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B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 59 WHERE CONFERENCE DELEGATES CAN MIX THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH THE BOARDROOM COMES TO LIFE IN SEATTLE B Y C L E T U S R A M S E Y Whether you're a travel agent looking for budget-friendly finds or a meeting planner on the hunt for the next amazing destination to host your client's event, the Emerald City has you covered. There is an assortment of traditional and unique meeting spaces available to all. While here, attendees can meet artisan makers, shop indie boutiques and designer fash- ions, admire priceless works of art, sing their heart out at a karaoke club, explore like a local in the city's diverse neighbor- hoods, and enjoy nature—all without ever having to leave the city. With everything from unrivaled natural beauty and world-class attractions to major sports teams, a thriving arts and culture scene, and beyond, there's always something to do in Seattle. Located in the heart of Seattle, a city resonating with innovative minds and a vibrant arts scene, the Seattle Convention Center is within walking dis- tance of world-class hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and attractions. For over 30 years, the SCC has welcomed thou- sands of visitors from around the globe with industry-leading service, award-win- ning catering and a comprehensive range of services for event planners, exhibitors and guests. With a longstanding commitment to sustainability, public art and modern tech- nology, SCC serves its surrounding com- munity and provides visitors with a truly unique Northwest experience. The SCC Arch is fully equipped for most events with 205,700 sq. ft. of total exhibit space, a 44,628 sq. ft. ballroom and 78 meeting rooms. After work is done conference attendees can explore Seattle's vibrant art scene. It is where they can discover the city's cultured, fun, and playful per- sonality. Seattle has a reputation as one of the greatest arts cities in the world—after all, this is the home of music legends like Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and Pearl Jam. Dancers, artists, musicians, and writers showcase their craft in new and unex- pected ways. Seattle Symphony plays the classics and puts adventurous twists on famous soundtracks. Museums, gal- leries, and nontraditional spaces show- case art from old masters to modern. Pacific Northwest Ballet embraces boundary-pushing choreographers for new dance expressions en pointe. And the city is home to more than 80 theater companies, presenting new work and classic favorites in captivating produc- tions on stage. When you take in all that Seattle's vibrant arts community offers you can glimpse the very soul of the city. From the late nineteenth century, two distinct African American neighborhoods developed in Seattle, in the East Madison area and the Yesler–Jackson area, and these eventually grew together to form the Central District or Central Area. The recently designated Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District celebrates and preserves the heritage of this community through the work of Black businesses, arts, and cultural groups. Seattle's jazz music scene flourished, and the Civil Rights era brought hard-won achievements for the Black community. In recent years, immigrants from many African nations have established vibrant businesses and community organizations in neighborhoods such as First Hill and Southeast Seattle. The Northwest African American Museum explores the history, culture and art of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Arts institutions celebrate the work of educator Thelma Dewitty, poet Langston Hughes, painter Jacob Lawrence, sculptor James Washington, and playwright August Wilson. The lega- cies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and musician Jimi Hendrix, along with many community leaders, are honored in parks throughout the city. AREA GUIDES S E AT T L E • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown 418 Doubletree by Hilton Seattle Airort 850 Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown 282 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Seattle Convention Center Total Space 415,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 237,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 58,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 61 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Seattle – (206) 461-5800 www.visitseattle.org Seattle Convention Center photo credit: Seattle CC