Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort opened north of Atlanta in August 2008 as part of the first phase of a 10-year, multimillion-dollar expansion. The Conference Center at Legacy Lodge features 21,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that will accommodate groups of five to 500. It is certified by the International Association of Conference Centers. The center's 23 meeting rooms include three spacious ballrooms and an executive boardroom. Legacy Lodge has 221 guest rooms and suites — as well as six villas, each 4,500 square feet in area — that overlook the 1,100-acre property. The conference center offers complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and complete sound and lighting capabilities. When not in meetings, attendees can enjoy Tranquility Spa, horseback riding, golf, and boating.

Venue Updates

Conference Center News

The Hilton Conference Center at Kingston Shores

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The News: In March 2008, Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort opened a 14,400-square-foot conference center.

Specs: The conference center can be divided into nine sections and accommodates groups of up to 2,000. It connects via a covered walkway with the hotel's existing meeting space. Total meeting space for Kingston shore is 48,000 square feet.

Extra: An exterior courtyard adds 3,000 square feet of space for receptions. Kingston Shores is a sister property to the adjacent 145-acre Kingston Plantation. Guests enjoy access to the Rees Jones-designed Arcadian Shores Golf Course.

News Makers:

• Benchmark Hospitality International has named John Branciforte director of sales and marketing for Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was previously director of sales and marketing for Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate.

• At the Taj Boston, located at the corner of Newbury and Arlington street, across from the Public Garden, Patrick Blangy, has been appointed director of sales and marketing.