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B M & T ••• January/February 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 WILMINGTON, DELAWARE GIVING PLANNERS A UNIQUE & HOSPITABLE OPTION FOR SMALLER GROUP EVENTS BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley offer everything you could want and expect as a destination for your next meeting or event ... every- thing, and more. Wilmington is well equipped for meet- ings of all sizes with thousands of hotel rooms, spacious and unique event ven- ues, tax-free shopping as well as nearby entertainment. The city is easily accessi- ble from anywhere on the east coast and, indeed, anywhere around the globe. Wilmington venues offer corporate meeting rooms wired for videoconfer- ences, theaters with stadium seating and catering staffs that can handle any taste and crowd. No matter what you need for your conference, Wilmington has the place that fits your needs. Bright, comfortable and convenient, Arsht Hall is equipped with the techno- logical capabilities required for today's business. With 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, satellite connections for video conferencing, wireless Internet, plus com- plete catering and personalized planning services, this modern conference center is well-suited to training seminars, work- shops and association gatherings. The Clayton Hall Conference Center is another outstanding option as a meeting venue in the area that is guaranteed to meet your clients' approval. This meeting space is located on The University of Delaware's Laird Campus with state-of- the-art facilities witch include a 500-seat auditorium, 7,700 sq. ft. of exhibit area, a full business center, as well as 22 confer- ence and meeting rooms. The historic charm of Goodstay Man- sion is characteristic of the Brandywine area. The patriots, artists, authors and leaders of another era have given way to the professionals, students, and every- day citizens of today. Goodstay is a favorite site for weddings and social gath- erings. Intimate meeting and dining rooms, the Gold Room and the Grand Ballroom have been restored to preserve the spirit of the 18th century while offer- ing the amenities of the 21st. Conference attendees can't miss the DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival when it comes to Wilmington, Delaware June 2016. This five-day event is the largest free jazz festival on the east coast and brings some of the most exciting, internationally acclaimed jazz personali- ties to one stage. Visitors can also enjoy post perform- ance receptions with live music and refreshments, lunch time performances along Wilmington's Market Street, food trucks, restaurant specials and Sax in the City, the ultimate Jazz Festival afterparty. The Delaware Historical Society was founded in May 1864 for "the elucidation of history, particularly such portions as may refer to Delaware." Over the next 15 decades, the organization refined its stat- ed purpose to reflect both a changing society and the evolution of the public his- tory profession. This profound organization has now formed the Center for African American Heritage. The purpose of this new addi- tion is to collect, preserve, research and present for public enrichment the history and heritage of Delaware's African- Americans. This capital initiative current- ly is in the planning and development stage, with an anticipated completion date of spring 2016. The Center for African American Heritage will be head- quartered on the Delaware Historical Society's Wilmington campus. For air-travel the region is served by the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), just 30 minutes north of downtown Wilmington. If arriving from the south, the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is another option and is just 90 minutes away. AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Wilmington/Christiana 266 Embassy Suites Newark/Wilmington South 154 Four Points by Sheraton 120 Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley 113 Hampton Inn – Middletown 72 Best Western Brandywine Valley Inn 96 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Arch Hall Total Exhibit Space 17,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 25 The Clayton Hall Conference Center Total Exhibit Space 7,700 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 22 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Wilmington CVB (800) 489-6664 http://www.visitwilmingtonde.com W I L M I N G T O N Wilmington skyline at night, reflected in Christiana River. Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware. Credit: Mihai Andritoiu