Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
68 B M & T ••• November/December2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AREA GUIDES MEET IN THE BUCKEYE STATE, A MIDWESTERN DESTINATION WITH A MIX OF BIG CITY VIBES & SMALL TOWN CHARM B Y R U F U S M C K I N N E Y The youngest sibling of Ohio's major cities known as the three C's (Cleveland and Cincinnati), Columbus has an appro- priately young, vibrant feel. It's a cultural town, a cerebral place where art, numer- ous universities and the outdoors inspire ingenuity. Outside of Columbus, you'll also find many suburbs and surrounding towns with a unique feel and an authen- tic vibe all their own. Culture reigns supreme in Cincinnati. The arts flourish, sports teams entertain, and the food scene is ever growing. Cleveland is the city of rock & roll and home to a world-class arts scene. • • CINCINNATI • • Treat your attendees to culture, con- venience, and cutting-edge facilities. From large-scale national conventions to inti- mate leadership conferences, Cincinnati is a perfect destination for your next meet- ing. With brand new convention centers and a variety of unique venues to fit your needs, the award-winning convention service professionals are here to help you give every attendee the VIP treatment– every event, every industry, every time. If you haven't taken a look at Cincy recently, look again. More than $2 billion in redevelopment has already trans- formed their downtown area from the Banks Entertainment District along the Ohio River to Fountain Square and up to their Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Now they're investing even more by reinvent- ing the future of meetings. A $720 million development will completely transform Cincinnati's Downtown Convention District. The redevelopment started in July 2024, and the Convention District mar- quees will be a reimagined Duke Energy Convention Center connected to a brand new, Headquarters Hotel and a new Elm Street Convention Plaza. With downtown bursting with energy and excitement, now is the time to start planning your next big event in Cincinnati. Cincinnati North is Cincinnati's more relaxed suburban option for hosting your next event. Just a fifteen-minute drive from the center of one of the country's most vibrant and exciting cities, it com- bines the best of both worlds. If you want the advantages of big-city amenities, combined with the more laid-back con- venience and economy of the suburbs, Cincinnati North is the place for you. Just uphill from downtown Cincinnati and the famous Over-the-Rhine neighbor- hood, is "Uptown" Cincinnati. Coupled with famous attractions, charming neigh- borhoods, easy interstate access, new hotels and state-of-the-art conference facilities, let Uptown Cincinnati bring something new to the table for your next meeting or event. • • DAYTON • • Located at the junction of Interstates 70 & 75, 67% of the U.S. population is within a one-day drive of Dayton and it's a 90-minute flight for 55% of the U.S. population. Dayton also offers big-city amenities without the high cost of larger markets. You're guaranteed a successful event with Dayton's location and afford- ability! Dayton features a wide variety of ven- ues to suit any meeting, reunion or event. From the 150,000 sq. ft. ASM Global- managed Dayton Convention Center, and unique settings like the historic Dayton Art Institute or "dinner under the wings" at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, to facilities that host a wide range of sporting events you'll find a location that's a perfect fit. You know what they say about all work and no play! Dayton – the birth- place of aviation and home to the Wright Brothers – offers so much to see and do: aviation heritage, outdoor recreation, concert venues, museums and historical sites, sporting events, and arts & culture, as well as diverse shopping and dining options. Dayton boasts entertainment and amenities comparable to many larger cities. Dayton and Montgomery County's selection of music, dance, theater and visual arts performances truly makes the birthplace of aviation soar to new heights. Breathtaking exhibits by master artists will leave you in awe, while world-renowned Cincinnati Convention Center photo credit: Moody Nolan O H I O • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Headquarters Hotel 800 Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown 323 Hyatt Regency Cincinnati 491 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Duke Energy Convention Center Total Meeting Space 750,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 200,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 40,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 30 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Cincy – (513) 621-2142 www.visitcincy.com