Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541144
German brewing and now one of the country's most compelling urban redevel- opments, offers planners an extra layer of texture. Here, Black-owned restaurants like Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge and inclusive spaces such as Esoteric Brewing bring new dimensions to offsite events. Cincinnati Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark, blends performance grandeur with rentable halls for large-scale events. The city also rewards travelers between sessions. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center provides mov- ing, museum-quality experiences that enrich any itinerary, while the Cincinnati Art Museum and nearby Eden Park offer natural beauty and curated culture in equal measure. Direct flights into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport simplify arrival, and the city's deep bench of attractions, from riverboat cruises to Reds games, means planners can build experi- ences without stretching budgets. For Black meeting professionals, Cincinnati offers not just practicality, but a chance to convene in a place where cultural roots run deep and the infrastructure quietly supports every goal. The hospitality here is not about flash. It is about finish. DAYTON Ohio's aviation capital has evolved into a hub for events that balance historic character with modern capacity. With a downtown shaped by invention and civic pride, Dayton offers planners walkable districts, cultural venues, and dynamic infrastructure. The Dayton Convention Center recently completed a $40 million renovation, now offering over 150,000 square feet of flexible space, including a 68,000-square-foot exhibit hall and 22 meeting rooms. Proximity to hotels and city attractions provides convenience without congestion. Groups can host events at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where air- craft displays and aviation history offer memorable experiences beyond tradition- al banquet walls. The Dayton Art Institute, perched above the Great Miami River, provides another option for receptions among permanent and rotating exhibi- tions. Several hotels within walking dis- tance offer overflow meeting rooms and boardrooms, expanding capacity for con- ferences of all sizes. Planners looking to engage Black- owned businesses can collaborate with firms such as Elegant Memories Event Planning or consider catering from De'Lish Café, a downtown staple cele- brated for upscale soul cuisine and group-friendly service. The city also pro- motes group discounts at attractions like Carillon Historical Park and hosts quarterly "Meet Dayton" site tours that incentivize planners with airfare reim- bursement or booking bonuses. Planners are also encouraged to explore event packages through the Dayton CVB, which partners with hotels and restaurants to customize experiences. For cultural enrichment, the Paul Laurence Dunbar House, a National Historic Landmark, offers guided tours and insight into the legacy of the first African-American poet to gain interna- tional acclaim. With direct highway access via I-70 and I-75 and just 15 minutes from Dayton International Airport, the city remains accessible for regional and national meet- ings. Dayton doesn't try to rival big cities. It offers something rarer: authentic hospi- tality, compelling venues, and a legacy of ingenuity that continues to welcome, serve, and inspire. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Destination Dayton – (800) 221-8235 www.daytoncvb.com CLEVELAND Cleveland is a meetings city with mus- cle, unpretentious, prepared, and increas- ingly prized by planners who don't need frills to feel seen. The Huntington Convention Center offers 410,000 square feet of flexible space, with direct connec- tion to the Hilton Cleveland Downtown and close proximity to Public Square, AREA GUIDES Dayton Convenion Center photo credit: Dayton CVB 56 B M & T ••• November/December 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 561 Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown 323 Hyatt Regency Cincinnati 491 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Duke Energy Convention Center Total Meeting Space. 750,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 200,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 40,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 30 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Cincy – (513) 621-2142 www.visitcincy.com