With the continued sellers' market in top-tier towns, religious meeting planners are turning to smaller cities. The good news is that cities nationwide — after an extended period of convention-facilities construction — are well-positioned to handle the business.

The newest facility to hit the market is the Branson, Mo., Convention Center, which celebrated its grand opening in September with three days of special events, entertainment, and attractions.

Hilton Hotels will manage and market the Branson Convention Center for the city of Branson, the center's owner.

Located within view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, the center features a unique, undulating façade and exposed timber to reflect the beauty of the surrounding Missouri Ozarks. The center offers 220,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting space and includes two exhibit halls totaling 47,000 square feet and additional meeting rooms on the second floor.

During the grand opening, guests and meeting planners got their first look at the new facility during the first Branson Vendor Fair, at which dozens of local businesses displayed their goods and services.

“This is the future of Branson commerce,” said Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley. “Our goal is to offer meeting planners, who always wanted to book big groups in Branson but couldn't because of a lack of space, the opportunity to bring their clients to experience the charm and hospitality of Branson.”

One of the center's most interesting design elements involves the 23,000-square-foot ballroom. When guests look up, they are treated to a light and sound display of birds in flight. The display features 72 silver and white high-tech fixtures that depict migratory birds in flight. Hidden lights can change the color of the fixture, as well as the color of the ceiling.

Below is a roundup of recent projects in second- and third-tier cities.

News Makers:

• Todd Bertka was hired as associate director of sales at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Formerly, he held a similar post at the Hawai'i Convention Center, working in the Chicago office.

• The Orange County Convention Center promoted Terry Devitt to director of event management and exhibitor services. Devitt has been with the convention center for 10 years.