VALDOSTA — Valdosta, Georgia’s Rainwater Conference Center unveiled nearly $1 million in renovations during a ribbon cutting celebration Thursday. Conveniently located off Interstate-75 in South Georgia, Rainwater offers more than 32,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

The renovations include new, modern furniture throughout the lobby and common areas; the full demolition and re-build of restrooms to now feature new stalls, mirrors, toilets, sinks and countertops; fresh carpet installed in all hallways, boardrooms and meeting spaces; several sleek chandeliers and wall sconces; new interior paint throughout the entire conference center and live plants to add fresh color throughout the building.

Rainwater prioritized utilizing local businesses and contractors to complete the renovations, the conference center leadership said in a press release.

“As the largest event space in the area, the renovations at Rainwater Conference Center were thoughtfully planned and executed to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our community and out-of-town planners,” said David DiSalvo, President/CEO of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority, Visit Valdosta. “The modernization of the building was vital to create a more sophisticated atmosphere and color scheme that can seamlessly blend into any event.”

To further elevate the space, guests will enjoy 25 pieces of new artwork produced by local artist Daniel Hanifan. His modern artwork introduces color and brightness throughout the conference center.

Rainwater offers several spaces and amenities to fit a variety of meeting needs, the press release said:

— Grand Hall: The expansive Grand Hall covers 11,000 square feet, seating up to 650 guests in a banquet-style setting. This space is great for elegant dinners, dynamic trade shows and even sporting events like cheerleading competitions.

— Veranda: This outdoor oasis boasts 4,300 square feet overlooking the conference center’s signature cypress pond. The fresh air is great for a cocktail hour, sunlit luncheon and more.

— Boardrooms: For more privacy and productivity, Rainwater offers two boardroom options, both equipped with cutting-edge technology to make the most of your next meeting. These rooms accommodate between eight and 14 guests.

— Garden Suites: Let the natural light fill your next meeting with four different Garden Suites spaces. These rooms offer total flexibility – whether you need to accommodate 30 individuals in 559 square feet or 180 individuals with over 3,300 square feet.

— Gazebo Suites: Two gazebo suites, ranging from just over 1,000 square feet to more than 3,300 square feet combined, are a great option for breakout rooms or smaller banquet-style events.

Rainwater offers packages to ensure a smooth, convenient meeting experience, press release said. The on-site team works alongside event organizers to curate A/V packages; set-up options such as booths, pipe and drape, and up lighting; and custom catering prepared by the culinary team for a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert and bar packages.

Learn more at visitvaldosta.org/meetings/rainwater.