Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/722202
B M & T ••• May/June 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 AREA GUIDES D E N V E R MEETING & TRAVELING IN THE "MILE HIGH CITY" BY REGGIE MURPHY Welcome to Denver, where 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and natural beau- ty combine for the world's most spectac- ular playground. A young, active city at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Denver's stunning architecture, award- winning dining and unparalleled views are all within walking distance from the 16th Street pedestrian mall. Upscale shopping awaits in Cherry Creek, while Denver's seven professional sports teams entertain year-round. When it comes to meeting planning, Denver has it all: A state-of-the-art con- vention center; a central location; an inter- national airport; a walkable downtown dis- trict packed with shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural attractions; thousands of hotel rooms; and a convention bureau that knows how to create a successful event. Located in the heart of Downtown Denver lays the Colorado Convention Center, which is ideal for any size meeting or convention group. Loaded with 584,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 50,000-sq. ft. Mile High Ballroom and a 35,000-sq. ft. Four Seasons Ballroom, this venue definitely has the space to accommodate a group of just about any size. The convention center is also equipped with 63 meeting rooms and a Bellco Theatre, which can accommo- date up to 5,000 people in an auditorium- style fixed seating format. In May 2014, the center improved its LEED status to LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council through the recer- tification process required every five years. With a dedicated Sustainable Programs Manager, a robust green pro- gram and a 300,000 kilowatt solar array, the LEED Certified Existing Building is the premier sustainable conference center and ideal location for a green meeting or convention. Denver's Golden Triangle neighborhood brims with more than 30 innovative art gal- leries and artists' studios showcasing the innovative wares of nationally renowned talent and regional up-and-comers. First Friday Art Walk, a shuttled gallery tour that takes place the first Friday of each month, is a terrific way to tour art marts like Walker Fine Art (300 W. 11th St.). The Golden Triangle art galleries are bordered by Speer Boulevard, Colfax Avenue and Lincoln Street. Shuttle tours begin at the Osage Street Light Rail Station. In 2002, the Denver City Council granted Five Points, a traditionally African-American area, a much-deserved landmark status. The Five Points area, included in the Welton Street Historic District, was the heart of African- American commerce during the days of segregation. It was also renowned nationwide as the destination for live jazz in Denver – thanks to its more than 50 clubs and bars, it was known in some cir- cles as the "Harlem of the West." An uplifting museum experience in every sense, the Stiles African American Heritage Center celebrates the positive contributions made by African-Americans through guided tours, cultural exhibits, arti- facts and memorabilia. Located in Five Points, the Center's stated mission is to teach African-American history and to encourage young people to go forward with dignity and pride. Diversity work- shops and lectures are offered on a regu- lar basis. The Denver International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the nation and the 13th busiest airport in the world. It pro- vides non-stop service to more than 180 worldwide destinations, including 23 inter- national cities. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center 1,100 Denver Marriott City Center 613 Embassy Suites Denver - Downtown Convention Center 403 Crowne Plaza Denver Downtown 364 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Colorado Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 584,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 63 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Choose Chicago (312) 567-8481 http://www.choosechicago.com Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (312) 600-7276 Denver Skyline Photo Credit: Colorado CC