THE 2026 SEMC ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE

The Benton Convention Center


SEMC2026 Annual Meeting sessions and activities will take place at The Benton Convention Center (301 W. 5th Street) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (September 28-30, 2026) with evening events hosted at Winston-Salem area cultural institutions. SEMC Annual Meetings are about connecting with colleagues, sharing ideas, and networking. We help facilitate these by contracting with a hotel for a discounted room block and centralizing meeting spaces - both of which require minimum financial thresholds to be met.

About The Benton Convention Center

The Marriott Winston-Salem is the Official headquarters hotel for the 2026 SEMC Annual Meeting

The Benton Convention Center is connected to the Marriott Winston-Salem and parking decks via climate-controlled walkways.                               

The official conference hotel is the Marriott Winston-Salem (425 N. Cherry Street).Staying in the official headquarters hotel makes connecting with colleagues easier and helps us keep the Annual Meeting affordable for attendees.  Please use the link below to book your stays at the Winston-Salem Marriott. Other options are to call the hotel directly @ 336.725.3500 or calling Marriott Reservations toll free @ 1(800)228.9290

 The cut-off date for reservations at the Marriott is  was September 2, 2026. 

Reserve A Room at The Marriott 

SEMC2026 Room Block Rates

King Guest Room: $187 + tax

Double Room (two queens): $187 + taxThe Marriott Winston-Salem is conveniently located downtown in the Twin City Quarter and connected to the Benton Convention Center. In April 2019 the hotel completed a $20 million renovation that features 319 new guestrooms, new lobby and entrance, a 2,500-square-foot health club and the M Club which provides travelers an ideal space to work, recharge, connect and relax. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi.

During your stay enjoy the on-site Butcher & Bull restaurant, a contemporary take on a traditional steakhouse offering a diverse menu with chophouse classics and twists on Southern fare using local ingredients. The bar offers creative craft cocktails, an extensive wine list and appetizers. 


LEARN MORE ABOUT Winston-Salem, North Carolina 

Museums of Winston-Salem 

    About The Marriott Winston-Salem 

    The name Marriott Winston-Salem stands alone and its enduring reputation promises a distinctive style, as well as service that always delivers.

    The Marriott Winston-Salem is the official headquarters hotel for SEMC 2026. Staying at the conference hotel makes connecting with colleagues easy and helps SEMC keep the Annual Meeting affordable for all attendees.

    Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem and directly connected to the Benton Convention Center, the Marriott offers unmatched convenience for conference participants. Guests can move easily between sessions, networking events, and hotel amenities without the need for transportation.

    Hotel Features & Amenities

    The Marriott Winston-Salem provides a comfortable, full-service conference experience, including:

    • Modern guest rooms with comfortable bedding, spacious work areas, and complimentary Wi-Fi

    • On-site fitness center
    • Full-service front desk and concierge support
    • Flexible lobby and common spaces ideal for informal meetings and networking
    • Easy walkability to downtown dining, arts, and cultural attractions

    Dining & Networking

    The hotel is home to Butcher & Bull, a popular on-site bar and restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere for meals, casual conversations, and post-session gatherings. It’s a natural hub for connecting with colleagues before sessions begin or unwinding at the end of the day. Marriott Members can also take advantage of the onsite M Club (dependent on membership level.)

    The bar at Butcher and Bull, open until 11pm daily.

    Why Stay at the Conference Hotel?

    • Maximize opportunities for networking and spontaneous conversations

    • Enjoy seamless access to conference sessions and events

    • Support SEMC by helping the organization meet its hotel commitments, keeping registration costs lower for everyone

    Attendees are strongly encouraged to stay at the official conference hotel to take full advantage of the SEMC 2026 experience.


    Lobby at the Marriott (Image courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem)

    SEMC2026 Conference sessions will be held in the The Benton Convention Center
    (across the street from the Marriott Winston-Salem)


    Getting to Winston-Salem



    Centrally located in North Carolina

    Discover the charm of Winston-Salem, where every corner invites the curious traveler to keep exploring. Located a short drive from the Carolina coast and only 90 minutes from the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Winston-Salem offers a convenient location and an immersive experience.

    By Car

    Forsyth County is within 650 miles of half of the US population. With access to major interstates, residents enjoy an average commute of 21.4 minutes – less than the national average.


    By Plane

    The 65 Daily Non-Stop Flights (via Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, United) from Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) mean you can easily and quickly access the rest of the country. Uber, Taxis and Lyft operate extensively throughout the Piedmont Triad area (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point), including 24/7 service at Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). Rideshare pickups are located at the terminal curb, specifically across from Arrivals.


    BEWARE: HOUSING PIRATES 

    While housing pirates are nothing new, they are more prevalent now, as technology continues to make it easier to solicit attendees and exhibitors. These pirates may convince your people to give them a credit card and other sensitive information with promises of great rate room reservations they may or may not deliver. 

    WHAT IS A HOUSING PIRATE? - There are different terms, but pirate seems to be the most recognized. The pirates obtain attendee/exhibitor lists and directly solicit them claiming to be the “housing provider” for your event. In some cases, the pirates secure room blocks from hotels with low rates who are not part of the contracted room block, potentially creating an attrition situation with those contracted.

    The Marriott Winston-Salem is the official hotel reservation company for SEMC2026. If another company contacts you, please contact Zinnia Willits at zwillits@semcdirect.net  immediately. SEMC works to prevent the unauthorized solicitation of the SEMC2026 exhibitors and attendees and will pursue these companies to prevent further contact.


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