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26 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com MINNESOTA From experiencing the great outdoors to urban adventures, Minnesota is full of unique destinations for every traveler. Whether you're traveling as a family, with friends, or for business, Minnesota is sure to have everything you need to make your trip the most memorable ever. The state is made up of The Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, Central, Northwest, Northeast and Southern Minnesota. Although the Minneapolis Area will be able to accommodate the largest events, the surrounding regions have hidden jewels perfect for holding smaller gatherings such as family reunions, weddings and company retreats, all with an outdoor experience. Some iconic leisure activities in the state travelers are encouraged to explore include Voyageurs National Park, Mall of America, The Mississippi River, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Lake Superior and Bluff Country. There are endless activities and historical sites that will entertain confer- ence attendees when work is done. Minneapolis Minneapolis is the perfect destination for your meeting. It is easy to get to, easy to explore, and is home to world-class hotels and exciting attractions for convention attendees and their families! The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is prepared and excited to welcome guests back to the largest convention center in the Upper Midwest. The convention center contin- ues to provide attendees with an award-winning user experi- ence through easy navigation, multiple on-site food options, and top-notch guest services, available at any time throughout the building. The venue is equipped with 1.6 million square feet of space including a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms, an 18,000-square-foot ball- room and a 9,000-square-foot ballroom. Your guests will def- initely have everything they need at their finger tips. From big corporate dinners to smaller, intimate gatherings, Minneapolis has plenty of options when it comes to upscale private dining. Each space has a unique vibe and food that will not be forgotten. Check out the best spots for upscale pri- vate dining in Minneapolis! A couple of venues include Cafe Lurcat and The Butcher's Tale. Between outdoor experiences, world class theaters and a lot of shopping, 'The City of Lakes' will keep your guests entertained after work is done. One visit to Minneapolis and you'll quickly see it's all about art—right from the nation's first-ever sculpture garden to the world-class museums, and even the bizarre House of Balls. Historical landmarks, churches, and museums can teach us how Minneapolis became the city it is today and allow us to reflect on the origins of its African-American community. Make sure and include Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, The Lee House, The Lena Oliver Smith House and Fort Snelling: Dred Scott's quarters into the attendee's itinerary. St. Paul Connect with your conference attendees on a more per- sonal level in Saint Paul. Here urban amenities combine with historic charm, creating the ideal place for your next meeting. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Minnesota's Capital City is a short 8-mile drive from the Minneapolis - St. Paul airport and features stunning ven- ues, full-service hotels and a fully sustainable convention center. Entertaining conference attendees after meetings break out won't be difficult. They will be able to experience the year-round vibrancy of Saint Paul's thriving arts & culture community, lively sports, diverse culinary scene and out- door adventures. MISSOURI Missouri is a landlocked state in the Midwestern region of the United States. The largest urban areas are St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia; the capital is Jefferson City. In these destinations group travelers will find the bulk of the amenities necessary to hold gatherings of various sizes. In the southern region of the state is the Ozarks, a forested highland, providing timber, minerals, and recreation. The Missouri River, after which the state is named, flows through the center and into the Mississippi River, which makes up the eastern border. In 'The Show Me' state the culture in this region blends ele- ments of the Midwestern and Southern United States. With both Urban and Suburban environments spread around the multitude of sizes and types of events that can be held here are endless. Kansas City Whether conscious about your group's footprint or simply interested in an energy-efficient event, Kansas City has the resources and infrastructure needed to host a stellar green meeting, from transportation to host site and after-hours activities. Home to more than 800,000 square feet of space—and 388,800 square feet of contiguous column-free exhibit space—the Kansas City Convention Center also touts the state-of-the-art Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom, a certified Minneapolis Convention Center