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OFFERS IMPRESSIVE MEETING OPTIONS AT COST EFFECTICVE PRICES B Y C Y N T H I A M O L U S K Consider this your invitation to consid- er Nebraska for your next meeting. Once you're in the Cornhusker State, you'll dis- cover that the Great Plains aren't so plain after all. They're filled with natural beauty, historic landmarks, geologic wonders, vibrant cities and off-the-beaten-path towns. Eastern Nebraska is covered with rugged bluffs, rolling hills, picturesque val- leys and lush vegetation. The Great Plains stretch westward across 75 percent of the state and include rock formations, eroded hills and deep canyons. From the bustling city life of Omaha to the quaint and elegant backdrop of Lincoln, the state of Nebraska is the perfect destina- tion to hold your next special event or occasion. • • • OMAHA • • • Named after a Native American Tribe, Omaha means "Those going against the wind or current." The city proudly contin- ues to live up to its name, ever changing and expanding to meet and set new trends. More than $8 billion is currently being spent on developments, enhance- ments, and modernizations that will help the city provide new experiences to con- vention travelers. This growth includes a $600 million dollar transformational reno- vation of Omaha's airport (OMA). Conveniently located 4 miles from the downtown convention district, OMA offers non-stop service to more than 30 of the nation's busiest airports. At the heart of Omaha's convention district is CHI Health Center Omaha with more than 346,000 square feet of con- vention space and an 18,300-seat arena attached. More than 3,500 hotel rooms in the downtown area and 15,000 throughout Omaha means exceptional hospitality can be found in every corner of the city. Five new properties, including deluxe collec- tions such as Kimpton, Curio and Autograph, have opened or will join Omaha's tourism landscape and provide visitors with access to some of the most unique hotels in the Midwest. From public art displays spread throughout the city to contemporary art centers, award-winning museums, local galleries and hands-on interactive art houses, Omaha's creative spirit is conta- gious so make sure to explore some of the cities rich culture when breaking away from meetings. Whether you prefer a frosty beer, a dry wine or a quirky craft cocktail, Omaha's nightlife scene will serve it up with flair. The birthplace of nationally known artists such as Conor Oberst, the Faint and Cursive, the indie music scene in Omaha continues to grow with venues like The Slowdown and The Waiting Room devot- ed to the growth of innovative music. See the below listings for breweries, dance clubs, karaoke spots, comedy clubs, and more. • • • LINCOLN • • • First of all, Lincoln is easy to get to. And once you're there, it's easy to get around. The city is less than a day's drive from key Midwestern cities like Denver, Omaha, Minneapolis, Des Moines, Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago, and not to mention the airport accepts con- nections from several locations across the U.S. Once inside city limits, the pre- cious time you normally wasted in traffic jams is yours for the using, ideally on rev- olutionary brainstorm sessions or deal- sealing negotiations. Even the city's atmosphere lends itself to productive gatherings: clean, safe, beautiful and full of helpful, interesting citizens who take a special pleasure in welcoming out-of- towners. Local officials also hope conference attendees will occasionally let themselves be distracted from the business at hand. Lincoln's acres of parkland, thriving nightlife/music/arts scene, and delec- table array of palate-pleasing restaurants are sure to keep you from being all work and no play. Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), a business trip to Lincoln will leave your pocketbook impressively unharmed. Located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, Nebraska's Centennial Mall is one of the most frequently photographed and most recognized public places in the state. Countless citizens visit the seven- block public space that connects the State Capitol to the University of Nebraska. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Lincoln CVB – (800) 423-8212 www.lincoln.org B M & T ••• May/June 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 72 AREA GUIDES N E B R A S K A Downtown Omaha • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Omaha 600 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown 414 Omaha Marriott Downtown At The Capitol District 333 Embassy Suites Downtown/Old Market 249 Wyndham Omaha. 221 EXHIBITION FACILITIES CHI Health Center Omaha Total Space 346,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 194,300 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 30,996 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 24 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Omaha – (866) 937-6624 www.visitomaha.com