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VERMONT Vermont's meeting and convention facilities are adept at hosting everything from the scale of a national governors' con- ference to an intimate retreat for the key staff of a small busi- ness. From urban sophistication to 4 season resorts and bucolic retreats the state is well equipped with sufficient meeting space to satisfy your meeting needs. The Vermont African American Heritage Trail shares the remarkable stories of African Americans who have made Vermont their home since the time of the Revolutionary War. Seven museums located throughout the state share the stories of the first state constitution to outlaw slavery, of early Abolitionists, of citizens who provided aid to fugitive slaves, and of Vermont's early African Americans who lived and worked and made a difference in Vermont, the Nation, and overseas. WASHINGTON DC Designing an event experience that exceeds the expectations of planners and leaves a lasting impression is something you will find in Washington DC. Among DC's inspirational ingredi- ents are LEED-certified meetings spaces, tech-friendly venues, captivating museums and memorials, and a Michelin-starred restaurant scene, bringing a unique and memorable experience to any event. With a prime location in the heart of downtown, the world- class Walter E. Washington Convention Center is as functional as it is artistically impressive. The 2.3-million-square-foot space hosts meetings, conventions and events of every kind, from medical industry annual meetings to comic book-inspired expos and board retreats. You can mold all 703,000 square feet of exhibition space inside the convention center into whatever shape you need. Within its two levels and five exhibit halls is a 473,000-square- foot exhibit hall that can be subdivided into three rooms, 198,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 52,000-square- foot ballroom and 77 breakout rooms. The space is versatile enough to accommodate events of all sizes. The District is home to more than 130 hotel properties, most of which feature meeting space. If location is important to your group, check out the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, the only property directly connected to the convention center. Or, if you prefer to meet among embassies and art galleries, check out The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. The city is full of historic places, but U Street stands out for its unique position as a heart of DC culture, both past and pres- ent. The neighborhood began to build up toward the end of the 1800s. While it was primarily residential at the outset, it soon developed into an epicenter of African-American life in the first half of the 20th century – one of the most exciting areas in the country for the celebration of black culture. If this sampling of Northeastern destinations makes you hungry to learn more, the state tourism offices listed with this article have lots of information to help get your meeting, incen- tive trip or reunion plans started. GETTING IN TOUCH Connecticut Office of Tourism (888) CT-VISIT ctvisit.com Delaware Tourism Office (866) 284-7483 visitdelaware.com Maine Office of Tourism (888) 624-6345 visitmaine.com Maryland Office of Tourism (866) 639-3526 visitmaryland.org Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (800) 227-MASS massvacation.com New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (603) 271-2665 visitnh.gov New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (800) VISIT-NJ visitnj.org New York State Department of Economic Development (800) CALL-NYS iloveny.com Visit Pennsylvania (800) VISIT-PA visitpa.com Rhode Island Tourism Division (800) 556-2484 visitrhodeisland.com Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (800) VERMONT vermontvacation.com Destination DC (202) 789-7000 washington.org 29 B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Vermont-Folklife Center Naional Musuem AA history Washington DC