The Commission
History
In the late 1980s, the business and elected leadership of the Hattiesburg area made a bold move to transform the way economic development was executed from all approaches including recruitment, retention, tourism and product development. The recognition of the correlation between visitor attraction and the recruitment of new jobs and capital ignited a collaborative spirit that led to the creation of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission.
In 1991 old entities were disbanded and new ones created, all with the focus of meeting the needs of the people being served, improving quality of life and infusing additional revenue into the local economy. The Commission was formed with a legislative mandate from the State of Mississippi, charged with the responsibility of developing a convention center and other tourism-related facilities that would increase revenue and economic prosperity in the region.
In 2017, the Hattiesburg Convention Commission (HCC) and the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission separated into two entities.
The HCC is responsible for the operation, management and long-term success of ten, top Mississippi tourism attractions and projects including the Hattiesburg Zoo, African American Military History Museum, Saenger Theater, Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, the Lawn at Lake Terrace, the Lake Terrace Convention Center, the Sixth Street Museum District, the Historic Eureka School Museum Project, the Oseola McCarty House and Smith Drug Co.
Today, the Hattiesburg Convention Commission stands as a leader in Hattiesburg’s and Mississippi’s vibrant visitor industry, contributing more than $160 million annually to the local economy.
Commissioners
The Hattiesburg Convention Commission is overseen by a governing board consisting of seven individuals who are business and community leaders with diverse backgrounds and interests. Commissioners are not compensated and serve voluntarily.
The appointments to the Commission are approved by the council of the City of Hattiesburg, and last for a two-year term, but can be reappointed. Within the legislation, it is noted that no more than two members can reside outside of the city limits of Hattiesburg.
The Commission along with the leadership of the HCC help guide the future of the attractions and projects it represents by directing a course that creates increased opportunities, initiatives and activities that generate increased tourism and revenue for the community.

Highlights
- 2022 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2021 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2020 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2019 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2018 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2017 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2016 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2015 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2014 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2013 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary
- 2012 Hattiesburg Convention Commission Annual Summary