Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1515188
24 B M & T ••• January/February 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com JACKSON, MS A growing number of meeting planners looking for state- of-the-art facilities find Jackson full of exceptional service and superb venues while lowering their bottom line. The massive Jackson Convention Complex showcases state-of-the-art tech- nology, a 382-seat theater and over 330,000 square feet of prime meeting and exhibit space. The structure features a crystalline folding glass façade, and includes a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 25,000-square-foot carpeted ballroom, ten meeting rooms, 33,000 square feet of carpeted pre-function lobby and registration space, and an outdoor patio overlooking downtown Jackson. This city's vast culinary offerings, music, literature and art, museums, and historical sites - many of which help shape the culture of the United States - are only a few reflections of the soul of Jackson, Mississippi. The list of things your delegates and their families can delve into here are endless. Public art gives a human element to the Jackson cityscape, connecting those that walk its streets. Creativity is on display through various murals and sculptures. Take the family to explore the artistic excellence the city's art museums have on display. Pearl River Glass Studio—nearly 50 years in the mak- ing—specializes in stained class applications both big and small. Wolfe Studio showcases paintings, prints, and colorful ceramic birds and animals by Elizabeth (Bebe) Wolfe. The Mississippi Museum of Art exhibits the state's largest art col- lection, as well as rotating exhibitions featuring nationally known artists. From the proud legacy of Medgar Evers to the powerful present-day retelling in Jackson museums, the history of the movement is here. Jackson served as a drum major for many moments in history that had a significant impact on the scope of America. Conference attendees and their families can explore these events and the people who made them happen at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and the Farish Street Historic District. From live concerts to historic music markers and record shops, the City With Soul has a plethora to do to celebrate Mississippi's storied musical heritage. The Central Blues Mississippi Society's Blue Monday is hosted at Hal & Mal's every Monday night to celebrate the blues. Catch local, region- al and national bands performing weekly at Duling Hall or Jackson Convention Complex TAMPA BAY, FL A family that plunders together stays together! The per- fect getaway, coupling family time with business, is a blend of work and play – and Tampa Bay boasts some of the largest, most hospitable event facilities and lodging options in the country as well as being home to some of the finest theme parks and water activities in the region. In Tampa it's the perfect union of exhilaration with relax- ation, creating something the locals like to call The Tampa Bay Effect. This dynamic destination is home to a community that celebrates everyone, and all are welcomed, appreciated, and respected for whom they are, regardless of their unique backgrounds making it the perfect destination to bring your whole family to. With its combination of accessibility, affordability and amenities, Tampa Bay is the perfect place to unlock the potential of your next meeting. With a host of unique dining experiences, leisure and recreational choices and venues like no other, there is much to discover. Now meetings at the waterfront Tampa Convention Center are even more scenic — with the completion of 18 new meeting rooms overlooking the water. Spanning two levels, the 18,000- square-foot addi- tion featuring a terrace is the latest in a series of $38 million in upgrades to the cutting-edge venue. With miles of dazzling waterfront, authentic culture, cui- sine and nightlife, Tampa Bay has a million ways for the fam- ily to play, all with an easy, laidback vibe. Glazer Children's Museum is Tampa's interactive, learning laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders. Experience the ultimate family adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, providing unrivaled excitement and a unique blend of world- class thrill rides, more than 200 animal species and seasonal Tampa Bay Martin's Downtown or after hour blues at F. Jones Corner. Take in a Mississippi Symphony Orchestra performance at Thalia Mara Hall or explore the Mississippi Blues Trail. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Jackson – (800) 354-7695 www.visitjackson.com