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B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 53 AREA GUIDES H O U S T O N WITH A VERY WALKABLE DOWNTOWN "THE BAYOU CITY" SERVES AS A CONVENIENT DESTINATION FOR CONFERENCES B Y B U C K S A M U E L S Choose Houston for your next meet- ing or convention and enjoy state-of-the- art facilities set in a world-class city. From the Super Bowl to the International Quilt Festival to the Offshore Technology Conference, meeting planners and atten- dees recognize Houston as a top destina- tion for major events and successful hap- penings. At 1.2 million usable square feet, the George R. Brown Convention Center ranks among the 10 largest convention centers in the nation. Convention-goers in Houston will appreciate the excitement and convenience afforded by the George R. Brown's downtown location. The GRB is flanked by the Toyota Center, home of the Rockets, to the south and Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros, to the north. Connected via two skybridges is the 1,200 room Hilton- Americas. In 2017 the 1,000 room Marriot Marquis was added to the collec- tion and also connects via skybridge. NRG Park, Houston's top trade show, convention, sports and entertain- ment complex includes NRG Stadium, NRG Center, NRG Arena. and NRG Astrodome. The complex encompass- es more than 350 acres and hosts more than 500 events each year. With more than 2 million square feet of total net exhibition/meeting space and 26,000 onsite parking spaces, NRG Park hosts several of the largest conventions and tradeshows each year including the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market, Houston Auto Show, International Gem & Jewelry Show, Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Build Expo, and Sysco Food Show. Housing conference attendees in this destination wont be an issue. Visitors will find a wide variety of accommodations, price points and convenient locations throughout the Greater Houston area. From large, luxury hotels and intimate, boutique properties to bed and break- fasts and extended stay options travelers coming for leisure or business will have their needs met. After a day of meetings, conference attendees will want to check out some of what makes Houston this amazing desti- nation everyone is ranting about. America's fourth-largest city is a cosmo- politan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum District or head down to Space Center Houston. Later on, grab a bite in one of dozens of award-winning restau- rants, or hang out with the cool kids on Washington Avenue. There's always something to do in this Southern hospital- ity meets urban chic city. Black history is layered throughout Houston — you just have to be open to exploring. In a city lauded for its cultural diversity, it should come as no surprise that Houston neighborhoods provide sto- ried pockets that explore African American's plight, perseverance, and pro- gression throughout history. From green spaces rooted in Emancipation celebra- tions to arts venues that fostered sounds of soul, these Houston African American landmarks are a must-visit during Black History Month and beyond. Guests can tour three historic struc- tures including the 1847 Kellum-Noble House, 1870 Jack Yates House, and the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage. Tour guides will demonstrate the contrast of the lives of African-Americans living in Houston before and after the Civil War. New research conducted on the 1847 Kellum-Noble House has revealed the names of several enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked on the property. The history of this home discusses urban slavery in Houston, whereas the Yates House and Fourth Ward Cottage tell about life after Emancipation in the community known as Freedmen's Town established by African-Americans. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton-Americas 1,200 Marriot Marquis 1,000 Embassy Suites Houston Downtown 262 EXHIBITION FACILITIES George R. Brown Convention Center Total Space 550,136 sq. ft. Largest Hall 220,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 31,500 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 88 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Houston – (800) 853-8100 George R. Brown Convention Center photo credit: GRBCC