Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
42 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com MIAMI Have you ever enjoyed a Spavention - the combination of relaxing in a five-star spa before attending a captivating convention? Ever heard of a Symposiyum, which is when hours of networking get your appetite going for a world of culinary delights? Or what about an entire day devoted to engaging with conference speakers followed by perusing trendy boutiques and world-class shops, which is Miami's version of Workshopping. These are just some of the unique experiences you can experience when you meet in Greater Miami and Miami Beach. A place that has everything your attendees could ever want. After an investment of $620 million, the Miami Beach Convention Center has been thoughtfully reimagined to provide innovative, state-of- the-art spaces that lead to exceptional conventions, meetings and events. The convention center is a destination unto itself, a lively hub of activity that reflects the energy and excitement of Miami Beach. The facility features 1.4 million total sq. ft., nearly 500,000 sq. ft. of versatile exhibit space, a stunning new 60,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, a brand new 20,000-sq. ft. Junior Ballroom, and 84 breakout rooms. Thousands of guest rooms to fit any budget – from distinctive bou- tique hotels to leading brands and luxury independent resorts – are with- in a five- to 10-minute walk of the MBCC. Greater Miami & Miami Beach has just announced one more reason for planners to schedule an event here in the future: Construction is expected to begin this fall on the new 800-room, Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Hotel & Convention Center that will be part of the Miami Beach Convention Center District. From glittering South Beach and tree-lined, bohemian Coconut Grove to vibrant hubs of Caribbean heritage, such as Little Havana and Little Haiti, each neighborhood in Miami is a unique destination unto itself, thanks to the diverse cultures, landscapes and people that call these places home. Conference attendees are encouraged to explore these neighborhoods and engage in activities and businesses owned by African-Americans. www.miamiandbeaches.com (800) 933-8448 Miami Beach Convention Center 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 Orlando skyline ORLANDO This is the place where meetings become memorable. Continuously ranked as Cvent's No. 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando offers world-class event spaces, 480+ hotels, Michelin-recognized dining, and larger-than-life entertainment unlike anywhere else. Orlando has a long track record of partnering with planners to craft unforgettable experiences for attendees. See why it is always the perfect time to book this unbelievably real destination for your next event. Yes, the award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is conveniently located in the middle of everything your attendees want to see and do in Orlando, but that's just the start of what this state-of-the- art, constantly improving facility has to offer. As meeting planners from around the world have come to know and appreciate, the OCCC is the industry leader in terms of flexibility, func- tionality and service. Thanks to more than 2.1 million sq. ft. of exhibition space and 480,000 sq. ft. of function space, meeting professionals appre- ciate the Center for its flexibility and functionality. When you choose to meet in Orlando, venue options go far beyond the Orange County Convention Center and the meeting hotels and easy to create buzz-worthy event itineraries that take meetings to the next level. Incentives and discounts sweeten the deal. Plus, there's year-round sunshine and warm weather. Explore all the reasons to meet in Kissimmee! www.experiencekissimmee.com (407) 569-4800