Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 32 B usiness and leisure travel, often referred to as "bleisure" travel, is important because it allows individuals to combine work obligations with personal time off, leading to a better work-life balance, increased productivity, and the opportunity to explore new destinations while still fulfilling professional com- mitments; this can also benefit companies by boosting employee morale and potentially reducing travel costs by extending business trips with leisure time. Combining tourism opportunities with business trips makes sense for both employees and employers. Employees are happy working in an exotic/unfamiliar location and meeting their commitments, and many will extend a work trip to add more vacation elements. When workers are happy, it's good for the bottom line. By this point, it's obvious that planning a family "bleisure" trip can be complicated! There are lots of mov- ing pieces, and it would certainly be easier to just take the old-fashioned business trip. But the effort may be worth it. Many destinations are privy to the new shift of busi- ness professionals taking advantage of these getaways to include family time. Continue reading below to see just how these destinations are fully prepared to accommo- date your next business and leisure trip! DAYTON, OH 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 affordability! Dayton features a wide variety of venues to suit any meeting, reunion or event. From the 150,000 sq. ft. ASM Global-managed Dayton Convention Center, and unique settings like "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. The Sinclair Conference Center is the only full-service conference center in the region certified through the esteemed International Association of Conference Centers. Serving over 400 business and non-profit clients and over 100,000 individuals annually, the Sinclair Conference Center is best known for its exceptional food, superior client service, state-of-the-art technology and reasonable pricing. In Dayton, Ohio, from meetings to family reunions to sports events, this destination can accommodate it all. The city offers a wide assortment of unique venues beyond the primary large meeting spaces that will dazzle your event attendees. Your group can sit amid artwork masterpieces at the stunning Dayton Art Institute, next to luxurious Packard automobiles at the Citizens Motor Car Company, or on the lush lawns and flower strewn areas at Cox Arboretum. Unique. Memorable. Dayton's Got it. You know what they say about all work and no play! TAKING THE FAMILY: TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS & PLEASURE Marblehead Lighthouse State Park on Lake Erie