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ICI•pg_34-38__BMT_pg3-58 1/22/13 3:02 AM Page 35 venue options and activities for attendees to choose from." The city boasts 400 hotels with more than 40,000 rooms available in the region, 4,200 of which are in the downtown area. One of Detroit's iconic venues, Cobo Center , is currently in the midst of a transformation. Other projects currently underway include the Arena Ballroom (formerly Cobo Arena) and the threestory glass atrium lobby, which will serve as the facility's main entrance. The completion of the Arena Ballroom and its surrounding meeting rooms is slated for spring of 2013. The Atrium will be completed in January of 2013. When the transformation is completed in 2014, Cobo Center will offer 723,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, a 40,000 sq. ft. dividable ballroom, 100 meeting/breakout rooms, 2,200 parking spaces and 31 loading docks. Highlights and attractions in Detroit include: The Motown Historical Museum, Belle Isle, The Fox Theatre, Henry Ford Museum, which displays the iconic Rosa Parks Bus; Greenfield Village, where you can explore 83 authentic historic structures from Noah Webster's home to Thomas Edison's Menlo Park laboratory to the birthplace of Henry Ford;The Ford Rouge Factory Tour where you'll watch as a Ford F-150 is built in a real working factory; Detroit Institute of Arts; Arab American National Museum; Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Meadow Brook Hall, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the world's largest institution dedicated to the AfricanAmerican experience; and, of course, Casinos: MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCIty Casino and Greektown Casino, each with 400 rooms and fine dining. Detroit has a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year for all ages and interests, a sampling includes: North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, Detroit River Days,Target Fireworks, Arab and Chaldean World Festival, Concours d'Elegance of America, African World Festival, Woodward Dream Cruise, Arts, Beats & Eats, Detroit Jazz Festival and America's Thanksgiving Parade. The Detroit International Riverfront has been completely revitalized featuring Savannah Sculpture a carousel, concessions, bike shop with bike rentals, an in-laid granite map of the Detroit River, a standing glass sculptured map of the St. Lawrence Seaway, fountains and gardens. Detroit's Eastern Market is a vibrant marketplace with hundreds of open-air stalls to pick up fruit, veggies, fresh-cut flowers, homemade jams, maple syrups, locally produced specialty food products, pasture and grass-fed meat. When the stomach starts growling, make it happy by checking out a wide variety of dining choices, including Greek, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Soul Food, great BBQ and more. Did someone say shopping? Metro Detroit has a wide variety of shopping options from upscale stores and boutiques at the Somerset Collection, value shopping and discount stores at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, or open-air shopping center with unique amenities at the Mall at Partridge Creek. For information: www.visitdetroit.com/ SAVANNAH Savannah, GA is one of the most popular destinations in North America. The best reason to visit the city is for its laidback feel and fabulous southern hospitality. The people are friendly and the energy of the walkable city is palpable. It is clearly one of the most beauti- ful cities in the U.S. "Working with people to help them see why Savannah is such an intriguing destination is the best part of my job," says Veronica Enoch, national accounts manager at Visit Savannah. "But Savannah is much more than a favorite leisure destination. We are a leading convention city capable of hosting large, high-level meetings, conventions and special events. With the capacity to accommodate groups as large as 2,800, Savannah is an ideal choice for everything from board of directors' meetings to a national association and fraternal organization's annual conventions." The "green" city, which is architecturally picturesque, is vibrant and chock full of history and cultural attractions. Its cobblestone streets are legendary. Take your time checking out the many highlights some of which include: sightseeing tours, Historic Savannah Trolley Tour, Paula Deen Tour, Savannah Riverboat Cruises, Carriage Tours, The Savannah Theatre, Savannah Movie Tour, Ghost Tours, Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour, gorgeous Southern-style homes, beautiful parks, tree-lined walks and streets and spooky cemeteries. The city's Meeting District is located in the heart of downtown Historic Savannah.The Meeting District boasts galleries, specialty shops, boutiques, art, apparel and more. Branch out and see City Market, B M & T ••• November/December 2012 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 35