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20 B M & T ••• January/February 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com walkable destination within a 5-hour drive for 25% of the country is more than enough incentive to consider hold- ing your next event in 'The Hartford of The West'. Des Moines has the downtown Iowa Events Center - a unique combination of three venues: Wells Fargo Arena, Hy- Vee Hall and Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. All told, these clean, state-of-the- art facilities provide 226,000 square feet of total space, 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 meeting rooms and an arena that seats over 17,000. All anchored by a 330-room Hilton convention hotel. The Special Events Building is located just to the east of the Clive Aquatic Center, sharing the parking lot. It has out- side seating and a view of the scenic pond with fountains. A perfect venue for small get-togethers, parties, or meetings. The building includes a small kitchenette with serving counter, refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, and sink. The rental comes with the use of tables and chairs. This facility will accommodate 100 people when tables and chairs are used. When tables and chairs are stored, occu- pancy limits will allow for standing capacity of 205 people. Are you looking for something more unconventional? This destination can host your event in a garden, a museum, a farm, a fairground, a reality TV salvage shop or any number of architectural masterpieces. Whether hosting a group of four or 4,000, Des Moines can accom- modate just about any group size with- out breaking the bank. After a day of work conference atten- dees can catch neighborhood hangouts, upscale wine bars, dance clubs, sports bars, and breweries. With 50+ bars in downtown Des Moines it's easy to kick back with associates. Find a favorite hotspot, things to do every night, and smoke-free establishments. Visitors can dance the night away, enjoy the live music or pass the boot at Hssen Haus. Check out the Beer Genius at El Bait Shop or an Iowa Craft beer at The Iowa Taproom. Greater Des Moines bars and nightlife offers drink specials, laid back scenes, or the party you're looking for. EAST POINT, GA East Point Georgia is known as a pre- mier travel destination of "Where the World Meets." This city is vibrant with culinary pleasures, rich with history and spirited culture that captivates visitors from around the world. The city's small town vibe mixed with that rich southern hospitality makes for the perfect destination to hold events from weddings and family reunions to company retreats and full scale confer- ences. What ever your meeting planning desires might be, East Point has you cov- ered. Georgia's newest and second largest convention center, the Georgia International Convention Center is uniquely positioned to offer its guests and clients unprecedented convenience. The world's only convention center directly connected to a major airport, this modern facility embodies the grace and efficiency of flight itself. Located only 10 minutes from downtown Atlanta, the GICC features 150,000 feet of exhibit space, largest ballroom in Metro Atlanta, and one of Georgia's pre- mier culinary centers. The Gateway Center campus is com- prised of the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), the Gateway Center Arena, six hotels (two of which came online in 2023), a Class-A office building as well as a BMW Training Center, along with multiple dining options. All connected by the ATL SkyTrain, a complimentary 2- minute ride to and from the airport and the Centralized Rental Car Center (Con-RAC.) After business is complete delegates are encouraged to explore East Point and the surrounding Atlanta areas rich African-American historic sites and businesses. The APEX Museum is the oldest Black History Museum located in the city of Atlanta. It was founded in 1978 by veteran filmmaker Dan Moore Sr., who was inspired by the life of Dr. Benjamin Mays. Over 65,000 individu- als visit the APEX Museum from all 50 states as well as 50 foreign countries. The museum maintains a diverse and educating display by routinely chang- ing its exhibits on a quarterly schedule and is the only museum in Metropolitan Atlanta solely dedicated to telling the rich and often untold story of people of the African Diaspora. Funded by The Tulsa Real Estate Fund (TREF), the first 100 percent Black-owned Tier 2 Real Estate Crowd Fund in Atlanta, The Legacy Center was the first acquisition of TREF with a mis- sion to enhance the individual lives and circle commerce in our community by providing affordable access to capital, real estate curriculum, financial literacy Dining out in East Point