Winston-Salem, North Carolina · Visitor Guide
Plan Your Benton Convention Center Visit Without the Guesswork
The Benton Convention Center sits in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, surrounded by hotels, parking decks, restaurants and cultural attractions. Whether you’re attending a trade show, public exhibition, business conference or special event, this guide covers how to get there, which garage to choose, event information, floor layouts and nearby places to stay.
Address, Main Entrance and Convention Center Map
The Benton Convention Center is located at 301 West Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. It forms part of Twin City Quarter, a downtown conference and hotel complex that includes connected meeting facilities and hotel accommodation.
301 West Fifth Street
This is the main street address for public arrival and event registration. Check your organizer’s instructions for the assigned hall or ballroom.
Navigate to Benton Convention Center →Twin City Quarter
The convention center is connected with the Winston-Salem Marriott and neighboring downtown parking decks through enclosed walkways and associated building connections.
Explore the venue complex →Benton Convention Center Events: October–November 2026
Events at Benton include conventions, trade shows, local government gatherings, conferences, exhibitions and consumer fairs. The following examples were found in public organizer and destination calendars.
| Event | Scheduled date | Visitor information |
|---|---|---|
| NCALA Fall Conference & Trade Show | October 13–15, 2026 | Assisted-living industry conference; event concluded. |
| 8th Annual Winston-Salem Mixer | October 27, 2026 | City business networking event, 5:30–7:30 PM; free as advertised. |
| 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Conference | October 30–November 1, 2026 | Conference at Benton; organizer registration requirements apply. |
| 63rd Annual Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair | November 2026; check exact event days | Arts and crafts fair at Benton; check organizer admission details. |
How to Find Event Tickets and Registration
- Check the official Benton calendar. Look for the full event name and date.
- Find the organizer’s registration page. Public fairs, private meetings and professional trade shows have different entry rules.
- Check the fee. Some events are free, while others require advance registration, paid tickets or membership.
- Locate your room. Look for the Winston Ballroom, Salem Ballroom, Piedmont Hall or a named breakout room.
- Save entry instructions. Keep the registration confirmation and any parking directions before departure.
Benton Convention Center Parking: Best Garages, Costs and Skywalks
Benton does not use a single flat parking rate for every visitor. Its surrounding downtown garages operate under separate payment arrangements. The two most useful decks for many attendees are the Sixth Street and Cherry Street Parking Deck and the Cherry Street and Marshall Street Parking Deck.
6th Street & Cherry Street Parking Deck
Address: 519 N Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Convenient for Winston Ballroom, Salem Ballroom and Piedmont Hall. A skywalk from the third parking level connects to the convention center’s main level.
Garage directions →Cherry Street & Marshall Street Parking Deck
Address: 402 N Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Located near Embassy Suites. A skywalk connects from the second parking level through the Marriott complex, with elevator access toward Benton.
Garage directions →Published Parking Prices: Historical Reference
A venue-area parking document updated in December 2024 provided the following rates. These figures are useful for comparing facilities, but they are not verified live October 2026 prices.
| Parking option | Published reference price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 6th & Cherry deck | $1 per hour | Weekday daytime rate in the older document. |
| 6th & Cherry deck | $9 maximum / overnight | Older published cap. |
| 6th & Cherry deck | $2 flat | Older evenings and weekends rate. |
| Cherry & Marshall deck | $4 for 1 hour | Older standard parking rate. |
| Cherry & Marshall deck | $7 for 2 hours | Older standard parking rate. |
| Cherry & Marshall deck | $9 for 4 hours | Older standard parking rate. |
| Cherry & Marshall deck | $12 up to 12 hours | Older standard parking rate. |
| Cherry & Marshall deck | $20 up to 24 hours | Older standard parking rate. |
| Marriott valet | $23–$30 | Older time-based valet pricing; hotel may now charge differently. |
Which Garage Should You Choose?
6th & Cherry
Best starting point for a straightforward skywalk connection to the main convention level.
Cherry & Marshall
A practical option for venue spaces reached through the Marriott-connected side.
Check Your Hotel
Parking inclusion, valet charges and garage access depend on your booked hotel and rate.
How to Park and Reach Your Event
- Find the hall assignment. Your event registration may specify Winston, Salem, Piedmont, Gallery or Gaines.
- Choose the appropriate garage. Compare location, the current posted fee and any accessible-space requirements.
- Follow garage signs. Public parking and hotel valet entrances may differ.
- Use the appropriate walkway. The Sixth and Cherry deck has a third-level skywalk toward Benton; the Cherry and Marshall deck connects through the Marriott side.
- Find the registration desk. Follow current conference signs once inside the venue.
Hotels Near Benton Convention Center
One of Benton’s biggest conveniences is its location in Twin City Quarter, close to a large selection of downtown hotel rooms. Marriott Winston-Salem and Embassy Suites Winston-Salem are especially relevant because of their enclosed connections to the convention center complex.
Winston-Salem Marriott
425 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
The renovated 319-room Marriott is part of Twin City Quarter and connected to Benton. This is a convenient choice for conference visitors who want protected access between the hotel and meeting facilities.
