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62 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com RICH HISTORY AND SOUTHERN CHARM MAKE THIS THE IDEAL MEETING DESTINATION B Y R E A G A N M O R R I S Mississippi, located in the southeastern United States, is a land of rich culture, deep history, and warm hospitality. Bordered by Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas, the state is shaped by the mighty Mississippi River, which has played a crucial role in its devel- opment. Known for its contributions to blues music, Southern cuisine, and his- toric landmarks, Mississippi offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions that make it an invit- ing destination for travelers. From the delta to the coast, visitors can experience everything from Civil War history and antebellum architecture to vibrant music festivals and nature-filled adventures. Whether exploring small towns, busy cities, or waterfront escapes, Mississippi captivates with its distinct Southern iden- tity and warm, welcoming spirit. • • JACKSON • • As the capital and largest city, Jackson is the heartbeat of Mississippi. A city of resilience and culture, it offers a mix of history, arts, and entertainment, making it an ideal location for business and leisure travelers alike. The city is saturated in her- itage, playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and continuing to thrive as a center for education and innovation. Discover an authentic setting for your meetings in Jackson, the City With Soul, that's just the right-size. Jackson affords meeting planners the ability to offer your delegates a host of options through its rich musical heritage, cultural offerings, culinary delights and sporting events, not to mention their friendly people and culi- nary charm. A growing number of meet- ing planners looking for state-of-the-art facilities find Jackson full of exceptional service and superb venues while lowering their bottom line. The Jackson Convention Complex showcases state-of-the-art technology, a 382-seat theater and over 330,000 square feet of prime meeting and exhibit space. The structure features a crystalline folding glass façade, and includes a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 25,000- square-foot carpeted ballroom, ten meet- ing rooms, 33,000 square feet of carpet- ed pre-function lobby and registration space, and an outdoor patio overlooking downtown Jackson. The Jackson Convention Complex also has a 10,000-square-foot kitchen with separate load-in dock, two full-service concession areas in the exhibit hall, ball- room and exhibit hall rigging points to support elaborate lighting and staging, dual loading docks and ramps with roll-up doors, and includes state-of-the-art telecommunications and audio-visual equipment, satellite and television cable distribution, and plasma screen monitors and electronic directional signage throughout. When the work day is done, Jackson offers a variety of leisure activities for your delegates to enjoy. For instance, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, they can Explore the state's diverse ecosys- tems through interactive exhibits, a large aquarium, and scenic nature trails. This museum is a favorite among nature lovers and families alike, offering an in-depth look at the region's unique biodiversity. Or they can visit the Jackson Zoo, home to over 250 animals from around the world, and a family-friendly attraction that highlights conservation efforts. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits and learn about global wildlife conservation projects. Be sure to encourage delegates to experience the Mississippi Civil R i g h t s Museum, a powerful trib- ute to the Civil R i g h t s M o v e m e n t , s h o w c a s i n g key events and figures that shaped history. AREA GUIDES Jackson Convention Complex M I S S I S S I P P I • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Jackson 276 The Westin Jackson 203 Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson Downtown-Coliseum 441 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Jackson Convention Complex Total Exhibit Space 330,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 25,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 17 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Jackson - (800) 354-7695 https://www.visitjackson.com/ Rickey Thigpen photo credit: Jackson Convention Complex