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MEMORABLE MEETINGS IN MISSISSIPPI MADE EASY BY CLETUS RAMSEY Consider this your personal invitation to plan a Mississippi meeting. From the year round mild climate and the state's delicious culinary fare, to fantastic golf on some of the country's best courses, a wealth of options for outdoor adventure and the rich heritage and culture (includ- ing the fact that Mississippi is the birth- place of America's music), this beautiful state offers an unparalleled experience as a conference location. Whether you choose a cosmopolitan city or a smaller town, meeting in Mississippi is made easy by highly experienced and creative professionals who provide the standard of excellence you expect. In the luxury casino resorts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in Tunica, as well as in picturesque towns like Natchez, Vicksburg and Oxford, an extensive array of quality facilities can host meetings and special events of all sizes. Small civic cen- ters, multipurpose coliseums and exhibi- tion halls provide the perfect conference location for your group. Convention serv- ices are available in all Mississippi con- vention cities with the added bonus of a convention and visitors bureau and their enthusiastic staff to assist in a variety of free planning services for your Mississippi meeting. • • JACKSON • • One might ask, "Why should I take my event to Jackson?" Well…let's face it. Times are tough. In today's uncertain busi- ness climate, out-of-town meeting funds are often slashed from the budget. However, you and your company or asso- ciation can be productive and profitable by organizing a Jackson Mississippi con- ference. Because Jackson is a smaller city, a little bit can go a long way. You will be connected with the most affordable venues for your budget, the most exciting attractions, and the best restaurants. A Jackson conference also makes you and your bottom line look good. Jackson offers one of the region's lowest tourism taxes and the CVB provides one of the best complimentary meeting services packages in the nation. Jackson is very affordable, accessible, and accommodat- ing. Discover a flair for hospitality in the City with Soul! Immerse yourself and your attendees in the vibrant renaissance of downtown Jackson. Discover the Jackson Convention Complex, the centerpiece of the Jackson convention district. The facil- ity is equipped with over 330,000 sq. ft. of meeting and conference space, 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 25 meet- ing/conference rooms, 25,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom a 382-seat, state-of-the- art theater, and the latest technology and audiovisual capabilities. Meeting Planners should have no problem booking here for just about any type of conference. At the end of the day, you and your attendees can sleep blissfully in some of Jackson's 4,800 hotel rooms. Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Downtown, Hilton Jackson & Conference Center, and the Jackson Marriott-Downtown are some of the city's top choices for hotels with meeting space for conferences/meetings of various sizes. Here in Jackson conference atten- dees are encouraged to celebrate the heritage of the City with Soul at a capti- vating Jackson Mississippi historical site. Visit the home of celebrated author Eudora Welty. Groove to the rhythms and beats of an authentic blues juke joint. Learn about the Civil Rights Movement at the Medgar Evers home. Stop by the International Museum of Muslim Cultures – the first and only such museum in America. From the Civil War to our mod- ern urban renaissance, Jackson's story is uniquely southern and uniquely American. Check out our full host of Jackson histor- ical landmarks and museums. From slavery and the tumultuous Civil Rights era, Jackson Mississippi African- Americans have emerged as a major force for the city's development and lead- ership. Relive a dramatic and inspirational story as you visit fascinating Jackson black history sites. Reach out to Rickey Thigpen, presi- dent/CEO of Visit Jackson, and you can be sure his team will provide all of the information and support you need to plan and exe- cute your meeting in Jackson. Jackson enjoys a lush, semitropi- cal climate that supports a wide array of flora and fauna and wildlife. B M & T ••• March/April 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 46 AREA GUIDES M I S S I S S I P P I Freedom Corner