Black Meetings and Tourism

November/December 2021

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B M & T ••• November/December 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 WISCONSIN CENTER EXPANSION AT TOP OF AGEND A BY BUCK SAMUELS Nestled along a magnificent bluff over- looking one of Lake Michigan's most beautiful bays, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and the 22nd-largest nationwide. The city is known for its cleanliness and safety. Heralded as the "City of Festivals," Milwaukee celebrates its melting-pot heritage throughout the year with a delightful procession of ethnic and cultural events. Because of its diver- sity socially and in the business setting the city provides a comfortable atmos- phere for meetings of all sizes and types. Milwaukee offers meeting planners some of the most hospitable venues to hold meetings both indoors and out- doors. Designed with meeting planner input and located in the heart of down- town Milwaukee, the 300,000-sq. ft. Wisconsin Center convention space offers the ultimate in versatility, function- ality, and style. But planners deserve more. More space for larger and simultaneous events. More flexible areas to accommo- date events of all scales. More access for loading and unloading. More modern facilities to inspire innovation. Building on Milwaukee's momentum and meeting the growing demand, convention center expansion has become an imperative. With the help of city leaders, expansion will move from imperative to reality So for planners who did not or could not consider Milwaukee before, this is the time to give the Wisconsin Center a sec- ond look. . Plans include adding: 188,700 sq. ft. of exhibit space (for a total of 300,000 sq. ft.); 32,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space (for a total of 69,500 sq. ft.); and 39,600 sq. ft. of meeting room space (for a total of 75,100 sq. ft.). The convention facilities here are a perfect selection for any meeting planner looking for a safe and interesting city in which to host their next event. Located in the heart of the city, blocks from the RiverWalk, shopping, retail, and hotels, there's no need for a taxi. Just a short walk will also take visitors to the lake- front, art museum and many other popu- lar attractions. The "City of Festivals" two major full-service convention hotels, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center (729 rooms) and the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee (481 rooms) are just a skywalk away from the adjoined Wisconsin Center. The two hotels have a combined total of 38 meeting rooms. They join upscale bou- tique hotels and value-priced offerings to round out a full range of accommoda- tions to choose from in Milwaukee. Some other hotels guests can choose from within a half-mile distance from the convention center are Aloft Hotel Downtown Milwaukee, Courtyard by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown, Double- tree by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown, as well as the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - Milwaukee Downtown. Milwaukee's African American com- munity is constantly growing with gal- leries, coffee shops, clothing stores, lounges, and new businesses every day, many of them located in the Historic King Drive Business District. This vibrant com- munity has much to offer any visitor. With so much to do, experience, explore and enjoy, a trip to Milwaukee is fun for conference attendees as well as the whole family. Discover the places and activities that make this city unique with the Milwaukee Bucket List itinerary. Work off the wiggles with outdoor adventures. Listen to live music at one of this city's many festivals. And find lots of ways to spend time with your kids without spending a fortune with the fam- ily friendly activities. General Mitchell International Airport and the surrounding neighborhoods are the "Gateway to Milwaukee." This Gateway district is a great location for value-minded travelers and families on a budget. Milwaukee – make your next meeting happen here. AREA GUIDES M I LWA U K E E • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Milwaukee City Center 729 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 500 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee 481 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 243 Milwaukee Marriott Downtown 205 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Wisconsin Center Total Exhibit Space 300,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 52 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Milwaukee https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/ (800) 554-1448 African American Chamber of Commerchttps://aaccmke.org/ Aerial view of Milwaukee City Skyline Photo Credit: JMKE Photography

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