Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1094854
dance of vibrant music, cuisine, collegiate spirit, history and culture. Explore many historical attractions, or stop by a local festival — there's plenty of each. Between sessions, take advantage of Baton Rouge's walkable downtown, with hotel accommodations, dining and attrac- tions within minutes of each other. From traditional meeting and exhibi- tion space, such as the Baton Rouge River Center, to unique outdoor venues and historic attractions, Baton Rouge is home to a number of venues to accom- modate your every need. With plenty of opportunities to explore the hisory cul- ture, music, and food, Baton Rouge offers meeting planners the perfect mix of work and play. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge River Center expansion has completely transformed downtown Baton Rouge. The entire complex, including the exist- ing Arena and Theatre for the Performing Arts, as well as the new Exhibition Hall, includes more than 200,000 sq. ft. of new and renovated space, and incorporates state-of-the-art exhibition, meeting, concession and kitchen facilities. The new 70,000-sq. ft. Exhibition Hall can be combined with the existing Arena to create more than 100,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space. While in Baton Rouge Conference attendees can explore the African American Museum, dedicated to collect- ing, preserving, and interpreting art, arti- facts and buildings related to the history and culture of African-Americans in the rural communities along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Enjoy the ease of accessibility of Baton Rouge. Located just 80 miles from New Orleans and 55 miles from Cajun Country travel by air or roadways. Fly into the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport or find the city off of Interstates 10 and 12. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Baton Rouge (800) LA ROUGE (225-383-1825) www.visitbatonrouge.com Baton Rouge Black Chamber of Commerce.– 225.372.2620 • • SHREVEPORT • • Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side is a unique combination of Cajun and Texan. The destination offers affordable hotels, flexible meeting venues, including the 350,000-sq. ft. Shreveport Conven- tion Center, immersive group experi- ences, and that famous Louisiana cuisine that visitors love. Meeting and event planners especially love that they don't have to sacrifice qual- ity for value when they meet here. Groups that book in Shreveport and Bossier City are rewarded with incompa- rable incentives, exceptional service and after-hours entertainment. Delegates love coming here because the destination boasts year-round festivals, a riverfront shopping venue, fun things to do, plus much more. Other meeting amenities the destina- tion includes, are more than 10,500 hotel rooms as well as three dozen attractions, seven casinos, more than 55 festivals and annual events and 500 local restaurants. The award-winning, Shreveport Regional Airport is serviced by Northwest, American, Continental, Allegiant and Delta airlines providing conference attendees many options of airlines to choose from. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Shreveport/Bossier CTB (800) 551-8682 Shreveport Bossier AA Chamber of Commerce – 318-220-9098 B M & T ••• January/February 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 38 AREA GUIDES Rockin Doopsie (American Zydeco musician) Photo Credit: Baton Rouge River Center Shreveport Convention Center Photo Credit: Shreveport/Bssier CTB