Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1125304
B M & T ••• March/April 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 13 TO WATCH T here are many reasons why a planner will take a closer look at a destination they may have once passed over for a meeting or con- ference. For example, when South Carolina finally resolved their Confederate Flag issue, planners who had previously participated in a boycott of the state added the charming city of Columbia back onto their rotation list of potential meeting sites. Some may feel that because a destination is not consid- ered top tier, it doesn't offer a first class meeting experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. BM&T offers you six possibilities here to prove our point. LANCASTER, CA N estled in the Antelope Valley in Northern Los Angeles County, Lancaster is a fascinating destination full of surprises and opportunities for the savvy meeting planner and travel specialist. Perfectly suit- ed for that small conference or business meeting, this California City is definitely worth your exploration and consideration. For starters, Lancaster has an array of lodging properties that are ideal for board meetings, incentive pro- grams, small family reunions, weddings and business events. The Hampton Inn & Suites, for example, offers 85 guestrooms and 1,200 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, while the Oxford Suites Lancaster boasts 172 rooms and 1,165 sq. ft. of function space, able to accommodate up to 60 attendees. The good news is that the city is actively seeking developers to build full service hotels in Lancaster that will allow this California hotspot to target the conventions market as well. Though Lancaster may be small, it offers a plethora of activities to engage visitors of all ages when it's time for some fun and recreation. Founded in 1986 as the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery, the current Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) is dedicated to advancing an appreciation of art and history in the Antelope Valley. Operating two sites—the Museum of Art and History and the Western Hotel Museum—Lancaster MOAH is not only a repository for historical artifacts important to preserving the unique character of the Antelope Valley, but also a place where audiences—residents and visitors alike—may expe- rience exhibitions of fine art and participate in a variety of art and history-based programs. MOAH's exhi- bition program is diverse, offering a range of displays for all age groups. Exhibitions of dinosaur fossils and ancient Egyptian mummies have delighted children, while the presentation of artworks by artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Rembrandt and Chagall have appealed to adults. If you're looking for some fun, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center engages the Antelope Valley in a broad spectrum of regional, national and world-class entertainment. Through their commitment to Arts education they provide dynamic theatre programs that enrich the quality of life. BY RUFUS MCKINNEY