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28 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com St. Louis St. Louis is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, right in the heart of the country. The energy in the region is palpable, extending beyond its burgeoning medical and technology centers to its world-class attractions, vibrant arts scene, lush green spaces and award-winning restau- rants, breweries, wineries and distilleries that define the flavor and vibe of this great city. With excellent rideshare options and a light rail system that seamlessly connects visitors to Lambert International Airport, St. Louis is easy to get to and even easier to get around. With hotel options at every price point and classic Midwest warmth and hospitality, St. Louis is an ideal location for your next meeting or con- vention. America's Center Convention Complex is completing a $256 million expansion, featuring a new 72,000-square- foot exhibition hall, increasing its total exhibit space to 574,000 square feet. With almost $10 billion in new tourism development in downtown St. Louis, there's never been a smarter time to meet St. Louis. Summer in St. Louis means al fresco arts, live sports, music festivals and outdoor adventures – plus, a lot of beer, barbecue and ice cream. The excitement in the city is palpable, and free attractions, events and activities make it easy to stick to a budget while enjoying every- thing that the region has to offer. Springfield The heart and soul of Springfield, Missouri is rooted in its genuine dedication to hard work and homegrown innovation. With a unique mix of a metropolitan city and warm hospitality, Springfield is an ideal place for meet- ings and events. The city offers an array of new and updated facilities to accommodate a variety of events, and services can be tailored to ensure your event is a suc- cess. Springfield's central location in the United States makes the city the perfect choice for your next meeting or event. Discover unique meeting venues from a historic castle to a sportsman-themed conference center. Groups will love the vibrant selection of new and updated confer- ence venues that can host groups from 10 to 10,000 peo- ple. An amazing dining scene, world-class attractions, and affordability make Springfield the perfect choice for your next gathering. LEED Silver facility. With waterless plumbing, energy-efficient climate control and a sophisticated lighting system, the 46,484-square-foot Grand Ballroom is without a doubt one of the most-coveted green facilities in the region. The newly opened single terminal at Kansas City International Airport is the first terminal project in the Midwest (and the second in the country) to receive LEED Gold certification. With wireless electric bus charging stations, an installation of 500+ solar panels, and many more design elements intend- ed to reduce environmental impact, Kansas City's sustainabil- ity efforts are on display from the moment you arrive. Anchored by the stadium, Kansas City's Berkley Riverfront is quickly becoming an essential destination. Bar K is a bona fide paradise for dog lovers, while the Riverfront Heritage Trail invites pedestrians, bikers and active travelers of all kinds to embrace their natural surroundings. Plus, the 118-room Origin Hotel, set to open in the fall of 2024, offers immediate access to the parks, paths and entertainment options found in the burgeoning district. In every aspect of the Kansas City landscape, from edu- cation to sports, music, medicine, politics, science, technolo- gy and others, African American innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial endeavors have left indelible marks. Don't forget to explore some of that history at The Negro Leagues baseball Museum, The American Jazz Museum and The Blue Room. Kansas City Convention Center America's Center