Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1524031
62 B M & T ••• July/August 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com COME GATHER IN THE 'THE EMPIRE STATE," WHERE BIG CITY VIBES MEET THE BOARDROOM B Y C L E T U S R A M S E Y New York State's destinations offer an unparalleled diversity of settings from the bright lights of bustling cities to the serene seclusion of lakeside mountain areas. Each one offers extensive options for lodging as well as meeting and exhibit space. From the fast paced excitement of the city to the scenic beauty of Upstate New York and Long Island, The Empire State offers world class meeting and event des- tination options. Discover the many wonders that make New York the country's most desirable vacation destination and enjoy some of the many fun and exciting things to do here. • • NEW YORK • • New York City is the world's most ver- satile destination for meetings, with both in-person and hybrid options available at a variety of venues. The City provides a dynamic backdrop to any business event, while delivering record-breaking atten- dance. New York City's Javits Center is one of the busiest convention centers in North America. The gleaming glass edifice, orig- inally designed by I.M. Pei and Partners, is located in Hudson Yards, an easily acces- sible neighborhood on Manhattan's west side that offers world-class cuisine, upscale shopping options, renowned arts and attractions, and plenty of accommo- dations. The recently expanded facility now has a total of 3.3 million square feet of diverse, event-related space including 10 exhibit halls, 106 meeting rooms and a rooftop pavilion, overlooking the Hudson River, that can accommodate up to 1,500 attendees. In addition to an unmatched variety of venues, the City offers a truly immersive attendee experience with its diverse cuisines, renowned culture, stunning attractions and more—all in the business capital of the world. Over the past several years, there has been a surge of hotel development in the area, including the opening of the Equinox Hotel, the Courtyard Midtown West and the Pendry. NYC is an intersection of world cul- tures, each of which plays a part in its inimitable dynamism. More than 200 lan- guages are spoken across 329 neighbor- hoods, making it one of the most vibrant and diverse places on the planet. But it's also their unwavering spirit of inclusion that inspires individuals from every walk of life to visit and live in the five bor- oughs—regardless of race, ethnicity, reli- gion, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability. People come from far and wide to try NYC's legendary food scene. From local fare to global flavors, there are delicious eats tucked effortlessly into every bor- ough of the City. There's an institution for every interest in the City. Wander through shows at big names such as the Guggenheim, MoMA and The Met, and discover smaller spots for culture and his- tory throughout the boroughs. New York City is one of the nation's oldest and most prominent destinations for Black history and culture. Across the five boroughs, African American land- marks honor the stories of a people whose contributions to the five boroughs date back hundreds of years. While in town your group can explore landmarks such as the Apollo Theater, Shirley Chisholm's plaque in Brower Park and The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. • • BUFFALO • • There's never been a better time to come to Buffalo. Why? Well, this desti- nation has got a renovated convention center and a ton of new restaurants, craft breweries, distilleries, and food trucks. The city has been reenergizing by AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS New York Marriott Marquise 1,971 The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel 1,083 Hyatt Grand Central New York 1,298 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Jacob J. Javits Convention Center Total Meeting Space 3.3 million sq. ft. Largest Hall 850,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 55,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 106 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? NYC Tourism – (212) 484-1218 www.nyctourism.com N E W Y O R K Jacob J. Javits Center photo credit: Ajay Suresh