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B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 F L O R I D A S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N FORT LAUDERDALE Give your group a fully immersive experience with a meet- ing powered by Greater Fort Lauderdale. Explore this destina- tion's wide range of accommodations, unique venues, diverse dining, and world-class Convention Center, currently undergo- ing a $1.3 billion expansion. Then take a closer look at the easy access, SUNsational hospitality, and unforgettable outings that take team-building way beyond the beach. The convention center's expansion began October 2021 with the enlarged 800,000 sq. ft. center including 350,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, nearly doubling the size of the pre- vious exhibit hall. In 2025, this sensational venue will be even bigger and better at 1.2 million sq. ft. with the new exhibit space, a 65,000 sq. ft. waterfront ballroom, plus original dining concepts, enhanced water taxi access and a new expansive waterfront plaza with dining and entertainment in a park-like atmosphere. The convention center expansion project adds an additional 525,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space over the previous center configuration and the 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale headquarters hotel. Whether you're looking for waterfront, luxury, boutique, all- suite or budget-friendly, you will find your ideal accommoda- tions among the more than 3,000 hotel rooms within a 1.5-mile radius of the Convention Center District. You can also select from more than 38,000 hotel rooms located throughout the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, with more than 14,000 rooms at high-quality group and meeting hotels. The 60,000-sq. ft. African-American Research Library & Cultural Center is extraordinary for the quantity and rarity of books on Black history and culture, and books written by Black authors. The auditorium, exhibit areas, dance studios, kitchens, conference rooms, grounds and seminar rooms open up the facility to be a community hub for opportunities, ideas and social interaction. The Special Collections contain upwards of 85,000 items, including rare books, artifacts, artwork, manu- scripts and irreplaceable reference material, with a separate reading room where visitors can view collection items upon request. www.visitlauderdale.com (954) 765-4466 Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Jacksonville Skyline JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville is an unforgettable destination for meetings, conventions, reunions and more. Select from dozens of event venues and receive expert support from Visit Jacksonville's team. Visitors love the riverfront downtown, vibrant local culture, miles of white sand beaches, access to nature and wildlife, and world-class golf, shopping and dining. This city was voted a top meeting site and destination in the South by Convention South. Meeting Planners can take advantage of Jacksonville's Value Season from November through January to realize great offers such as free convention center space, discounted room rates and much more. www.visitjacksonville.com (800) 733-2668 photo credit: Visit Jacksonville