We've never visited Memphis and are looking at hotels for November 8-12 -- but all the good downtown hotels show no vacancy. Is there a big convention during that time, or does anyone have other ideas? Are we just tardy?

Is that really your question (presumably some sort of convention)? Or are you looking for suggestions on other nice hotels/areas to stay in? Or if other dates would be better?

There appears to be a large religious convention that week (Church of God in Christ), that is the only thing I can see. You might call the Memphis Tourism Bureau for advice - 1 -888-633-9099. Or call a hotel like the Peabody - they can tell you what is going on.
Do you have to go that week?

WOW! You're right!
Not a darn thing!
I found this... a new hotel, supposedly:

GEN X INN
1177 MADISON AVENUE
MEMPHIS TN 38104
901-388-1300

Description:

THE GEN X INN IS AN ALL NEW HOTEL AND COMPLETELY
NON-SMOKING. MODERN FACILITIES LOCATED ON THE TROLLEY
LINE IN DOWNTOWN MIDTOWN MEMPHIS. THE TROLLEY LINE
CONNECTS THE HOTEL TO ALL DOWNTOWN AREAS INCLUDING
BEALE STREET AND FEDEX FORUM. LOCATED IN THE HEART
OF THE MEDICAL DISTRICT WITH EASY ACCESS TO THE
INTERSTATE. ALL ROOMS ARE NICELY FURNISHED WITH
BROADBAND, LCD TVS, DVD PLAYERS AND LUXURY LINENS.

I can't find a website or review...

vrbo has a couple of options on a lake - but it's 30 minutes away from Memphis. Don't know if that would be an option or not, but sure would be nice ending the day sipping a cocktail on the dock.

Thanks so much for your advice!

Another option is to book something as close as possible now and then check back regularly. If it's a big conference, blocks of rooms have been booked, but often some are released as the date gets closer. Book something that you can cancel and keep an eye out for something different/closer as time goes by.