Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1459281
MISSISSIPPI MAKING A COMEBACK AS TRAVEL RETRUNS BY BUCK SAMUELS As the Coronavirus lifts, consider this your personal invitation to plan a Mississippi meeting. From the year round mild climate and the state's delicious culi- nary fare, to fantastic golf on some of the country's best courses, a wealth of options for outdoor adventure and the rich heritage and culture, this beautiful state offers an unparalleled experience as a conference location. In a state that Dr. King said was swel- tering in interposition and nullification there remains a strong legacy of African- American Culture and History. Mississippi is located in the Black Belt of the United States, the Southeastern States with 43% of the Nation's African-American Community. Portrayed in film, music and food Mississippi, is rich in heritage and dialectical delights. • • JACKSON • • Jackson affords meeting planners the ability to offer your delegates a host of options through our rich musical heritage, cultural offerings, culinary delights and sporting events, not to mention our friendly people and culinary charm. A growing number of meeting planners looking for state-of-the-art facilities find Jackson full of exceptional service and superb venues while lowering your bot- tom line. Immerse yourself and your attendees in the vibrant renaissance of downtown Jackson. Discover the Jackson Convention Complex, the centerpiece of the Jackson convention district. The facil- ity is equipped with over 330,000 sq. ft. of meeting and conference space, 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 25 meet- ing/conference rooms, 25,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom a 382-seat, state-of-the- art theater, and the latest technology and audiovisual capabilities. Meeting Planners should have no problem booking here for just about any type of confer- ence. At the end of the day, you and your attendees can sleep bliss- fully in some of Jackson's 4,800 hotel rooms. Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Downtown, Hilton Jackson & Conference Center, and the Westin Jackson are some of the city's top choic- es for hotels with meeting space for con- ferences/meetings of various sizes. Jackson Mississippi CVB President/CEO Rickey Thigpen and his team, one of the most diverse in the nation, stand ready to assist you when planning your event in Jackson. Be sure to give him a call. Jackson served as a drum major for many moments in history that had a sig- nificant impact on the scope of America. Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center served as the first public school for African-American stu- dents. It is now the home for thousands of artifacts. The campus of Tougaloo College is recognized as "The Cradle B M & T ••• March/April 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 58 AREA GUIDES M I S S I S S I P P I • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown 186 Hilton Jackson 276 Old Capitol Inn 24 The Westin Jackson 203 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Total Exhibit Space 60,000 sq. ft.. Meeting Rooms 25 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Jackson – (800) 354-9675 www.visitjackson.com Rickey Thigpen