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B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 39 F L O R I D A S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N FORT LAUDERDALE Give your group a fully immersive experience with a meeting pow- ered by Greater Fort Lauderdale. Explore this destination's wide range of accommodations, unique venues, diverse dining, and world-class Convention Center, currently undergoing a $1.3 billion expansion. Then take a closer look at the easy access, SUNsational hospitality, and unfor- gettable outings that take team-building way beyond the beach. The convention center's expansion began October 2021 with the enlarged 800,000 sq. ft. center including 350,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, nearly doubling the size of the previous exhibit hall. In 2025, this sensational venue will be even bigger and better at 1.2 million sq. ft. with the new exhibit space, a 65,000 sq. ft. waterfront ballroom, plus original dining concepts, enhanced water taxi access and a new expansive waterfront plaza with dining and entertainment in a park-like atmosphere. The convention center expansion project adds an additional 525,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space over the previous center configuration and the 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale headquarters hotel. The 60,000-sq. ft. African-American Research Library & Cultural Center is extraordinary for the quantity and rarity of books on Black history and cul- ture, and books written by Black authors. www.visitlauderdale.com (954) 765-4466 Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center Jacksonville downtown skyline JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville is an unforgettable destination for meetings, conven- tions, reunions and more. Select from dozens of event venues and receive expert support from Visit Jacksonville's team. Visitors love the riverfront downtown, vibrant local culture, miles of white sand beaches, access to nature and wildlife, and world-class golf, shopping and dining. This city was voted a top meeting site and desti- nation in the South by Convention South. Meeting Planners can take advantage of Jacksonville's Value Season from November through January to realize great offers such as free con- vention center space, discounted room rates and much more. www.visitjacksonville.com (800) 733-2668 photo credit: Visit Jacksonville Downtown Kissimmee KISSIMMEE Blend business and big fun in this Central Florida destination, only 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Kissimmee is home to 1,000,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, over 25,000+ hotel rooms, and nearly 300 unique meeting venues. This makes for an incredibly diverse selection of hotels and venues, all of which offer unique features and amenities. Located minutes from famous theme parks, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and great dining and entertainment, Kissimmee makes it