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GREAT LAKES STATE OFFERS SUPERB MEETING ENVIRONMENT TOO BY CLETUS RAMSEY Known for its many Great Lakes, Michigan is a premier location for meet- ings of all sizes. Stand anywhere in Michigan and you are within 85 miles of a Great Lake. The state has a combination of a big city environment within Detroit to the great outdoors feel within Grand Rapids. Because Michigan has more pub- lic golf courses than any other state in America, meeting planners can look for- ward to including a round of golf in the itin- erary in just about any region of the state. With 2,478 non-motorized trails, Michigan takes the lead as the #1 trail state in America, offering yet another activity plan- ners can include in any itinerary preparing for a meeting here. Conference attendees can spend a quiet day discovering your own corner of Michigan's 19 million acres of woods, or join the thousands that gath- er for festivals held all summer long cele- brating Michigan's heritage and communi- ty spirit. As travel revs up again and COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted, Michigan is definitely open for meetings and conven- tions. So be sure to check with destina- tion reps for updates on health and safety protocols as you plan your event. • • DETROIT• • Detroit is a city on the upturn; a city ready for what's next. It's a complete- package destination that can make any conference, convention or meeting a suc- cess. The Detroit area is surging with 21st century industries and an influx of entrepreneurs, techies and creatives. Up- and-coming restaurants, a do-it-yourself attitude, new hotels, scenic and social parks, public transit, bike lanes and a walkable international riverfront are redefining Detroit.. Metro Detroit contributes to Michigan's title as the Arsenal of Innovation, with the largest pool of engi- neers and technical professionals in the U.S. And many of these great minds are thinking green — designing, engineering and building lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, windmills and other alternative ener- gy sources. The TCF Center offers convenience, comfort, service reliability and fine food. Overlooking the Detroit River and their international neighbor, Windsor Canada, the facility features 2.4 million sq. ft. of usable space, including 141 meeting rooms, a 40,000-sq. ft. Grand Riverview Ballroom, and 723,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 623,000 of it contigu- ous. With more than 36,000 competitively priced hotel rooms, a meeting in Detroit provides a full menu of accommodations from luxury to boutique hotels and charm- ing inns. Major hotel brands like DoubleTree, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Westin and three top-of-the-line casino hotels are all just minutes away from Cobo Center. Check out the 100 galleries of The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), with a col- lection that is among the top six in the United States. Explore the Detroit Historical Museum across from the DIA with its popular Streets of Detroit show- case. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the only one of its kind in the country. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) for an edgier arts experience. Performing arts offerings include Broadway shows, headliner entertainers, opera, and dance. Conference attendees can learn about Detroit's role in the Underground Railroad as part of the African-American tour. Because of the city's strong African- American heritage, The D was designat- ed the first authenticated African- American Heritage Destination in the world by the Travel Professionals of Color. Detroit's influence stands as strong as the sounds of the Motown Museum, which preserves the birthplace of a musi- cal legacy that moved the world, and there are many more stories throughout The D. History and its makers are show- cased at The Henry Ford. Culture and contributions are celebrated at the Arab American National Museum. From the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to Greektown, Mexicantown and Corktown, you'll find worldwide wonders waiting around every corner. Discover Detroit, America's great comeback city. Associate Director of Sales Sheila Neal and the rest of the team at the Visit Detroit are eager to make your event in the Motor City your best meeting yet! Planning a meeting in Detroit places you close to you and your attendees — only a 90-minute flight from 60 percent of the nation's popu- B M & T ••• July August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 46 AREA GUIDES M I C H I G A N Charles H. Wright Museum photo credit: Detroit Metro CVB