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a Trible Library. Each of these locations offers different options to fit any group outing. Visitors and residents are invited to learn the heritage of African American culture, try delectable dishes at Black-owned restaurants, visit vibrant art and museum exhibitions, and so much more right in the heart of Coastal Virginia. Plan your tour of Newport News' African American Cultural Experiences (AACE) by visiting the AACE Storymap - an immersive experience that lets you map out the important historical landmarks and museums, discover opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, see the contributions in the visual arts, and find the physical locations where generations ago significant Newport News African American accomplishments were made and may now be gone but not forgotten. For more information contact Newport New Tourism (888) 493-7386 or www.newport-news.org norfolk Have you met your match yet—the one that sparks a con- nection, the one that's got everything you need and the one that you just know deep down is the right choice? By the way, we're not talking about a match for love; we're talking about a match for meetings. Finding the right destination for professional groups to gath- er isn't as simple as it seems. You need all the expected ameni- ties: adequate meeting and convention options plus space for breakout sessions, not to mention plenty of hotel accommoda- tions. Finally, you need a place that's worth the journey, a locale that's bursting with irresistible charm, unmatched arts and cul- ture and a simply craveable culinary scene. In short, you need to meet in Norfolk. Centrally located on the Eastern Seaboard, Norfolk is only hours from two-thirds of the U.S. population, making getting there and meeting there extremely convenient, not only for your travel needs but for your budget as well. We're located along the Amtrak route, as well as two interstate highways that make traveling a breeze. Norfolk is home to a wealth of African American history, from the beloved Attucks Theatre (once considered the Apollo of the South) to Underground Railroad sites along Norfolk's port that played a crucial role in the escape of many slaves. Spend some time at the MacArthur Memorial, the Cannonball Trail, Hunter House Victorian Museum and Myers House to get a true feel for how Norfolk's past shaped the city into what it is today. For more information contact Visit Norfolk (800) 368-3097 or www.visitnorfolk.com richmonD MeetingSource calls Richmond one of the country's "Top 25 con- vention cities" – and those aren't the only headlines they're making as a destination for meetings. This destination is also one of the hottest regions in the US for dining, business and visiting overall. Combine that with a roll-out-the-red-carpet attitude for meeting planners, and you've got some great reasons to make the Richmond region THE spot for your next event. The Richmond region has every amenity your conference, group, event or tour could need, from state-of-the-art technology, historic depth and edgy art. Food that puts Richmond on the international must-dine lists. An awesome collection of hotels in a range of prices. And versatile meeting facilities and venue options that can accommo- date groups of all sizes and types. Check out the 700,000 square foot Greater Richmond Convention Center, a downtown location for meetings from small to huge. Learn how easy it is to get here, thanks to Richmond International Airport and our central setting that's within a day's drive of half of the U.S. population. Richmond has a deep and rich culture, wrenched from history, art, diversity and unleashed creativity. You'll feel it as soon as you get there. There's a lot more than eye candy in this beautiful place. They have a huge (and free) art museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), with barrier-breaking art like Kehinde Wiley's Rumors of War statue. Next door is the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Check out the Children's Museum of Richmond, the Science Museum of Virginia, and The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU. 48 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Richmond Conference Center Waterside Marriott Conference Room, Norfolk V I R G I N I A S P E C I A L S E C T I O N