Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507211
B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 Detroit offers nonstop flights to 150 destinations in the world. And when talking about what's happening once on the ground, the area — it's called the Motor City, by the way — is known for having one of the most efficient road systems around. GRAND RIPIDS Why meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan? Because Grand Rapids is a destination crafted for meetings. All the elements come together here to offer meeting planners and attendees a one-of-a-kind experience. That includes an unprecedented level of cooperation between the public, private and nonprof- it sectors to support your event. The entire community is invested in your success! Detroit provides a convention center with 162,000 sq. ft., an exhibit hall, a 40,000 sq. ft. ballroom and 26 meeting rooms. 3 hotels totaling 1,200+ rooms are connected to the convention center by skywalk. 11 additional downtown hotels offer 1,300+ rooms. Hundreds more hotels and meeting spaces throughout Kent County give you additional planning flexibility. KALAMAZOO If you're looking for an inspired and productive meeting venue, it helps to start with an equally inspiring location! From conventions and seminars to car shows and competitive sporting events, Kalamazoo offers meeting planners a thoughtful mix of tools for both business and pleasure. Discover Kalamazoo has expert planners ready to help you find your perfect venue and make your planning hassle- free. True hospitality is second nature here as they work to create a custom, memorable experience for you and your attendees. Situated midway between Chicago and Detroit via I-94, or an hour from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the West, Kalamazoo is an ideal location for your next meeting. LANSING Location for your next big event can mean absolutely everything. From the amenities you need to all the extras attendees demand, there is no better choice than Greater Lansing. The state-of-the-art Lansing Center is located in the heart of Lansing's entertainment district and features panoramic views of the scenic downtown area. Situated among beautiful rain gardens and fountains along Michigan Avenue, Mid- Downtown Lansing Michigan's premier meeting and banquet location has over 175,000 sq. ft. of contemporary space including nearly 72,000 sq.ft. of column- free exhibit halls and 20 breakout rooms. Located on the banks of the Grand River, it is conveniently connected to abundant parking options and the Radisson Hotel via a covered pedway. MINNESOTA Sometimes the magic of the moment is hard to put into words, and the memory gets more extraordinary each time it's shared. Business and Leisure Travel — especially in Minnesota — has a way of creat- ing those larger-than-life moments and memories. Meeting Planners looking to prepare a business retreat in one of the quaint towns indulging in the picturesque scenery and small town vibes or plan a large full-scale conference in Minneapolis or St. Paul, the state of Minnesota is your home away from home when it comes to top-level hospitality. Business and leisure travelers can explore the prairie at a state park or enjoy cosmopolitan culture and fun attractions in the Twin Cities—however your guests like to travel, they'll find an accessible way to do so in Minnesota. MINNEAPOLIS If you're looking to plan the ultimate group tour, look no further. Minneapolis should be your destination of choice. In The City of Lakes, you'll never be far from where you need to be – literally. This compact city is easy to get to and easy to get around. Just steps from theater venues, breweries, sports stadiums, concert halls, award-winning restaurants, cocktail bars … your delegates will always be right in the middle of the action. Plus, the hotels are taking extra precautions to ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable stay. The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is prepared and excited to welcome guests to the largest convention center in the Upper Midwest. What kind of space? Well, for starters: 1.6 million square feet of space including a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms, a 28,000-square-foot Four Seasons, Minneapolis