Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
58 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AREA GUIDES G E O R G I A ENJOY SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT IT'S FINEST IN "THE PEACH STATE" BY RUFUS MCKINNEY From Athens to Dunwoody, Augusta to Jekyll Island and communities in between, Georgia's hospitable environ- ment for travelers and businesses helps professionals realize outsized results from meetings and events they attend in the state. When people meet in Georgia, not only are they well-positioned for network- ing, professional development and collab- oration inside the conference room, but they are within minutes of the best scenery, cultural attractions, culinary expe- riences and outdoor activities the state has to offer before, after and in between deals. Industries and interest groups of all kinds find welcoming and helpful meet- ing hosts in communities large and small throughout Georgia. • • COLUMBUS • • Under the radar and over the top, Columbus, GA blends a vibrant artsy energy with unique local history and a thriving food scene. It's also the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, listen to local bands and taste finely brewed beer. Whether you are planning a regional meeting, a statewide conference, a family or military reunion, or any special event, Columbus, GA is the perfect destination. The region has over 750,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, more than 4,800 hotel rooms, and endless ways to entertain everyone in your group when the meetings are over. The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center totals over 180,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space–that includes more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space in its North, Center, and South halls, a 22,000 square foot ball- room, and 17 breakout rooms for meet- ings of any size and description. The 200- year old building underwent a major retrofitting of mechanicals, technology, sound, and other components.\ Anchor for the South Commons com- plex, the very versatile Civic Center serves a number of purposes. It has been host to a record-setting crusade conducted by Franklin Graham. It has headlined con- certs, including Elton John, Lee Ann Rimes, Chris Stapleton, Bob Dylan, and Reba McEntire. The Cunningham Center Conference Center is a state of the art facility that pro- vides the resources and support to ensure successful meetings and conferences of all sizes. Within the confines of a comfort- able and relaxed learning environment, the center features a 5,432 square foot banquet hall, six seminar rooms, an exec- utive boardroom and four computer train- ing labs.\ Columbus offers an array of group activities and attractions, from outdoor excursions and recreation along the Chattahoochee River to museum tours and Broadway performances in the Uptown Entertainment District. Conference attendees and leisure travel- ers alike can explore them all! As an American art and regional histo- ry museum, and the second largest art museum in Georgia, the Columbus Museum offers a diverse collection to the public. The Museum presents visitors from around the world with a comprehensive look at the history of the Chattahoochee River Valley. From clothing and books to furnishings and firearms, the Museum Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center photo credit: Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center