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36 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Complete with a cenote, Mundo Maya pays tribute to one of the most important ecosystems in the world. See lizards, snakes and leaf-nosed bats along with stingrays, giant groupers and other marine creatures in the first level of this exhibit. The second level is home to Scarlet macaws, various species of hummingbirds and pelicans. _____________________ WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Dallas - (214) 571 – 1000 www.visitdallas.com COLUMBUS, GA Under the radar and over the top, Columbus, GA blends a vibrant artsy energy with unique local history and a thriving food scene. It's also the perfect place to enjoy the out- doors, listen to local bands and taste finely brewed beer. In short, Columbus has got world-class experiences without the world-class ego. Whether you are planning a regional meeting, a statewide conference, a family or military reunion, or any special event, Columbus, GA is the perfect destination. This destination has over 750,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, more than 4,800 hotel rooms, and endless ways to entertain everyone in your group and/or family when the meetings are over. The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center totals over 180,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space–that includes more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space in its North, Center, and South halls, a 22,000 square foot ballroom, and 17 breakout rooms for meetings of any size and descrip- tion. The 200-year-old building underwent a major retro-fitting of mechanicals, technology, sound, and other components. Columbus has several other meeting venues planners can explore when coordinating their clients' next big event. The 10,000-seat Columbus Civic Center offers 23,000 sq. ft. of flat floor space and 5,000 sq. ft. of hospitality suites, a full-service kitchen, and support personnel. The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is ideal for general sessions of all sizes, offer- ing a 450-seat concert hall and 2,000-seat theatre with three levels along with a grand public space perfect for receptions and gatherings. Make sure to explore Columbus' authentic outdoor experi- ences that will surely entertain the family. Raft the world's longest urban whitewater course, zipline across a state line (and back), stand-up paddleboard or kayak, and explore the RiverWalk–a 15-mile linear park that hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River. And if that's not enough, you can cycle, hike, fish, or find a peaceful park to get closer to nature. However you like to enjoy the great outdoors, you'll have an unforgettable experience in Columbus. The city is home to award-winning museums. Take the kids to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center for a trip to the moon, or head to the Columbus Museum for a morning at one of the largest museums in the Southeast. If you're looking for some- thing a little different, the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus hosts historic reenactments and they some- times include firing a Civil War era cannon! _____________________ WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Columbus GA – (800) 999-1613 www.visitcolumbusga.com A s you can see, more and more folks are bringing their families along on their business trips in hopes to turn their work trip into a FUN experi- ence with their families. The hospitality industry has also taken notice of the bleisure travel trend. Hoteliers and other travel providers are increasingly offering special deals and discounts to entice business travelers to stay longer. There are also harder-to-quantify perks, such as the mental health benefits of taking a break and the creativity boost from experiencing new things and learning more about the world. A recent Global Business Travel Association survey found that 57% of business travelers admit to choosing work trips based on the destination—proof that business travelers prioritize their leisure time. Carving out some time to explore a museum, walk around a cultural site, or try traditional cuisine isn't just fun—it's research! It will help expand your mind, and it will also give you something to talk about with your hosts. Happy Traveling! Columbus Museum