Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/633921
African-American sites and museums. Beginning in 1907, the Majestic Hotel served as Cleveland's primary African- American hotel, a role it played until inte- gration eased the need for hotels catering primarily to a Black clientele. For a generation in the 1940s-60s, Pla-Mor Roller Rink provided a much- needed recreational venue for all ages on the eastern end of the Cedar-Central (Fairfax) neighborhood. Through the mid-1960s, Pla-Mor was the only Black- owned skating rink in Cleveland. More than a place to skate, it also attracted top-billed musical acts. Now occupied by a factory, Pla-Mor's location on Cedar Avenue at East 107th Street once housed Mammoth Hall, an exhibition hall that hosted African- American trade shows. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) serves as a hub for United Airlines and offers 250 daily flight depar- tures to 74 markets. ••COLUMBUS•• Columbus is an easy, walkable con- vention destination with hip galleries, shops, dining, nightlife, sports and hotels just steps from the convention center in the Short North Arts District and the Arena District. In September 2015, the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) began a full, staggered renovation and expansion project. The venue is 1.8 mil- lion sq. ft., with 373,000 sq. ft. of con- tiguous exhibit space, 3 ballrooms and 75 meeting rooms. Plus, there are 4,000 hotel rooms downtown and 2,100 rooms connected/adjacent to the convention center. For a touch of the city's African- American heritage be sure to visit The Southern Theatre, which was built in 1896 and is a U.S. national historic site. In May 2009, the Lincoln Theatre, which was formerly a center for Black culture in Columbus, was reopened to the public after extensive restoration. Not far from the Lincoln Theatre is the King Arts Complex, which hosts various cultural events. It's easy to get to Columbus. Port Columbus International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown and offers 34 non-stop destinations. And Columbus is within 550 miles of half of the nation's population. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Columbus (614) 222-6151 http://meet.experiencecolumbus.com Columbus African American Chamber of Commerce (614) 340-4890 ••AKRON•• With a wonderful array of sites and attractions, accommodations and restau- rants, meeting and convention facilities and countless recreational activities, Akron/Summit County should be your next destination for fun and excitement. The city's proud heritage as a pioneering center of industry and innovation creates the foundation on which the community now rests. With exceptional food, flexible meet- ing and exposition space and the latest technology, the John S. Knight Center is the area's premier convention center. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Akron, the Center continues to set the standards for exceptional attention to detail and an uncompro- mised level of customer service. Akron/Summit County's history is rich with contributions made by African- Americans and the area honors this fact with opportunities that visitors are encouraged to share. Gain perspective on the past by visiting The University of Akron's Pan African Center for Community, where various exhibits are displayed in the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History and Culture. It's easy to get to Columbus. Port Columbus International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown and offers 34 non-stop destinations. And Columbus is within 550 miles of half of the nation's population. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Akron/Summit CVB (800) 245.4254 www.visitakron-summit.org Akron Black Chamber of Commerce (330) 434-1222 B M & T ••• November/December 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Kalahari Resort 756 Renaissance Cleveland Hotel 491 The Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland East Beachwood 404 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Cleveland Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 375,000 sq. ft Meeting Rooms 37 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Positively Cleveland and Cleveland Plus Visitors Center (800) 321-1001 www.positivelycleveland.com Greater Cleveland African American Chamber of Commerce (216) 624-5119 AREA GUIDES Children enjoy visit to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Photo Credit: Columbus CVB