Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511108
51 B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com THE NEWLY RENOVATED FORT WORTH IS BECOMING A PREMIER DESTINATION IN TEXAS FOR EVENTS OF ALL SIZES B Y B U C K S A M U E L S The cowboy way of life meets modern culture in Fort Worth, TX. Here, the way of life is most definitely original! This urban oasis is home to several entertain- ment districts (including a walkable downtown), three Texas-size centers and the world's only twice-daily cattle drive. Plus, Fort Worth is making room for even more events with new updates and devel- opments throughout the city. With just a short ride from DFW Airport and the TEXRail (a one-way ticket is only $2.50), getting here is a cinch for your group. It's the Texas meeting you want. Fort Worth is home to a dynamic range of exceptionally unique event venues. From historic Western facilities to stun- ning modern art galleries, in Fort Worth you're sure to find the perfect spot to pro- vide your attendees with an unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of downtown and just 25 minutes from DFW International Airport sits the Fort Worth Convention Center. This stunning venue is equipped with 253,226 sq. ft. of total exhibit space, 58,849 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, ranging from 535 - 6,670 sq. ft., a 28,160 square-foot ballroom, 38 breakout rooms, a Multi-Functional Arena with 10,418 per- manent seats and a 13,000 capacity as well as a 55,000 square-foot Events Plaza that connects to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Fort Worth offers other unique meet- ing spaces to fulfill all event needs. Some venues include Palmwood Events and Conference, Southside Preservation Hall, Main Event Entertainment (both North & South locations), River Ranch Stockyards and SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium to name a few. The African American Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southwestern Region devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultur- al and historical materials. It has one of the largest African American Folk Art col- lections in the US. The Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection, named for a founding board member, has grown to include more than 500 objects. Dr. Warren and Sylvia Lowe of Lafayette, Louisiana, Sally Griffiths and Dr. Bobby Alexander of Dallas, Texas have been major contribu- tors. Pieces from the collection are rotat- ed, twice each year, in the Sam and Ruth Bussey Gallery. The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Fame was cre- ated to give recognition to the outstand- ing pioneers who played a role in settling the early American western frontier. The site also acknowledges individuals that have contributed to the western culture and tradition and play a part in keeping this important piece of American History alive. The museum was founded February 1, 2001 by Fort Worth, Texas, husband and wife team Jim and Gloria Austin to acknowledge the contributions of individ- uals of Hispanic, Native, European, Asian and African decent to the settlement of the Western American Frontier. Conference attendees and leisure travel- ers are encouraged to explore this Fort Worth jewel when time permits. Downtown Sundance Square pro- vides tree-lit sidewalks filled with people on the town, enjoying bars, restaurants, movies and live theaters. In the Stockyards District, there's always plenty of fun brewing in the Western-style saloons and Billy Bob's Texas. Across the city, you'll find national and local acts performing in a wide variety of live music venues - from roadhouses to refined concert halls. AREA GUIDES F O R T W O R T H • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Omni Ft. Worth Hotel 614 Sheraton Ft. Worth Hotel & Spa 429 Hilton Ft. Worth 294 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Forth Worth Convention Center Total Space 53,226 sq. ft. Largest Hall 58,849 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 28,160 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 38 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Fort Worth CVB - 800 433-5747 www.fortworth.com Fort Worth Convention Center photo credit: Wikipedia