Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1524031
28 B M & T ••• July/August 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, nearly doubling the size of the previ- ous exhibit hall. Whether you're looking for water- front, luxury, boutique, all-suite or budget-friendly you will find your ideal accommodations among the more than 3,000 hotel rooms within a 1.5-mile radius of the Convention Center District. You can also select from more than 38,000 hotel rooms located throughout the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, with more than 14,000 rooms at high-quality group and meeting hotels. In 2025, this sensational venue will be even bigger and better at 1.2 million sq. ft. with the new exhibit space, a 65,000 sq. ft. waterfront ballroom, plus original dining concepts, enhanced water taxi access and a new expansive waterfront plaza with dining and enter- tainment in a park-like atmosphere. The convention center expansion proj- ect adds an additional 525,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space over the previous center configuration and the 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale headquarters hotel. The Fort. Lauderdale area is home to a large Caribbean-American com- munity—and boasts the most Jamaicans in the country. Back when the city first got its start, African Americans from Georgia and South Carolina blended with Bahamians and native Floridians and Seminoles—and you can still see this Bahamian back- ground in the style of housing and cui- sine in Greater Fort Lauderdale today. In the city of Plantation, Caribbean culture is celebrated and preserved at Island SPACE, a museum that acts as an archive and exhibition space to share the history and heritage of peo- ple from the Caribbean, as well as the impact of the Caribbean Diaspora on the country. WHO YOU GONNA CALL Visit Lauderdale – (954) 765-4466 www.visitlauderdale.com THE PALM BEACHES, FL This is where meeting spaces of every size boasting the latest technol- ogy share the stage with vibrant com- munities and breathtaking natural beauty. Beyond the insights and con- nections gained within the board- room, The Palm Beaches take care of the rest with inspiring venues, unique opportunities to connect, and Between-The-Sessions experiences that set meetings apart. `The Palm Beaches are a hub of bustling industries, including agribusi- ness, life sciences, finance and technol- ogy. Connect your attendees with innovators and thought leaders who will bring expertise and star power to your event. The GBAC STAR™ accredited Palm Beach County Convention Center has 350,000 square feet of flex- ible meeting space and its state-of-the- art technology make it a great choice for conferences and trade shows. The 100,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall's ceiling is just under 30 feet, making rigging a snap. The floor's boxes are 30 feet apart, allowing for data, electricity, and voice capabilities for each booth. Ten loading dock bays make move-ins seamless. The venue is just three miles from Palm Beach International Airport, but after the day is done, rest and relax- ation are just a few steps away, as the 400-room Hilton West Palm Beach has a connecting walkway. Need more rooms? There are more than 1,000 close by. Discover the ultimate beach and outdoor paradise in The Palm Beaches, where 47 miles of pristine coastline await your client and their attendees. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, it wont be hard to find a beach for every mood, whether seeking relaxation or adventure. World-class museums and galleries. Concerts and festivals where music fills the air. Award-winning theater and Broadway performers. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, The Palm Beaches is bursting with creativity. During these unprecedented times, it's challenging to go to the places we normally would, yet if you're looking for a place filled with culture, great food and art, The Palm Beaches are your one-stop shop. Celebrations of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artists and creators have manifested in The Palm Beaches by way of photography, street murals and captivating sculptures. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is dedicated to discovering, collecting, and sharing the Black histo- ry and heritage of Palm Beach County Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only museum of its kind in Palm Beach County ded- icated to showcasing the contributions of members of the African Diaspora in Florida and the U.S. WHO YOU GONNA CALL The Palm Beaches – (800) 554-7256 www.thepalmbeaches.com Palm Beach County Convention Center