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18 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com For more information, contact Visit San Antonio at (866) 517-7771. DETROIT While Detroit may be best known for its automobile industry and for the iconic Motown sound, there's no question that it's prowess as a walking city is on the rise. Under girding this rise as a pedestrian friendly destination is the developing Detroit International RiverWalk, which h spans more than three miles, from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge. This breathtaking feature offers the RiverWalk Café for guests to fuel up for an enjoyable walk, run, bike ride or just to relax. Aside from taking a walk or bike ride on the Detroit RiverWalk, take in the sight of new Detroit developments, splash around in several fountains and splash parks for kids, ride the carousel, enjoy nature areas and take in the views of both Detroit and Canada. The International RiverWalk encom- passes a multitude of parks, restaurants, and retail shops, along with The Marriott at the Renaissance Center, one of the city's major convention hotels. With 723,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center) boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 19th largest convention center in the coun- try. Elegant banquet rooms and more than 80 meeting rooms comprise 180,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Private companies and foundations together with the city, state, and federal gov- ernment have contributed several hundred million dollars toward the RiverWalk Whether booking for 1 or 1000, CJC Cruises and the Detroit Princess can make every occasion a special occasion. Private events, whether corporate outing, wedding, family reunion, birthday party, or just a fun night out can be scheduled Detroit is a city bursting with arts and culture. The city is home to numerous gal- leries and museums that showcase every- thing from classical to contemporary works. Detroit's street art scene is full of vibrant murals and thought-provoking graffiti. Their thriving theater scene offers classic plays and contemporary productions. With so many convention facilities, accommoda- tions, attractions and recreational options clustered around the Detroit International RiverWalk for easy access, it's no wonder planners and their delegates are placing Detroit high on their wish list of meeting destinations. For more information contact Visit Detroit at (800) 338-7648. MILWAUKEE In the heart of downtown, the two-mile long RiverWalk winds along the Milwaukee River with access to some of the city's best restaurants, brewpubs, shops and waterfront nightlife. Eye-catching public art gives the RiverWalk the feel of an outdoor gallery and colorful, user-friendly direction- al signs elaborate on the city's history. It's the site of many Milwaukee events, includ- ing Spring Gallery Night MKE, Art 64, 14th Annual Brewfast and more. Simply put, Milwaukee is a walker's paradise. The Milwaukee RiverWalk winds through the heart of the city, tying together three distinct riverfront neighborhoods — the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B. Just three blocks south of down- town, the Historic Third Ward is now known as "Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District" and offers the city's most dynamic array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries and unique shopping, all in a historic ware- house setting. More than 20 blocks from its northernmost to southernmost points, the RiverWalk is unified by permanent and changing art exhibitions that create a unique, urban, outdoor gallery. A leisurely stroll provides plenty of oppor- tunities to discover Milwaukee. Why? Milwaukee's RiverWalk is home to an out- door art gallery called RiverSculpture! that includes both permanent pieces and tempo- rary installations that change periodically. As you stroll along the RiverWalk you'll enjoy making new discoveries. Whether you're looking for the best brunch spots, where to get out and get active, the must-see spots for history buffs, you'll find it here. Milwaukee is an exciting meetings desti- nation with an unexpected "wow" factor, and all this at substantial cost savings. Milwaukee's budget-friendly convention campus features three unique venues: Baird Center convention center, the Miller High Life Theatre, and the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. In addition to the conven- Detroit RiverWalk