Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498279
B M & T ••• May/June 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 49 T exas. It's 267,000 square miles of amazing opportunities and unforgettable destinations. Find that perfect vacation spot for a client or an inspirational location for your next meeting or conven- tion. Big business or big fun, there's no place like the Lone Star State. From the state's bustling urban centers, with world-class attractions, hotels, dining and shopping, to a more relaxed small-town country inn or a luxurious golf resort, you'll find what you're looking for in Texas. No matter if you're here for business, leisure or a little of both. Texas is renowned not only for its tremendous size, but also for its magnificent museums, significant arts influences and momentous his- tory. Conference attendees are encouraged to explore these landmarks and learn about the state's rich history. Cultural diversity, fed by waves of immigration from around the world, make modern-day Texas a great place for your client to get out of their comfort zone. One of The Lone Star State's most popular features is its abundance in spacious ranches. These are yet another option for planners to explore when choosing a unique meeting space. Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World®, the town of Bandera and the surrounding hills encompass about a dozen ranches that give guests an authentic taste of the cowboy lifestyle. ccc ABILENE ccc Abilene is big on what matters: history, culture, innova- tion, and West Texas hospitality. Make a little time to stay and play, to see and feel authentic Texas, and do things you can't find anywhere else. After all, Abilene owns bragging rights as the Storybook Capital of America. Plot your adventure today. Your complete meeting and event headquarters is the Abilene Convention Center! Book your next event at this outstanding complex. The Convention Center hosts con- ventions, arts and crafts shows, banquets, special events, concerts and theatrical performances. The venue is equipped with 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 13,394 square foot banquet hall divisible into 2 or 4 meeting rooms. Other meeting and event venues available in the Abilene area include The 201 Mesquite Event Center, The Paramount Theatre, The Abilene Country Club and The Grove at Denton Valley. Conference delegates can enjoy fresh air and outdoor activities as part of their next meeting or special event in Abilene. Some of the unique outdoor event spaces available for usage include The Mill Wine Bar & Event Center, Perini Ranch Steakhouse, The Windsor and The Back Porch of Texas. Toss axes like a Viking hero. Savor an enticing plethora of flavors on an indulgent food tour. Dance the night away at an energetic nightclub or enjoy the upscale ambiance of a chic bar as you sip on craft cocktails. This is what a typical day could look like when you visit Abilene's hip and happening downtown area, where you'll come across a host of one-of-a-kind restau- rants and trendy bars, breweries, and clubs. BY RUFUS MCKINNEY Abilene Conention Center confrence room T E X A S G O L D S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N TEXAS GOLD SPECIAL ADVERTISING