Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_29-39__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 8:39 PM Page 34 Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center FORT LAUDERDALE, WORLD-CLASS MEETINGS, SUN, SURF & SHOPPING Long one of America's premiere meeting destinations, Fort Lauderdale is also famous for its beaches, arts, culture and events. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront, this has become a meeting destination of choice for AfricanAmericans. Just two miles north of Port Everglades, you can experience a landscaped beachfront promenade, with its signature white wave wall and brick paved path. Across the street, visit luxury hotels, and enjoy shopping or dining on a 90minute amphibious tour of quaint Las Olas Boulevard, historical districts, and the mansions and yachts dotting Millionaires Row. And speaking of Port Everglades, this is the perfect opportunity for meeting planners to add a little work at sea to their schedules or, an end-of-event cruise. Port Everglades is home base to several cruises lines that will take you and your members to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal or across the Atlantic. With an average year-round temperature of 77 degrees and activities galore there is no such thing as a bad time in Fort Lauderdale. The rich multicultural feel is a big draw for AfricanAmerican and Caribbean travelers alike. The African American Research Library and Cultural Center or the Old Dillard Museum, both are great places to begin a cultural excursion. Lets not forget the Seminoles are an important peace of the fabric that makes up this region. Learn about the Seminole Tribe at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. 34 If your travels take you to the city in mid-March, check out the Annual Jazz in the Gardens. This year's event hosted by radio personality Michael Baisden drew over 63,000 people from the United States and Europe. Performers included; NeYo, Earth Wind & Fire and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Fort Lauderdale is a beacon for African-American family reunions. It's a tradition dating back to Emancipation. Today those reunions take on an international flavor due in large measure to the city's proximity to the Caribbean and others from the African Diaspora. It's recommended that you begin planning any family reunion 18 to 24 months in advance. For a little nightlife and gaming, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Hollywood is just moments away. Former NBA great Alonzo Mourning holds his "Zo's Summer Groove" here in mid-July. Previous performers include D. L. Hughley and Dave Chapelle. The 100 Black Men of America, The National Baptist Sunday School Conference, The National Black Accountants, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World along with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, The Airport Minority Advisory Conference, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the National Black Child Welfare Institute have held events in Fort Lauderdale recently, and many are repeat customers who have fostered long-term relationships with Fort Lauderdale. The National Urban League recently announced plans to hold their 2015 Annual Conference in the greater Fort Lauderdale area. The 600,000-sq. ft. Gold LEED certified Broward County Convention Center is the premiere gathering spot for large or small events. This facility features high-tech meeting and exhibit space, five-star food service, an Internet café and elegant banquet rooms. This three-level facility nestled on the Intracoastal Waterway is surrounded by six hotel properties known as the Lauderdale Convention Collection. In total, there are 2,700 rooms within 1.5 miles of the Broward County Convention Center, many with beach or Intracoastal views. Getting to Fort Lauderdale couldn't be easier. All the major carriers fly into the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The airport is approximately three miles from all the top attractions and you can actually see the cruises ships docked at Port Everglades from the airport or your window seat on the plane. For more information, contact Albert Tucker at (954) 767-2456, atucker@broward.org or visit sunny.org/multicultural. B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com