Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
and a scrumptious Simba cupcake with an adorable edi- ble image of The Lion King cub. You and your guests arrive in Harambe Village where reed-thatched roofs, whitewashed walls and exotic aromas welcome you into Africa, a continent of pageantry and heritage. This entire portside village has turned out to throw a street party in honor of yourguests. Interactive street per- formers set the stage for a night in another world while a contemporary African band or DJ drives the beat. Throughout it all, authentic African cuisine and inspiring cocktails immerse your guests in a wild adventure for an experience they will never forget. Just to give you an idea of what your group will expect, guests arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park where they are met by Event Guides and escorted to Harambe Marketplace. There, they will enjoy a private event to include a buffet dinner which lasts approximately 1.5 hours and will accommodate groups ranging from 20 to 600. As your group eats, there is a beverage service available as well as an amazing entertainment selection. After dinner event attendees are escorted to the Festival of the Lion King Theater, where your group will delight in a larger-than- life show, filled with songs, pageantry and puppetry celebrating the classic movie, The Lion King. This whole experience begins at 6:00pm and concludes at 11:00pm, once the show is over. As you can see, a GRAND meeting doesn't just mean the LARGEST all the time. People most often remember special moments or experiences based on an impression. For planners, leaving a lasting impression on meeting participants isn't always easy to do, though, and can require some important strategizing. Holding an event at an interesting museum, theater or sports facility offers a unique experience that makes for a very memorable meeting. Planners can creatively design an exceptional environment that boosts the excitement of attendees before, during and after the event. Unique venues generally have outstanding architecture and stunning interior elements. Attendees need to be excited to know they will be surrounded by beautiful visual elements. Planners will need to go off the beaten path and stray from the sameness of traditional events. Environment plays a key role in the experience your attendees will have. Switching up the type of venue will create a refreshing change of pace and even increase attendance. Above are just a few of the MANY Grand Venues for Great Events that we suggest! B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 31 Harambe Marketplace