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the U.S. population is within a one-day drive of Dayton and it's a 90-minute flight for 55% of the U.S. population. Dayton also offers big-city amenities without the high cost of larger markets. You're guaranteed a successful event with Dayton's location and affordability! Dayton features a wide variety of venues to suit any meet- ing, reunion or event. From the 150,000 sq. ft. ASM Global- managed Dayton Convention Center, and unique settings like the historic Dayton Art Institute or "dinner under the wings" at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, to facil- ities that host a wide range of sporting events … you'll find a location that's a perfect fit. The Dayton Convention Center (DCC) is the region's pre- mier mid-sized event facility conveniently located right in the heart of downtown Dayton. The 150,000 sq. ft. Dayton Convention Center offers 68,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhi- bition space and 21 meeting rooms including a 672-seat, full stage theater. The user-friendly, open three-story floor plan can host 322 10x10 booths or 3,000 people for banquets. The Center is connected by a skywalk to the 1,500-space Oregon District Parking Garage. Dayton offers a wide assortment of unique venues beyond the primary large meeting venues that will dazzle your event attendees. Your group can sit amid artwork masterpieces at the stunning Dayton Art Institute, next to luxurious Packard automobiles at the Citizens Motor Car Company, or on the lush lawns and flower strewn areas at Cox Arboretum. Unique. Memorable. Dayton's Got it. From iconic music venues to intimate clubs, Dayton & Montgomery County has it all. You can catch your favorite chart-topping artists, discover up-and-coming talents, or enjoy the sounds of local musicians who are making waves in the industry. TOLEDO You can feel the excitement in the air with the revitalization taking place in the Toledo region. The Hensville Entertainment District, Promenade Park, and the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area are accented with live music every night of the week. There's a wide variety of locally-owned restaurants throughout the city that will make for a unique and enjoyable event! Where else can you enjoy a hands-on glass blowing demonstration, a team-building aerial adventure course over an African savannah, and end with a sunset cruise on the scenic Maumee River? Experience a renovated Glass City Center, a variety of unique meeting venues, and many new and renovated hotels. WISCONSIN Whether you're planning for a conference, going to the world's largest music festival or attending a performing arts event, you'll feel right at home while making unforgettable memories. The Badger State can accommodate all traveler needs whether for busi- ness or pleasure. The Milwaukee and Green Bay des- tinations provide plenty of meeting venues and lodg- ing suitable for any size group. Equal parts fun and spirit with a dash of quirki- ness, events in Wisconsin are memories in the mak- ing. With a combination of suitable meeting venues and the roof-raising live music, craft food festivals, high-flying air shows, and more – the state's got something for everyone, and everyone's welcome. The sense of community runs deep, and visitors don't just sit on the sidelines. MILWAUKEE The Midwest's Coolest City. America's Best-Kept Secret. An Emerging City for Meetings and Event Destinations. National Geographic: Best of the World 2023. These are just some of the headlines touting Milwaukee. No longer a city on the rise, Milwaukee has arrived as a major events destination. And a top events destination deserves a world-class convention center. Opening in May 2024, the newly expanded Baird Center doubles the convention center space to total more than 1.3 million square feet and will consist of 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, a brand new 100,000 square foot ballroom with meeting space as well as 52 breakout spaces with 11 ballroom space divisions. Exceeding all convention center expectations, the renovated center will be able to host multiple events simultaneously and offer flexible space arrangements to meet planners' and attendees' needs. The Baird Center is part of the Wisconsin Center District, which includes the Miller High Life Theater and the UW Panther Arena. Designed with meeting planners' input and featur- ing 189,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Baird Center offers the ultimate in versatility, functionality, and style. Centrally located in the heart of downtown, the center is connected by skywalk to more than 1,300 hotel rooms at the Hilton Milwaukee, the Hyatt Downtown Dayton in the late evening B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 31