Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1526693
IN A DESTINATION THAT COUPLES SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH BIG CITY FLAIR, HOUSTON WANTS TO BE YOUR NEXT MEETING SPOT B Y R U F U S M C K I N N E Y America's fourth-largest city is a cos- mopolitan destination, filled with world- class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum District or head down to Space Center Houston. Later on, grab a bite in one of dozens of award-winning restau- rants, or hang out with the cool kids on Washington Avenue. There's always something to do in this Southern hospital- ity meets urban chic city. Come explore YOUR Houston! Choose Houston for your next meeting or convention and enjoy state-of-the-art facilities set in a world-class city. From the Super Bowl to the International Quilt Festival to the Offshore Technology Conference, meeting planners and atten- dees recognize Houston as a top destina- tion for major events and successful hap- penings. At 1.2 million usable square feet, the George R. Brown Convention Center ranks the 10 largest convention center in the nation. Convention-goers in Houston will appreciate the excitement and con- venience afforded by the facility's down- town location. The GRB is flanked by the Toyota Center, home of the Rockets, to the south and Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros, to the north. Connected via two sky bridges are the 1,200-room Hilton-Americas and the 1,000-room Marriot Marquis. The venue is equipped with 1.2 million sq. ft. of meeting space, including 88 meeting rooms, a largest hall space of 97,000 sq. ft. and a 31,590 sq. ft. grand ballroom. Houston's top trade show, convention, sports and entertainment complex— includes NRG Stadium, NRG Center, NRG Arena. and NRG Astrodome. The com- plex encompasses more than 350 acres and hosts more than 500 events each year. With more than 2 million square feet of total net exhibition/meeting space and 26,000 onsite parking spaces, NRG Park hosts several of the largest conventions and tradeshows each year including the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market, Houston Auto Show, International Gem & Jewelry Show, Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Build Expo, and Sysco Food Show. Houston offers a wide selection of places to stay throughout the metropoli- tan area, aimed at all tastes, needs, and budgets. Accommodations in Houston range from luxurious hotels and intimate boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts and extended stay options. The offer in Houston includes family-oriented hotels, high-end hotels, hotels with great pools, green hotels, and pet-friendly hotels, among other alternatives. Houston hotel deals help with special rates and money- saving offers. Whether you're traveling here for busi- ness, looking for an exciting day trip or weekend getaway or embarking on a family-friendly adventure, you'll find there's something for everyone in Houston. Houston serves up nationally recog- nized dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife. The city has world-class attractions and events. Best of all, you'll find a number of things that are budget- friendly or free. In fact, there are so many things to do in Houston, you may want to schedule an extra day or two to your trip! Black history is layered throughout Houston — you just have to be open to exploring. In a city lauded for its cultural diversity, it should come as no surprise that Houston neighborhoods provide sto- ried pockets that explore African American's plight, perseverance, and pro- gression throughout history. From green spaces rooted in Emancipation celebra- tions to arts venues that fostered sounds of soul, the numerous Houston African American landmarks are a must-visit dur- ing Black History Month and beyond. AREA GUIDES 58 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com H O U S T O N • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Marriott Marquis 1,000 Embassy Suites Houston Downtown 262 JW Marriott Houston Downtown 328 EXHIBITION FACILITIES george r. brown convention center Total Meeting Space 1.2 million sq. ft. Largest Hall 97,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 31,590 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 88 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? visit houston Texas – (210) 244-2000 www.visitshoustontexas.com George R. Brown Convention Center photo credit: George R. Brown C.C