Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/37469
and shopping, to sports and recreation and everything in between. Looking for places to include on your itinerary? Try the Birmingham Zoo, Alabama Adventure, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Riverchase Galleria, McWane Science Center, the Barber MotorSports Park and the world famous Talladega Motor Speedway. Birmingham consistently ranks Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Center among America’s most affordable destinations for residents and visi- tors alike. That affordability is one of the reasons Birmingham has established itself as one of the top family reunion destinations in the country. The convention and visi- tors bureau has dedicated a page on their website to assist those plan- ning a family reunion at www.birminghamal.org/planareuntion.html. The combination of affordability, product offering and accessibility is what draws meeting planners to Birmingham. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Center can accommodate virtually any kind of event across four separate buildings: Arena, Concert Hall, Theatre and Exhibition Hall and also includes a large central piazza for outdoor events. The Exhibition Hall has over 220,000 sq. ft. The facility has 60 meeting rooms — the largest can accommodate 1,950 people. There are several other places to conduct meetings including the Birmingham International Center, the Birmingham Zoo and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museumat BarberMotorsports Park to name a few. In total there are 14,000 hotel rooms in the greater Birmingham area with the largest the 757-room Sheraton BirminghamHotel. Many of the larger properties have their ownmeeting facilities. Birminghamhas direct flights to 50 cities including nine of the top 10markets in theUnited States. CLEVELAND, OH Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, is Cleveland, OH. Cleveland is a destination that has more to offer than meets the eye. Whether it’s a meeting destination you seek or a place to take the family for vacation or both, Cleveland should be on any short list. Music plays a great part in the cultural experience of the city. Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This 150,000-sq. ft. museum features seven floors, five theaters for films, special events, free public programs and ever-changing events. For kids, this is a great place to check out music even your parents didn’t understand. Children under eight are free with adult admission. At press time there were 619 people inducted into the Hall of Fame ranging from Michael Jackson and Run DMC to Curtis Mayfield and BobbyWomack. Two great places for the entire family is the Cleveland 34 Father & Son visit Cleveland's Steamship Mather Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com