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Johnny T's Bistro & Blues for Creole flavors that taste like home. From the shelves of Marshall's Music & Bookstore to the ven- dor stalls at the Magnolia Sunset Market, Jackson is a place where legacy is cele- brated in every bite and every book. This vibrant capital offers a perfect marriage of logistical precision and a deep, resonant cultural soul that empowers every visitor to find their own connection to the move- ment. When your begin to research bringing your convention to Jackson, be certain to contact Rickey Thigpen, presi- dent/-CEO of Visit Jack-son, who along with his team, will help you put on an extraordinary event in Jackson. COASTAL MISSISSIPPI The salt air is thick with opportunity these days. Down on the "Secret Coast," a massive $69 million surge from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund is rewriting the region's economic story for 2026. This isn't just about new asphalt and bridges; it's about people. A new revolving loan trust fund is acting as a lifeline for histori- cally underrepresented firms, providing the gap financing needed to grab a seat at the table of the region's infrastructure boom. Leading the charge is the Mississippi Business Alliance, a fresh voice ensuring that local business owners aren't just participants in this renaissance— they're the ones steering it. If you're here for work, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center offers a staggering 400,000 square feet of space with the Gulf breeze as your back- drop. But the real magic happens when the meetings adjourn. Coastal Mississippi is leaning hard into its shoreline heritage through Heritage Community Grants, which shine a light on the Black mariners and pioneers who built these shores. For a luxury experience that feels personal, check into The Almanett Hotel & Bistro in MISSISSIPPI AREA GUIDES BEYOND THE MAGNOLIA: MISSISSIPPI'S BLUEPRINT FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE AND TOURISM BY CHERAY O'NEAL Mississippi is breathing new life into the "Magnolia State" label throughout 2026. Once defined solely by the weight of its past, the state has pivoted toward a future built on heritage tourism and pro- fessional inclusivity. It now boasts the nation's highest percentage of Black resi- dents and a top-five ranking for diverse- led business growth—climbing nearly 6% in a single year. From the rich Delta soil to the salt air of the Gulf, you'll find a land- scape where civil rights landmarks meet a propulsive business climate. It's a unique, soulful intersection of entrepreneurial grit and deep-rooted Southern excellence. JACKSON Jackson doesn't just have history; it has a heartbeat. Known as the "City with Soul," this capital serves as a high-energy hub for Black brilliance and big-ticket pro- fessional gatherings. If you're planning a summit, the Jackson Convention Complex anchors the downtown scene with 330,000 square feet of high-tech space. Just across the way, the legendary Thalia Mara Hall is stepping into a new era in 2026, focusing its grand stage on national conventions and local storytelling. But the hospitality here isn't just corporate. Tucked away in the historic district, The Orchid Bed & Breakfast—the state's first Black- owned and Veteran-owned B&B—offers a warm, intimate sanctuary that large hotels simply can't replicate. Beyond the board- room walls, the city's business culture is built on intentionality. Programs like the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) initiative ensure that diverse-led firms aren't just in the room but leading the contracts. Meanwhile, the 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) Initiative is busy arming local cre- ators with Shopify tools and one-on-one coaching to scale their dreams. As the spring of 2026 unfolds, the city's calendar is packed with professional summits designed to bridge the gap between local vendors and global suppliers. It's a city where progress is a shared mission, fueled by a relentless drive to see community-led enterprises flourish on a global scale. When the work day ends, Jackson's cultural landscape invites you to linger. You can feel the weight of history on the Mississippi Freedom Trail or stand in quiet reflection at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. If you're look- ing for a more rhythmic experience, head to the Farish Street Historic District for live jazz that echoes the legends of the past. Hungry? The city has you covered. Grab a legendary "pig ear" sandwich at the his- toric Big Apple Inn or settle into a booth at B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 55 Mississippi Coast Convention Center photo credit: Jackson C.C. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Jackson Downtown Convention Center Hotel 303 Hilton Jackson 276 The Westin Jackson 203 Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel 200 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Jackson Convention Complex (JCC) Total Meeting Space330,000 sq. ft. Largest Exhibit Hall 60,000 sq. ft. LargestBallroom 25,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 25 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Jackson – (800) 354-7695 visitjackson.com