Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
28 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com This destination is centrally located in the United States making traveling here from just about anywhere rather simple. Although Oklahoma is made up of the 6 regions the majority of group travel circulates between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. With nearly 19,000 hotel rooms and a rising, all-new con- vention scene, Oklahoma City offers the whole package for meetings and conferences of all sizes and budgets. Including a state-of-the-art, 500,000-sq. ft. convention center, an Omni headquarter hotel, a 70-acre downtown park, a convenient, modern streetcar system, a booming culinary and arts scene and more. From underground speakeasies to world-class convention centers, Tulsa is also home to a dazzling array of venues and facil- ities that can accommodate nearly any group–large or small. OREGON The State of Oregon is home to some of the most diverse landscape and scenic views in the entire United States. A beau- tiful coastline, over 360 State Parks, and home to some of the top rated breweries and restaurants in the nation, your group will never run out of things to do while here. Being that this destination is known for the amazing terrain and beautiful scenery it's no wonder planners are trying to bring their group to meet in this Northwestern jewel. With plenty of outdoor adventures and activities guests won't have a shortage on staying occupied. The state generates most of its convention activity in Portland, the largest city in the region. But other destinations like Medford, Central Point, and Eugene also accommodate groups of varied sizes. In the summer time Oregon is plush and green with plenty of outdoor experiences available. In the Winter this state becomes an environment perfect for ski trips and groups look- ing to participate in outdoor Winter activities. Portland Portland will set your meeting up for success with savings, diverse hotel options in a compact city center and an emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion. People from all walks of life can find themselves in the inde- pendent and welcoming Rose City. Every inch of Portland has its own unique history, and every Portlander has their own story. From BIPOC-owned businesses to museums, gardens to festivals, you'll find many ways to connect with Portland's cul- tural communities during your visit. The Oregon Convention Center is LEED Platinum with one of the largest solar panel arrays of any convention center in the nation. Every conference is automatically sustainable at the OCC. It also offers planners 478,000+ sq. ft. of event space, including 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 52 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. With an enviable collection of boutique and big-name hotels, Portland offers over 10,000 rooms in the compact city center. The 600-room Hyatt Regency headquarter hotel is next to the Oregon Convention Center, and another 1,400 rooms are within 5 minutes. The Rose Quarter, Portland's center for large-scale sports and entertainment, includes two large arenas: The Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Just north of Lloyd Center, Northeast Broadway offers a slice of Portland in a compact business district. Broadway Books is one of Portland's best independent bookstores. Nearby Cadillac Cafe is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast and lunch with options for vegans and gluten-free and tradi- tional omnivores. Sample craft beer from Portland's pioneering brewery brothers at McMenamins Broadway Pub or nosh on vegan Bibimbap at Blossoming Lotus. With a diverse range of organizations and businesses, Portland's African-American community provides visitors with resources and a friendly welcome. Explore the city's Black his- tory and cultural events, as well as Black-owned businesses and restaurants. TEXAS Texas is home to five of the country's 15 largest cities. The beauty of each—much like Texas as a whole—is their unique- ness. From twice-daily cattle drives in Fort Worth to the his- toric San Antonio missions to one of the most culturally diverse urban areas in the country in Houston, Meeting Planners will have their pick of the liter as Texas' destinations can provide top level hospitality no matter the size of your clients group. Cities like Beaumont, Plano and Waco are smaller in size and provide excellent options of meeting spaces for weddings, family reunions and business retreats. The "Lone Star State" is home to one of the most iconic art scenes in America. In Austin art and music is King and groups might enjoy meeting in this party town, which will surely entertain guests. In Texas they do everything BIG. Come explore for yourself why Texas is the nation's premier destination for group travel. Dallas Dallas has all you need: great air connections, venues with ample meeting space for conventions and conferences, and hotel capacity for any size event. It's the perfect meeting city. The important convergence of uniqueness and differences is reflected throughout the sights and sounds of the city. Dallas' authentic arts, music, food, places of worship, historic land- marks and urban lifestyle all contribute to the city's makeup. Because of these qualities Dallas provides the prime setting for ALL types of groups to meet. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas offers 1 million sq. ft. of Oregon Convention Center Oregon Convention Center (Portland)