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B M & T ••• May/June2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 30 Located in the heart of the of Birmingham's central business district, the Birmingham International Center's conference facility boasts newly renovated amenities with a space that seats approximately 120, or 100 for dinner. This facility is perfect for business meetings, corporate parties, club functions, performances, wedding receptions, career fairs, art exhibits and seminars. Birmingham is well known for its prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. A visit to the many educational institutions and museums throughout city gives visitors an in-depth look at that impor- tant era. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is a "living institu- tion" which views the lessons of the past as a positive way to chart new directions for the future. BCRI's permanent exhibitions are a self-direct- ed journey through the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles. Distinguished as "A Place of Revolution and Reconciliation," historic Kelly Ingram Park serves as a threshold to the Civil Rights District. During the Civil Rights Movement, this public park became the focal point of a grassroots resistance to the inhumanities of racism and dis- crimination by law and by custom. • • • ARKANSAS In a place nicknamed "The Nature State," you'll naturally find plenty of outdoor adventure, from whitewater rafting on the Ouachita River to hunting for precious gems at the world's only public diamond mine. In Pine Bluff, you can book tee time at the Harbor Oaks Golf Course and — if you plan your trip for September — join in the city's popular Smoke on the Water barbecue and music festival. Hot Springs could be the ideal setting for a spa vacation as an incen- tive trip, with Bath House Row in Hot Springs National Park as the pam- pering headquarters. Other area attractions include the Gangster Museum of America, the Mid-American Science Museum and Garvan Woodland Gardens. Little Rock is home to one of the nation's most significant historical landmarks: the Central High School National Historic Site, where a piv- otal U.S. school desegregation case began. The Little Rock Nine Memorial, dedicated to the students involved in the case, is located on the grounds of the State Capitol. • • • FLORIDA Whether it's relaxing at one of the state's luxurious resort spas, claim- ing a sandy play spot among its 825 miles of beaches or hitting the inks • • • ALABAMA From bass fishing on the Tennessee River to snorkeling off the Gulf Coast, Alabama's outdoor attractions offer plenty of options for pre- and post-convention activities, corporate retreats, incentive travel and family reunion adventures. For those whose interests expand beyond the outdoors into outer space, the city of Huntsville is home to one of Alabama's top visitor attractions: the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Another notable local attraction is the Imhotep Art Gallery, which showcases the works of Black artists. In Mobile, Bellingrath Gardens offers a charming outdoor setting for a special event or leisurely stroll, while history buffs might enjoy touring the National African American Archives & Museum. Montgomery boasts a number of African-American heritage sites, including the Civil Rights Memorial, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. The Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center is a popular attraction in the city best known for its legendary historically Black university. Another major point of interest is the National Tuskegee Airmen Museum.. BIRMINGHAM With world-class attractions, lodging and dining fueling its reputa- tion and 15,000 guest rooms in the greater Birmingham area, the city is a popular, affordable meeting host. Meeting planners enjoy the impres- sive inventory of convention services offered and have come to expect exceptional service from the CVB Services Staff. Birmingham's unique cultural history gives planners an interesting lineup of venues and sites to hold events ranging from private parties and weddings to larger conferences and trade shows. The Birmingham- Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) is Alabama's largest conven- tion address, with meeting facilities all on one campus. The BJCC com- plex campus has 350,000 sq. ft. of convention and exhibition space. The complex includes an 18,000-seat arena and 4,000 seats in two theaters. Two hotels, The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and Westin Birmingham, are also part of the complex. One of the most convenient and unique features of the Birmingham- Jefferson Convention Complex is that it adjoins the 757-room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. The hotel can accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000. Little Rock city Skyline from the junction bridge across the arkansas river Photo Credit: pabrady63 Skyline view of the city of Birmingham Photo Credit:Steven Frame