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B M & T ••• September/October 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 24 MISSOURI It's a state renowned for its natural beauty and unique place in American history with more than 1,000 Civil War bat- tles fought on its soil. African-American history is chronicled at places like the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing just north of St. Louis, The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site where he wrote the ragtime classic The Entertainer and the Old Courthouse in St Louis, site of the famous Dred Scott case. The Gateway Arch symbolized America's westward expansion and the St. Louis Zoo is arguably the nation's best. Known by many as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson has more than 50 live performance theaters, three lakes, a dozen golf courses, a world-renowned theme park and museums. In Springfield everything starts with sports and outdoor recreation. The rolling hills and nearby Ozarks Mountains is fertile ground for fishing, hiking, biking and camping. KANSAS CIT Y This city of rolling hills and beauti- ful scenery on the banks of the Missouri River is known for Jazz, Fountains and Barbecue. From the roaring 20s through the early 40s Jazz reigned in Kansas City. Visit the American Jazz Museum located in the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District to learn more about Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner and others who shaped this era of Jazz. Stop by the Mutual Musicians Foundation on Friday and Saturday for a late-night "Jam Session" from midnight to 6am. The Foundation is the original home of the Black Musicians' Protective Union Local 627 A.F. of M. The building is a National Historic Landmark. Also in the 18th and Vine District next door to the Jazz museum is the Negro League Baseball Museum. Encompassing more than 800,000 sq. ft., the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities can serve all your meeting needs under one roof. The eight-square block convention and special event facility can accommodate every need with 388,800 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space on one floor; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater; an arena that sits more than 10,700 people and a unique outdoor festival plaza. And not only is it all in one location, the complex is connected to major downtown hotels and parking by skywalks and underground walk- ways. Home to the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, Inc., the 85-acre Crown Center is another popular gathering place. The mixed-use community melds residential and office spaces with innovative shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Crown Center Square houses live music performances, the city's only public outdoor ice skating rink and several large fountains. No place says barbecue like Kansas City with over 80 area establishments offering their special flavors on ribs, chicken, pork, sausage and fish. ST. LOUIS When it's time for your next family reunion, think St. Louis! As a centrally located destination, St. Louis is the perfect place for families to gather. In addition to the ease of getting here, there are a number of great hotel packages available that make St. Louis an affordable destination for your reunion. Plus, Forest Park and the abundance of free attractions available let everyone enjoy St. Louis without putting a big dent in their budget. For slightly larger gatherings, The St. Louis Executive Conference Center (ECC) is the ideal place for your next small meet- ing. With all of the state-of-the-art amenities you'd expect to find within a world-class meeting facility, the fully appointed con- ference suites are designed with your productive meeting in mind. And of course, for the really large conventions, America's Minneapolis is the perfect blend of natural beauty, urban sophistication and a thriving business sector. No other American city has a chain of lakes, the mighty Mississippi, and 200 miles of walking/biking trails literally steps from the most vibrant arts and music scene outside New York City To learn more about Minneapolis, visit Minneapolis.org.