Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1194291
B M & T ••• September/October 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17 T he goal of today's convention centers is to provide the same comforting, hospitable yet professional attention that is offered in the hotel setting. Centers are achieving this by undergoing drastic upgrades and reno- vations such as larger and more stylish looking facilities, enhanced food and beverage services, updated cutting-edge technology for meetings and conferences as well as the addi- tion of in-house meeting planners to help through the book- ing process, to name a few. In addition, convention centers are becoming more and more environmentally friendly, resulting in a larger number of green certified facilities. With all the renovations and upgrades many of the convention centers across the country can match top-of-the-line hotels when it comes to fulfilling your group event needs. Choosing the right convention center for your meeting or conference is no simple task. It not only requires that you select a facility that is easily accessible and within close prox- imity to nearby hotels and resorts, but one that also can accommodate the needs of your delegates with top-of-the- line meeting space, amenities, service and support. Here are a few venue possibilities for planners to consider when organizing their next small or mega event. BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT AMERICA'S CENTER Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, the America's Center Convention Complex is home to four distinct meeting facilities under one roof: Cervantes Convention Center, the 67,000-seat Dome at America's Center the St. Louis Executive Conference Center and the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theater. The Cervantes Convention Center offers 502,000 sq. ft. of func- tion space, five exhibit halls, and more than 80 meeting rooms, including a 28,000 sq. ft. ballroom. When your meeting needs dictate lots of space and lots of options, The Dome at America's Center can be easily transformed from exhibition space to field to concert and event venue. The St. Louis Executive Conference Center (ECC) is the ideal place for your next small meeting. With all of the state-of-the-art amenities you'd expect to find within a world-class meeting facility the fully appointed conference suites are designed with your pro- ductive meeting of up to 100 in mind. i STATS Total Exhibit Space: 502,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom: 28,000 sq. ft. Number of Meeting Rooms: 80 Telephone: (800) 325-7962 Website: https://explorestlouis.com CONVENTION CENTER ROUNDUP