Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498279
during the Civil War. Conference atten- dees are encouraged to explore these historical sites and the many others in the St. Louis area. 'THE LOU' really does HAVE EVERY- THING YOU NEED to have the most comfortable and memorable meeting experience in years to come. • • • KANSAS CITY • • • With a renewed momentum, Kansas City is on the move, and there's no slow- ing down anytime soon. Hold your meet- ing at innovative and flexible venues, including the 800,000-square-foot con- vention center. Stay in style at new and renovated hotels offering more than 36,000 rooms throughout the metro area. Get together and come see why the center of the country is becoming the center of attention. An all-new air travel journey has arrived in Kansas City. The new single ter- minal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) represents a total transfor- mation of Kansas City's passenger expe- rience. Travelers arriving to and departing from the Heart of America will be met with upgraded technology, a long list of locally inspired amenities and convenient gate access. In the heart of Downtown Kansas City, another major transportation upgrade will connect convention attendees to more of KC's neighborhoods, lodging options and entertainment districts. A significant expansion to the KC Streetcar is now underway following a funding announce- ment earlier this year. Steps from the KC Streetcar and in the heart of Downtown Kansas City's convention district, a series of recent hotel additions and major upgrades offer new amenities and immediate access to the Kansas City Convention Center. The Marriott completed a $40 million guest room renovation in 2019 inside both the Marriott and Muehlebach tow- ers. The renovation included a complete redesign of all 970 guest rooms to feature highly functional, technologically advanced amenities, such as a computer- friendly work desk, charging and USB out- let options, high speed internet and more. Opened in June 2020, the Loews Kansas City Hotel includes 800 gue- strooms, a gleaming lobby bar with floor- to-ceiling views of the KC skyline, a sig- nature restaurant serving upscale Midwestern fare, an indoor lap pool and 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, all connected directly to the Kansas City Convention Center via enclosed skywalk. Encompassing more than 800,000 square feet, the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities can serve all your meeting needs under one roof. The eight-square block convention and spe- cial event facility can accommodate every need with 388,800 square feet of col- umn-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 walkways. The facility boasts 388,800 square feet of contiguous column-free exhibit space and another 55,000 square feet of space on two levels. One of America's largest green ballrooms—the 46,484- square-foot Grand Ballroom—is certified LEED Silver, boasting waterless plumb- ing, energy-efficient heating & cooling and one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. The African-American contribution to the fame and fortune of Kansas City is indelible. The storied Kansas City Monarchs won more championships than any sports team in Kansas City history. Explore the history of the Negro Leagues, and the men who made them famous, at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. As history tells us, legendary musicians of the area often engaged in nightlong jam sessions. That tradition continues today at the Mutual Musicians Foundation located in the historic 18th & Vine District. One of the greats of jazz, Charlie "Bird" Parker, was born in Kansas City, Kan. He has been immortal- ized by world-renowned sculptor Robert Graham. The sculpture is located on the grounds of the American Jazz Museum. B M & T ••• May/June 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 71 AREA GUIDES Negro-Leagues-Baseball-Museum • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Downtown Marriott Kansas City 983 Loews Kansas City Hotel 800 Hilton President Kansas City 453 Crowne Plaza Hotel Kansas City Downtown 800 DoubleTree by Hilton Kansas City – Overland Park 356 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Kansas City Convention Center Total Space 388,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 46,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 65,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 48 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit KC – (800) 767-7700 www.visitkc.com/meetings photo credit: Kansas City C.C