Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1468083
B M & T ••• May/June 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 43 During the last few years, the city completed a $12 million revamp of the eastern stretch of the Riverwalk, extending the scenic, pedestrian-only pathway to 1.25 miles from Lake Street to Lake Shore Drive. This revitalized stretch includes 10,000 sq. ft. of play space, about 150 new trees, and more than 500 public seats along the calm waters of the river. From McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the Western Hemisphere, to one-of-a-kind museums, gardens, and lakeside venues such as famed Navy Pier, you'll find the perfect convention, conference, and special event space in the Windy City. Chicago's wide range of venue types also means that whether you're hosting a convention for tens of thousands or an intimate business meeting for 10, you'll see your vision come to life flawlessly. In addition to 2.6 million sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space, McCormick Place boasts 173 meeting rooms offering 600,000 sq. ft. of space, four ballrooms ranging from 21,000 to 100,000 sq. ft., assembly seating for 18,000 people, a 10,000-seat arena (Wintrust Arena), a 4,192 seat theater (Arie Crown), plus here more theaters seating 300 each. Added to that, Choose Chicago's accomplished Client Services Team is your partner throughout the planning process, ensuring that every detail — from marketing your event to finding just the right vendors — is covered. For more information contact Choose Chicago at (312) 567-8500 or www.choosechicago.com. SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK – CINCINNATI, OH J ohn G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park connects downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River and the existing riverfront parks. A wonder- ful location to view the bustling activity along The Ohio River Trail, and a place to gather and celebrate as a community. The park boasts multiple water play features, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, an imaginative play area for kids, expansive pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann's Carousel. Several historical monuments can be found like the Black Brigade Monument and the recently dedicated Marian Spencer Statue. Nearby you can enjoy the Cincinnati region's national museums and acclaimed attractions. Be inspired at the National Underground Freedom Center or stroll the world's sexiest zoo. Ride the greatest wood- en roller coaster ever built at Kings Island and hold on tight. Cincinnati's attractions often lure attendees before and after the convention... and provide an energizing space to hold a meeting or breakout section. If you're looking for a convention center, a unique off-site meeting space, an exhibi- tion/banquet space, a hotel meeting space, or a restaurant with a private room, Cincinnati's got you covered. Cincinnati USA's Duke Energy Convention Center recently underwent a $135 million renovation to become the Midwest's best-in-class center. Cincinnati can accommodate 75 percent of the existing convention, conference and meetings mar- ket in the United States. Every element of this 750,000-q. ft. facili- ty was designed with the meeting manager in mind. The center features 200,000 contiguous sq. ft. of exhibition space, a 40,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, a 17,400-sq. ft. ballroom to comfortable host smaller groups, 30 deluxe breakout rooms with flexibility to accommodate 24 to 4,100, and a full-service banquet kitchen to accommodate 5,000 served in single seating. Levels: 3, multi-level concourse provides easy access to exhibit space, meeting rooms and ballroom levels. I In Cincinnati USA your hotel is only a short stroll away – that's because there are nearly 3,200 hotel rooms in just three blocks right next to the Duke Energy Convention Center. Seven downtown hotels. And thousands more rooms are a few minutes away throughout Cincinnati USA and on the Kentucky riverfront. For more information contact Jason Dunn, Visit Cincy's Group Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at (513) 632-5369 or jdunn@cincyusa.com Marian Spencer Memorial at Smale Riverfront Park Chicago Riverwalk