Why Birmingham?

Located right in the heart of the Southeast, Birmingham is the ideal choice for a conference with a Southeastern focus. Within easy driving distance of all the major cities in the region such as Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Jackson and even New Orleans, Birmingham is not only easy to get to, but also easy to navigate with its downtown area only a few miles from the airport and major area attractions. With its world-class conference facilities, great dining options and many interesting attractions Birmingham is a southern city with plenty of charm and an abundance of southern hospitality. Come join us for the Green Building Focus Conference and EXPO 2009 and see all that this historical and vibrant city has to offer.  Since Birmingham was founded, in 1871, it has been called the "Magic City". Today, both residents and visitors to Birmingham, find it easy to see where the name comes from. Birmingham is a uniquely southern city, firmly rooted in the past while striving for the future. In the past, the nickname "Magic City" had been used to describe how quickly it appeared. Birmingham was seemingly constructed overnight due to the steel boom. Today, the same term could be used to describe the transition Birmingham has made to one of the most progressive and metropolitan cities in the Southeast. With a firm commitment to cutting-edge architecture and green building practices, Birmingham boasts many of the world's leading LEED construction companies.

Past



Birmingham was first established at the sight of four major railroad crossings. These rail ways include the Alabama, Chattanooga, North and South lines. This junction proved to be more useful than once thought due to the geological makeup of the greater Birmingham area. It was discovered that iron ore, coal, and limestone were all readily available in close proximity to each other. Birmingham is the only city in the world where all three main components of steel can be found so close together. Birmingham experienced slow, but steady growth between 1871 to 1890. But, the turn of the century brought the substantial growth that gave Birmingham the nickname "The Magic City" as the downtown area developed from a low-rise commercial and residential district into a busy grid of neoclassical mid-rise and high-rise buildings and busy streetcar lines.

Present



Today, the city is touted as one of the most important business centers in the Southeast. Behind the clout of a traditional southern town, Birmingham is surprisingly one of the largest banking centers in the world. The city is home to several national banks including Regions, Wachovia, and Compass. Another notable industry of Birmingham includes the fields of Bio-technology and Medical research. In the late 70's and early 80's the city of Birmingham was transformed by investments into these fields long after the steel mills had shut down. The city also plays host to several national, and multinational, engineering firms. These firms include BE&K, B. L. Harbert International, and Brassfield & Gorrie.

Around Town




Birmingham is the location of numerous conferences, meetings, and expos for many reasons. The main draw to this southern city is the ease in which it can be navigated. Unlike mega metropolises such as New York, Atlanta, and Chicago you will not encounter the miseries that arise from trying to get around. It's as if anywhere in the greater Birmingham area can be reached easily within 15 minutes. And at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport the risk of over booked flights, weather delays, and not finding a cab is rather low.

Another main attraction to Birmingham is its world-class convention complex. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, or BJCC, is exactly that: a complex. The BJCC includes much more than your typical convention center. The centrally located, modern facility includes:

• 220,000 square feet of flexible space in the Exhibition Hall.
• 100,000 square feet in 74 meeting rooms.
• The Medical Forum, a conference facility unlike any other in the country that's equipped with state-of-the-art communications technology.
• A 19,000 seat Arena.
• A 3,000 seat Concert Hall.
• A 1,000 seat Theater.
• 770 adjoining modern guest rooms at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
• Complete in-house catering service.
• Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
• On-site covered and valet parking.

However, Birmingham is just as committed to having fun as it is working. The numerous local attractions will ensure a good time is had by all. Birmingham's top attractions include the Regions Charity Golf Classic, Barber Motorsports Museum, and the Civil Rights Institute to name a few. A large part of enjoying your stay in Birmingham is submersing yourself in the rising foodie culture. Be sure to check out Birmingham's great area restaurants such as Ocean, Highlands Bar & Grill, and Bottega Cafe.