layouts on request. The Entrepreneurship Center provides the smaller meeting and workshop spaces. The Bar and Lounge has TVs, grab-and-go food, frozen drinks and a full-service bar. The Pergola and Patio adds a 660-square-foot pergola with rocking chairs and shaded seating over the course. Linens are not included. Items may not be fixed to the walls and open flames are not allowed, which is worth noting when planning decor.
Catering
Catering, including alcohol, is provided on site by Elior, the campus dining partner, and Elior staffs the bar. Outside caterers are also welcome. They can use a catering kitchen with an ice maker, a catering fridge and outlets for warming cabinets.
History and setting
The building opened in 1947 as the Americus Country Club, on a property of 148 acres. The Georgia Southwestern State University Foundation later acquired it, and in 2008 the center was dedicated to Judge Griffin Bell, the Americus native who served as US Attorney General. The golf course still surrounds the building, which explains the open views from the ballroom and patio.
Getting there
The center is on S. Lee Street, at the edge of the university campus, with abundant parking for guests. Americus lies in southwest Georgia, and most delegates arrive by car. Tours of the rooms can be arranged with the university events team.