Best for: Business travelers, conferences and attendees who want to minimize outdoor walking.
Embassy Suites Winston-Salem
460 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
The hotel is linked to the convention complex through an enclosed connection. Its suite-style accommodations offer an alternative to the Marriott, particularly for attendees needing more room.
Best for: Families, groups and extended conference stays.
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown
A nearby downtown hotel that has been used for Benton conference room blocks. Availability and actual walking distance depend on the property entrance and your assigned convention space.
Best for: Visitors comparing prices or seeking an alternative when connected hotels sell out.
Kimpton Cardinal & Nearby Options
Additional properties in downtown Winston-Salem provide different amenities and budgets. Consider Kimpton Cardinal, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Historic Brookstown Inn or Hawthorne Inn based on your transportation and location needs.
Best for: Guests prioritizing dining areas, design, budget or alternate travel arrangements.
Hotel Comparison Checklist
- Is the hotel physically connected, or is an outdoor walk required?
- Does the rate include parking or breakfast?
- What is the total after taxes and additional fees?
- When does the room-block discount expire?
- Can the reservation be canceled if event plans change?
- Is your room accessible in the configuration you need?
Floor Plans, Exhibit Halls, Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms
The Benton Convention Center is designed for exhibitions, banquets, association meetings and professional conferences. Visit Winston-Salem lists approximately 150,000 square feet and 32 meeting rooms, while the Twin City Quarter venue page describes 144,000 square feet of flexible venue space.
Major Venue Areas
| Space | Published approximate size | Location / use |
|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Hall, combined | 46,008 sq ft | Lower-level exhibitions and major events. |
| Piedmont Hall 1–3 | 18,300 sq ft | Divisible exhibition configuration. |
| Piedmont Hall 4 | 27,708 sq ft | Larger exhibit area. |
| Winston Hall | 18,620 sq ft | Main-level ballroom and function area. |
| Salem Hall | 19,190 sq ft | Main-level ballroom and function area. |
| Conference Room 1 | 1,332 sq ft | Smaller meeting and conference setups. |
| Conference Room 2 | 1,430 sq ft | Smaller meeting and conference setups. |
| Boardroom | 647 sq ft | Executive and small-group meetings. |
How the Building Is Organized
Winston & Salem Ballrooms
The main level includes the Winston and Salem ballroom areas, connecting concourses, foyers, restrooms and meeting facilities. The main Fifth Street entrance opens toward this level.
Piedmont Hall
The lower level contains the larger Piedmont exhibition space, conference rooms, foyer areas, elevators, restrooms and event service access.
Five Steps to Find Your Meeting Room
- Check the room name. Identify Winston, Salem, Piedmont, Gallery, Gaines or the named conference room.
- Confirm the floor. Winston and Salem are commonly on the main level; Piedmont Hall is on the lower level.
- Locate registration. The organizer may place badge pickup in a foyer or concourse.
- Follow event signs. Room divisions and partition numbers can change by event.
- Use accessible routes where needed. Confirm elevator access with the venue and organizer.
Getting to Benton Convention Center by Car, Air and Local Transportation
Driving to Downtown Winston-Salem
Use 301 W Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 for general venue navigation. For parking, enter the actual deck address instead, since a GPS route to the venue’s public entrance may not lead to the correct garage.
From Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro is the major nearby commercial airport for Winston-Salem. Taxi, rideshare and rental car transportation are common ways to continue to downtown Winston-Salem.
- Collect luggage at GSO. Follow signs for ground transportation or rental cars.
- Choose a direct destination. Enter your hotel first if you need to check in or leave luggage.
- For events, use the venue address. Travel to 301 W Fifth Street or your selected parking deck.
- Check parking instructions. Large conferences may provide special attendee parking guidance.
Traveling Without a Rental Car
Downtown Winston-Salem is relatively compact, with dining, hotels and attractions around the convention center. For airport transfers or travel outside downtown, compare public transit, rideshare, taxis and available shuttle arrangements.
Restaurants and Things to Do Around Benton Convention Center
Twin City Quarter is close to downtown restaurants, arts destinations and historic Winston-Salem attractions. The area is practical for a conference visit with free time between sessions.
Fourth Street
One of the downtown dining corridors. Useful for lunch breaks, coffee and dinner after conference sessions.
Downtown Arts District
Explore galleries, locally owned shops, studios and cultural businesses in central Winston-Salem.
Bailey Park
A popular park in the Innovation Quarter area, suitable for a break or outdoor community activity.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens
A historic district showcasing aspects of early Winston-Salem and Moravian history.
Reynolda House
An art museum and historic property for travelers interested in regional cultural attractions.
Downtown Breweries
The downtown area includes breweries, entertainment venues and restaurants. Check opening hours before visiting.
