Sorry, this conversation has been off my radar for some time.
I'd be the first one to go for Franklin, NC. Actually, I already looked into it. They do not seem to have the amenities for the # of folks we'll need to make plans for. Also looked at Maggie Valley. Same thing. At least if we intend to house folks in the same venue... & have our banquet facility in that same place.
There is a convention center there, too. If memory serves correctly, I don't think that the venue held enough folks.
Some time ago talking to TWN, he made the comment that we'd probably need to make plans for 180ish rooms.
Not sure if that is realistic... but that is the # I've used when researching.