Black Meetings and Tourism

September / October 2022

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SIZE, AFFORDABILITY, CONVENIENCE & CULTURE MAKES HOUSTON A TOP PLANNER'S CHOICE S O L O M O N J . H E R B E R T J R . Choose Houston for your next meet- ing or convention and enjoy state-of-the- art facilities set in a world-class city. From the Super Bowl to the International Quilt Festival to the Offshore Technology Conference, meeting planners and atten- dees recognize Houston as a top destina- tion for major events and successful hap- penings. At 1.2 million usable sq. ft., the George R. Brown Convention Center ranks among the 10 largest convention centers in the nation. Convention-goers in Houston will appreciate the excitement and convenience afforded by the George R. Brown's downtown location. The GRB is flanked by the Toyota Center, home of the Rockets, to the south and Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros, to the north. Connected via two skybridges is the 1,200 room Hilton-Americas and also connecting via skybridge is the 1,000 room Marriot Marquis. NRG Park – one of Houston's top trade show, convention, sports and enter- tainment complexes -- includes NRG Stadium, NRG Center, NRG Arena and NRG Astrodome. The complex encom- passes more than 350 acres and hosts more than 500 events each year. With more than 2 million sq. ft. of total net exhibition/meeting space and 26,000 onsite parking spaces, NRG Park hosts several of the largest conventions and tradeshows each year including the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market, Houston Auto Show and the International Gem & Jewelry Show just to name a few. Whether you're traveling here for busi- ness, looking for an exciting day trip or weekend getaway or embarking on a fam- ily friendly adventure, you'll find there's something for everyone in Houston. The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of the African-American soldier. It houses the largest repository of African- American military history in the world. In fall 2012, the museum moved into its new 23,000-sq. ft. home at the Houston Light Guard Armory in Midtown. The historic armory space is seven-times the museum's previous space, giving the national museum significantly more room for reenactments, exhibits and lectures. The process of relocating the museum took nearly a decade to realize. The 10th cavalry, an all African- American Army unit, was nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers by Cheyenne warriors in 1867 out of respect for their fierce fight- ing ability. Over time, the term Buffalo Soldier was applied to all African- American soldiers. It's the ultimate comfort food. Soul Food is like a combination of Cajun and comfort and everything good in- between. You can expect menu items like Ham hocks, chitterlings, smothered oxtails and mac and cheese, okra and lima beans. But, for soul food, it's not just about the food - it's about family and getting together with friends. Most of the best soul food stops in Houston are run by families who work together to bring the best of the best to your plate. While in town make sure to expe- rience some of Houston's finest eater- ies. Esther's Soul Food and Cajun Cafe, Mikki's Cafe, Kitchen 713, Sweetie Pies and This Is It are all sug- gested. Reach out to Mercedes Williams, associate director, corporate sales, if you are planning to bring your meeting to Houston. She and her team will provide you with all the support you need for a success- ful event. With more than 700 daily departures and 43 million domestic passengers passing through its gates annually, Bush Intercontinental is the largest airport in Houston. B M & T ••• September/October 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 AREA GUIDES H O U S T O N • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS JW Marriott Houston Downtown 328 Hilton Houston North 480 The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa 289 The Whitehall Houston 259 Crowne Plaza Houston Med Center 358 EXHIBITION FACILITIES George R. Brown Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 1.2 Million sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 88 Largest Ballroom 31,500 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Houston – (718) 853-8100 www.visithoustontexas.com Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce www.ghbcc.com Barbados Tourism Authority (800) 221-9831 George R. Brown Convention Center copy photo credit: George R. Brown C.C

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