Not only has Sevierville’s Wilderness at the Smokies resort brought an exciting new attraction to the area, it’s now redoing the way convention, conference and meeting planners view and utilize the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The area’s newest resort is drawing year-round events to its 700-acre Sevierville, Tn. property.

Wilderness at the Smokies offers 234 mountain modern guest rooms and 472 multi-room suites in addition to condominiums at the Wyndham Resort on the Wilderness property. All this, and it’s conveniently located next to the 200,000 square-foot Sevierville Event Center. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s two outdoor waterparks, a nearly four-acre indoor waterpark and 36-holes of championship golf during their stay.

The Wilderness at the Smokies resort is quickly becoming one of the region’s most popular conference, convention and meeting destinations. In all, the resort boasts a 108,000 square-foot exhibit hall, a 19,000 square-foot ballroom, more than 1,600 parking spaces, 10 covered loading bays, two nearby airports, and all less than a full day’s drive for 75 percent of the U.S. population.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort has hosted conferences, meetings and conventions ranging from family reunions to major national events like the Phil Waldrep Ministries “Celebrate America” conference in October with keynote speaker former President George W. Bush which was attended by nearly 10,000 people – all since opening less than two years ago.

“We work hard to make sure the meetings our guests host are fun and easy,” said Dottie Clabough, director of sales for Wilderness at the Smokies. “Our facility offers multiple meeting room options, six executive suites, and if you need more space, we have the Sevierville Events Center, which is connected to our Events Center Hotel.

“When your guests are done with a busy day in the board room, they, along with their families, will welcome the opportunity to kick back and relax in our fabulous waterparks, on Eagle’s Landing championship golf course, or at our restaurants. We even have a trolley service available to us that goes to many popular shows and attractions in nearby Pigeon Forge. It is perfect for spouse’s programs or evening activities.

“When guests come to our property, they can park their cars and not worry about driving during their stay. Everything they could want or need is all right here.”

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in June 2008 with the Stone Hill Lodge and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark adjacent to the Sevierville Event Center. River Lodge and the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark were added six months later. In May 2009, Wilderness at the Smokies expanded again with the addition of Lake Wilderness – the resort’s second outdoor waterpark. Lake Wilderness features the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool, Cataloochee Creek Adventure River and poolside cabanas.

Located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Wilderness at the Smokies is establishing a new standard for conventions, conferences and meetings in East Tennessee, as well as being one of the area’s premier lodging destinations. With two 18-hole golf courses, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, two outdoor waterparks, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for everyone. For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.