Accessibility, Food, Wi-Fi and Practical Visitor Services
The venue advertises complimentary high-speed wireless internet for event groups and attendees. Facility layouts include elevators and restrooms, while event-specific accommodations should be coordinated before arrival.
| Visitor requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | The venue advertises complimentary high-speed wireless internet; ask the organizer for any event-specific network instructions. |
| Accessible parking | Ask the parking operator about current accessible spaces and the best skywalk or entrance route. |
| Elevators | Floor plans show elevator connections between venue levels. |
| Food and catering | Venue menus and arranged catering depend on the particular event. |
| Outside food | Check with the event organizer; do not assume outside catering or beverages are permitted. |
| Tickets and entry | Determined by individual event organizers. |
| Service animals | Contact the venue regarding current access procedures and ADA accommodations. |
| Lost property | Report to the event organizer or venue staff as soon as possible. |
| Special assistance | Request accessibility accommodations from the organizer and venue ahead of time. |
Accessible Visit Checklist
- Confirm the closest accessible parking location.
- Identify the appropriate skywalk or street-level entrance.
- Check the elevator route to your specific meeting space.
- Ask about accessible seating or conference registration assistance.
- Contact the organizer early for interpretation or other essential accommodations.
Planning a Conference, Trade Show or Private Event
Benton supports convention programs, breakout meetings, exhibitions, banquets and other group events. The flexible Piedmont, Winston and Salem spaces allow planners to organize exhibitions and meeting sessions in the same venue complex.
What Event Organizers Should Prepare
- Preferred event dates and alternate dates
- Projected attendees and guestroom needs
- Exhibit booth or trade show requirements
- Ballroom seating arrangements
- Breakout rooms and boardrooms
- Food and beverage needs
- Audio, video and internet requirements
- Accessible event arrangements
Questions to Ask the Venue
- Which floor plans are suitable for the audience size?
- Is your preferred space available?
- How do freight deliveries and loading access work?
- Are any services exclusive to approved suppliers?
- What taxes, service charges or minimums apply?
- Are hotel blocks or parking arrangements available?
How to Request an Event Quote
- Review the venue layouts. Choose a possible hall and room configuration.
- Define your event requirements. Include dates, attendance, space and technical requirements.
- Open the venue’s RFP page. Use the official request process.
- Provide contact details. Describe your organization and event.
- Review the proposal. Compare space rental, hotel accommodation, catering, equipment, parking and contract conditions.
Before You Leave: Event-Day Checklist
- Confirm the exact event date and start time.
- Check whether admission is public or registration-only.
- Save your ticket, badge or registration email.
- Write down your assigned ballroom or exhibit hall.
- Choose the best downtown parking deck.
- Check the current posted parking rate.
- Allow extra time for parking and registration lines.
- Verify any event-specific bag and entry restrictions.
- Plan hotel check-in if staying overnight.
- Save the venue address: 301 W Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Benton Convention Center located?
Benton Convention Center is at 301 West Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, in the downtown Twin City Quarter district.
2. Is there parking at Benton Convention Center?
Yes. Visitors can use nearby paid downtown garages, including the Sixth Street and Cherry Street Parking Deck at 519 N Cherry Street and the Cherry Street and Marshall Street Parking Deck at 402 N Cherry Street.
3. How much does Benton Convention Center parking cost?
Prices depend on the garage and visit duration. An older Twin City Quarter parking sheet listed $1 per hour and a $9 maximum at Sixth and Cherry during weekday daytime periods, but these are historical rates and may not reflect current charges.
4. What hotels are connected to Benton Convention Center?
Winston-Salem Marriott and Embassy Suites Winston-Salem are connected to the convention complex via enclosed building connections, providing convenient access for conference visitors.
5. How big is Benton Convention Center?
Visit Winston-Salem describes approximately 150,000 square feet of meeting space and 32 meeting rooms. The venue’s own website describes 144,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
6. Where can I find Benton Convention Center events?
The official Twin City Quarter Benton calendar and Visit Winston-Salem event listings provide event information. Tickets, access requirements and schedules are determined by individual organizers.
7. Where is Piedmont Hall inside Benton Convention Center?
Piedmont Hall is on the lower level of Benton Convention Center and can be subdivided for exhibitions, trade shows and other large events.
8. Does Benton Convention Center offer Wi-Fi?
Yes. The venue advertises complimentary high-speed wireless internet for event groups and attendees. Specific connections or dedicated services may be arranged separately.
9. Which airport should I use for Benton Convention Center?
Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro is a convenient regional commercial airport for Winston-Salem. Ground transportation from the airport can include rental cars, taxis and rideshares.
10. How can I book an event at Benton Convention Center?
Review official floor plans, prepare your event dates and requirements, then contact Twin City Quarter or submit a venue request for proposal to discuss available rooms, meeting services and event pricing.
Venue Contact Details, Floor Plans and Official Resources
Benton Convention Center
301 West Fifth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Destination venue listing: 336-727-2976
Twin City Quarter: 336-397-7777
- Official Benton Convention Center Facilities
- Official Benton Events Calendar
- Official Floor Plans for North and South Buildings
- Downtown and Venue Maps
- Venue Meeting-Room Capacities
- Historical Parking Garage Rates and Map PDF
- Winston-Salem Public Events and Festivals
Information reviewed October 16, 2026. Parking prices in the historical PDF are not verified current rates. Event dates, access arrangements, hotel policies and venue specifications can change.