Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1524031
B M & T ••• July/August 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 27 vating than ever. From major transportation up- grades to brand new hotels, Kansas City is getting even better. CNBC recently recognized Kansas City as the world's best destination for travel and remote work, emphasizing the rich opportunities to blend business and local culture during your stay. It's why so many convention attendees who travel to KC for the first time find themselves planning a return visit sooner rather than later, with the con- nections they've made during their time in the City of Fountains drawing them back for more. Whether you seek an intimate experience at one of many smaller venues across the metro, or a spectac- ular evening reception within the 800,000 square foot KC Convention Center, Kansas City's event facilities have you covered, often with room to spare. The eight-square block convention and special event facility can accom- modate every need with 388,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space on one floor; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater; an arena that sits more than 10,700 people and a unique outdoor festival plaza. Opened in June 2020, the Loews Kansas City Hotel includes 800 gue- strooms, a gleaming lobby bar with floor-to-ceiling views of the KC skyline, a signature restaurant serving upscale Midwestern fare, an indoor lap pool and 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, all connected directly to the Kansas City Convention Center via enclosed skywalk. In every aspect of the Kansas City landscape, from education to sports, music, medicine, politics, science, tech- nology and others, African American innovation, leadership and entrepre- neurial endeavors have left indelible marks. While conference attendees are in town make sure and include the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, American Jazz Museum and The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center Into the itinerary. The African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City, Mo. (AAHTKC) was created through community meet- ings, community input, and lots of research. AAHTKC.ORG is the result of this work, but it is only Phase 1. The Trail will continue to be a living, evolv- ing, dynamic project built through the power of the community (and an initial grant from the State Historic Preservation Office of Missouri!) WHO YOU GONNA CALL Visit Kansas City – (800) 767-7700 www.visitkc.com Negro Baseball League Museum FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Give your group a fully immersive experience with a meeting powered by Greater Fort Lauderdale. From unique offerings to unforgettable ven- ues, the dedicated conventions team has the right resources and insights to help you create an extraordinary event. Do more than meet your goals. Make an impact on your attendees. Explore Greater Fort Lauderdale's wide range of accommodations, unique venues, diverse dining, and world-class Convention Center, cur- rently undergoing a $1.3 billion expan- sion. Then take a closer look at the easy access, SUNsational hospitality, and unforgettable outings that take team-building way beyond the beach. A $1.3 billion expansion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale | Broward County Convention Center is current- ly underway. Phase One opened October 2021 with the expanded 800,000 sq. ft. center including 350,000 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center