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ICI•Pg_64-74__BMT_pg86-162 1/22/13 4:16 AM Page 68 AREA GUIDES CHATTANOOGA INTRODUCING THE "NEW" CHATTANOOGA BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Chattanooga is the most revitalized city in America. The "New" Chattanooga was designed for the ease and convenience of meeting planners and their guests to enjoy their experience. As a compliment to the city, the visitors bureau, hotels and convention center offer the highest level of service anywhere. This convenient Tennessee location is centrally situated in the Southeast. Bordering Georgia and Alabama, Chattanooga is within two hours of Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham. The Chattanooga Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown, offers 185,000 sq. ft. of function area. Column free exhibit space totals 100,800 sq. ft. (total of four halls). There are 21 meeting rooms ranging in size from 812 to 1,800 sq. ft., and they can be configured to space ranging in size from 1,624 to 5,400 sq. ft. The 19,000-sq. ft. ballroom can be divided into six equal sections. Pre-function space is at 40,000 sq. ft. and there are 11 loading docks. This venue is the first center in the nation to incorporate "day lighting" technology. This technology allows sunlight to filter in through 30-ft. ceiling openings and complement the building's artificial light. This lighting has proven "mood-enhancing" capabilities. High-speed Internet access and networking capabilities are available for conventions, trade shows, and meetings. The Chattanooga Marriott Hotel with 342 rooms and 7,712 sq. ft. of meeting space physically adjoins the Chattanooga Convention Center. There are an additional 1,650 hotel rooms closely surrounding the convention center in the downtown area. The facility is also serviced by the free electric shuttle route, which includes access to restaurants, attractions, shopping outlets and much more. Planners have an assortment of lodging possibilities to choose from when planning their next big meeting! The DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown 68 Chattanooga is a gold standard full service hotel boasting 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 186 rooms. This hotel is a short walk from the Tennessee Aquarium, and the rest of Chattanooga's downtown riverfront attractions, restaurants, and the Bluff View Art District. the Museum. The Chattanooga AfricanAmerican Museum has a reservoir of materials on almost any aspect of Black American history and effectively portrays African-American contributions to growth of Chattanooga and the nation. Free time in Chattanooga means that One of Chattanooga's many public parks. SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Cameron Harbor, Chattanooga's first & only Riverfront LEED Certified hotel, offers a seamless blend of style & function. The 116-guest suites hotel boasts first class luxury and amenities. The hotel's 2,500 sq. ft. of meeting space is perfect for corporate luncheons, meetings, or receptions. Chattanooga's cultures are diverse and multi-generational. Not only will multicultural groups find plenty to do at the traditional attractions like Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium, they can explore Chattanooga's AfricanAmerican Museum and hold functions at Bessie Smith Hall, which is connected to Photo Credit: Chattanooga CVB your attendees can enjoy a fabulous assortment of restaurants and museums and the scenic beauty of the riverfront and surrounding mountains. The city's rich arts scene is second to none. Take in one of the nation's largest collections of American art and discover the many galleries and emerging artists at the Bluff View, NorthShore and Southside districts. Be sure to make time for the many outstanding music festivals and theatre performances throughout the entire year. The Riverbend Festival is an internationally award winning 9-day music festival. Located in the heart of Chattanooga. There is no better way to enjoy your B M & T ••• November/December 2012 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com