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telling open to the public—making for a powerful group experience. LINCOLN Just 50 miles southwest of Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska's capital city, combines collegiate energy with a sophisticated, welcoming environment for meetings. The Lancaster Event Center and Pinnacle Bank Arena handle everything from national conventions to special events. For mid-sized gatherings, The Graduate Lincoln and Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln provide flexible ballrooms and breakout rooms just steps from the University of Nebraska campus. Downtown Lincoln is pedestrian- friendly, featuring more than 100 restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife spots within easy reach of major hotels. The Haymarket District, once a ware- house area, now thrives as a lively enter- tainment hub filled with farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and rooftop patios—ideal for group dinners or infor- mal networking. The International Quilt Museum, a short distance from downtown, provides a unique venue that will add grace and beauty to any event, from conferences and corporate events to weddings and receptions. Your outdoor-minded attendees will find over 130 miles of trails for walking, running, or cycling, many connecting directly from downtown. Holmes Lake Park and Pioneers Park Nature Center offer accessible spaces for nature walks, wellness activities, or small group retreats during multi-day events. Lincoln also celebrates local heritage through events like The Lincoln Indian Center's annual powwow, featuring Native American traditions of dance, art, and music. And each February, the city honors Black History Month with art exhi- bitions, lectures, and performances across downtown venues offering a cultural touchpoint for visiting groups. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Lincoln - (800) 423-8212 www.lincoln.org NEBRASKA AREA GUIDES CORNHUSKER STATE HOME TO RICH AFRICAN-AMERCAN HISTORY BY PATRICE A. KELLY In the center of the country and the heart of the Midwest, Nebraska (aka, The Cornhusker State) offers meeting planners a destination that blends modern conven- ience, natural beauty, and genuine hospi- tality. Nebraska's mix of affordability, small- town warmth, and big-city amenities makes it smart option for conferences, conventions, and corporate retreats. If you're seeking value, accessibility, and a genuine sense of place, Nebraska delivers meetings that are welcoming, versatile, and far from ordinary. Nebraska's two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln, anchor the state's meetings landscape with full-service convention centers, major hotel brands, and plenty of off-site entertainment. OMAHA Located along the Missouri River, Omaha is Nebraska's largest city and its primary convention destination. The CHI Health Center Omaha serves as the city's convention and arena hub, featuring more than 287,000 sq. ft. of exhibit, meeting, and ballroom space. The facility connects directly to the Hilton Omaha, with its own extensive meeting space and additional hotels nearby, all within walk- ing distance. Downtown Omaha's Old Market District adds historic charm and local char- acter to your meeting itineraries. Its cob- blestone streets, art galleries, boutique shops, and eclectic restaurants create nat- ural opportunities for dine-arounds, receptions, or casual team gatherings. Omaha's cultural venues like The Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Community Playhouse, and Holland Performing Arts Center offer elegant spaces for receptions and presentations. Sports enthusiasts can catch a College World Series game at Charles Schwab Field, while groups look- ing for something truly memorable can book after-hours events at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, one of the world's top-ranked zoos. Looking for outdoor and team-building options? Your attendees can walk or bike the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, unwind on the city's new riverfront trails, or take in skyline views during a private dinner cruise on the Missouri River The Great Plains Black History Museum, located in the historic Jewell Building in North Omaha, offers a com- pelling look at African American life in the Midwest and is a meaningful site for edu- cational tours. North Omaha also cele- brates Native Omaha Days, a biennial fes- tival that honors African American her- itage with parades, concerts, and commu- nity events. For Native American heritage, the Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow, held annual- ly, features dance, drumming, and story- • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District 333 Hilton Omaha 600 Embassy Suites Downtown/Old Market 249 EXHIBITION FACILITIES CHI Health Center Omaha Total Meeting Space 194,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 79,400 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 30,996 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 16 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Omaha – (402) 444-7762 www.visitomaha.com Omaha Nebraska Downtown City Skyline, along the Missouri River photo credit: Dustin Ausdemore B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 51