Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1094881
The center is located within minutes of some of Cleveland's best restau- rants, art galleries, theatres, shopping and professional sports venues. After the meetingd are over don't forget to explore the city's rich African- American history. From museums to popular eateries, the influence the Black community has on Cleveland is infinite. Tucked away in the Fairfax neigh- borhood just east of Downtown Cleveland is one of Cleveland's his- toric cultural institutions, Karamu House and Theater. It's known as the oldest Black theater company in the U.S. and has been an incubator for some of the most well-known Black artists since its opening in 1917 – most notably, playwright and poet Langston Hughes, who saw a number of his plays debut here. Cleveland's easy accessibility and abundance of nonstop flight options offered by multiple airlines is an unde- niable asset for meeting planners con- sidering the Midwest destination as a host city. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a short 12-mile ride to and from Downtown Cleveland. • • COLUMBUS • • Columbus, the 14th largest city in the United States as well as the largest and fastest-growing city in Ohio, is a smart and open community with a dynamic convention package that can fit the needs of any group. Located within a one-day drive or one- hour flight from more than half of the U.S. population, Columbus is easily accessible for all. Located in the heart of Columbus' bustling entertainment districts, the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) complet- ed a $140-million renovation and expansion in July 2017. With hotel-quality touches and lots of natural light, the 1.8-million-sq. ft. facility features 373,000 sq. ft. of con- tiguous exhibit space, 75 meeting rooms (nine with outside windows), three ballrooms (totaling 114,000 sq. ft. of space), with Battelle Grand Ballroom being the largest in Ohio. Wherever you're staying in Columbus, you're going to have a great trip. The world-class Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a delight any time of year. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens brings horticulture and art together with a spectacular glasshouse, a stunning com- munity garden campus and sculpture sprinkled throughout. The brand new Scott's Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden focuses on introducing and connecting children to the natural world. The Columbus Museum of Art offers sunny galleries with rotating exhibits and an outdoor sculpture garden. B M & T ••• November/December 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Arena District Hyatt Regency 633 Hilton Columbus Downtown 532 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Greater Columbus Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 373,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 75 Largest Ballroom 74,000 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Columbus – (866) 397-2657 www.experiencecolubus.com Central Ohio African-American Chamber Of Commerce www.coaacc.org Columbus Ohio Skyline city skyline Photo Credit: G.C.C.C