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•Pg_65-78__BMT_pg86-162 6/22/13 12:47 AM Page 74 AREA GUIDES LONG BEACH THE CITY BY THE SEA OFFERS PLANNERS SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Long Beach is where the action begins and the fun never ends. From the regal Queen Mary and spectacular Aquarium of the Pacific to stirring Broadway shows, live music venues and hundreds of exclusive dining destinations – all centrally located. Airport-close, a brief and pleasant cruise away from Catalina Island and a short distance from Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and everything Southern California has to offer – Long Beach is the perfect destination! Long Beach simply knows what it takes to host some of the world's most prestigious organizations, such as the Olympic Swim Trials, and win accolades and awards from meeting planners and associations across the globe for hosting record-breaking conferences and events year after year. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center offers more than 400,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space, with new wiring for the latest technology as well as wireless capability. There are two VIP lounges, a full-service concierge/restaurant reservation desk, hospitality catering and an on-site audio/visual supplier. With 34 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom, three dynamic Exhibition Halls, Long Beach Arena and the Terrace Theater, the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is ideal for all types of special events, conventions and tradeshows and is within walking distance to everything. Long Beach offers some of the finest lodging options for planners to pick from allowing for a wide selection of hotels that each have their own unique feel and environment. Three hundred and ninety-eight elegantly appointed rooms, exceptional service, international flair and ambiance are hallmarks of the Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center. The Hilton Long Beach hotel, located in downtown Long Beach, is conveniently located adjacent to the World Trade Center and just a 74 Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach few short blocks to the Long Beach Convention Center. Equipped with 216 rooms the Courtyard by Marriott is located in the heart of downtown and is within walking distance to the Convention Center, Pine Avenue, Shoreline Village, and Pike attractions. Other hotels in the Long Beach area to pick from include the 314 room Queen Mary, the 469 room Westin Long Beach as well as the 374 room Renaissance Long Beach Hotel. While in Long Beach, conference attendees are encouraged to explore this beautiful Southern California destination taking in all the sun and interesting attractions. This city is one giant playground located right in the heart of Southern California. Here you can experience it all from a voyage in time aboard the historic Queen Mary to lively guided tours through downtown and the colorful East Village. Within an hour's drive, you can explore the fabulous worlds of Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and every major Southern California attraction. Take a journey of discovery through the world's largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Meet more than 11,000 animals in over 50 exhibits as you explore sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Aquarium Of The Pacific also accommodates smaller meetings and/or gatherings for those planners looking to use a B M & T ••• May/June 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Long Beach CVB more unique venue for their event. The facility has a banquet capacity of 1,800 along with indoor and outdoor areas to accommodate from 50 to 1,800. The theater accommodates up to 170 and there is an outdoor meeting facility as well as on site catering. Long Beach Airport is the most convenient center for air travel into the Los Angeles/Orange County area. Offering several daily flights on Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways. Delta and US Airways this airport serves as a valuable tool in smooth stress free business trips. • • STATS • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center 398 Westin Long Beach 469 Renaissance Long Beach Hotel 374 Courtyard by Marriott 216 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center Total Meeting/Exhibit Space 400,000 sq. ft. Largest Exhibit Hall 224,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 20,456 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 34 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Long Beach Area CVB (562) 436-3645 (800) 452-7829 www.visitlongbeach.com