Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541144
Progressive Field, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This density makes it possible to scale up or down without transportation overload. The Cleveland Marriott Downtown, Drury Plaza Hotel, and Crowne Plaza Cleveland are also within walking dis- tance of the convention complex. Together they form a high-capacity dis- trict that still manages to feel personal. The city's lakefront orientation adds sce- nic depth to meetings, with Lake Erie's shoreline nearby and the ability to host receptions with skyline views. Cleveland also provides distinct advantages for Black meeting profes- sionals. Karamu House, the nation's old- est African-American producing theater, offers cultural tours and performance- based programming ideal for offsite engagements. The city's thriving Black population continues to shape its arts, dining, and event culture. Restaurants like Zanzibar Soul Fusion and venues like Rid-All Green Partnership's urban farm offer unconventional but deeply mean- ingful add-ons to traditional itineraries. New event-forward spaces have emerged in recent years, offering curat- ed packages for group dining and enter- tainment. For planners building out the agenda, Cleveland's affordability and accessibility stand out. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport connects directly to downtown via a 30-minute rapid transit ride, while major highways I-71, I-77, and I-90 keep regional access streamlined. The city's civic infrastructure is consistently upgraded without hype, and the Cleveland Convention Center District remains a reliable hub. Cleveland hosts more than 22 million visitors each year and continues to rank high in event satisfaction, in part because it respects the work. It doesn't dazzle to distract, it functions. For those in the busi- ness of meetings, that is the luxury. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Destination Cleveland – (216) 875-6600 www.thisiscleveland.com COLUMBUS Columbus is a city that plans like a cap- ital and hosts like a neighbor. The energy here is kinetic but controlled, sharpened by Ohio State University's intellectual engine and tempered by a hospitality scene that respects both pace and pur- pose. Meetings begin at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where 1.8 million square feet of space connects to the Hilton Downtown, one of the largest hotels in the Midwest. The Short North Arts District is just steps away, offering walkable dining, murals, and gallery access for offsite events that don't feel staged. For planners prioritizing cultural equity, Columbus delivers with intention. The Lincoln Theatre, a historic Black per- formance space, offers programmable rental options, while the city's sizable Black-owned business community creates opportunities for local vendor integration. Restaurants like The Lox Bagel Shop, owned by a Black Jewish entrepreneur, and community-rooted spots like Upper Cup Coffee add real flavor to event itiner- aries. John Glenn Columbus International Airport offers daily nonstop access from major markets, while the city's affordabil- ity gives planners financial leeway. Infrastructure is solid, partnerships are reli- able, and talent runs deep. Columbus doesn't just welcome your event. It helps you build it, block by block, with a home- town spirit that knows how to execute. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Columbus – (800) 354-2657 www.experiencecolumbus.com AREA GUIDES B M & T ••• November/December 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57 Cleveland Convention Center photo credit: Dayton CVB