Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544721
B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi invites you to shape a lasting experience. You can begin with the stories of local her- itage sites, coastal communities, and cultural landmarks that connect African American history to the present, then shift into the creative energy of the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, where art and architecture open the door to conversation and shared perspective. For meetings, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center keeps everything within reach, pairing flexible space with a beachfront setting that changes the pace of the day. Nearby, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, and IP Casino Resort Spa offer the kind of all- in-one convenience that makes it easy to move from sessions to shared meals, live music, and evening gatherings without miss- ing a beat. Dining becomes part of the connection here. You can gather your group at The Fillin' Station or Le Bakery, then follow the coast into lounges and music-filled spaces. Between meetings, the Gulf itself becomes your backdrop: morning walks along the beach; boat rides toward Ship Island; and time set aside to breathe, reset, and enjoy the moment. COASTAL MISSISSIPPI Beyond the main hubs Biloxi and Gulfport, Coastal Mississippi settles into a quieter rhythm, where smaller com- munities shape experiences that feel personal, unhurried, and deeply connected to place. In Ocean Springs, you can build time into your agenda to wander a walkable downtown lined with galleries and studios, with the Walter Anderson Museum of Art offering a natural gathering point. The pace invites con- versation, whether between sessions or during an afternoon set aside simply to explore. Further along the coast, Bay St. Louis is a creative, closely- knit community that lends itself to reunions and small-group retreats. Here, the experience is shaped as much by the setting as the schedule—walkable streets, locally rooted spaces, and an atmosphere that encourages your group to slow down and set- tle in. In Pass Christian, the tone shifts again, offering a quieter stretch of coastline where meetings can give way to open-air conversations, scenic views, and relaxation time. Coastal dining is rooted in a Gulf-to-table tradition, where shrimp, oysters, and crab define the menu. You can gather over seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée, stuffed crabs, or shrimp and grits, at restaurants ranging from casual, community-rooted spaces to waterfront settings that feel elevated yet approach- able. Shaggy's Pass Harbor, The Blind Tiger, The Thorny Oyster and Harbor View Café represent just a handful of the scenic dining options. In Long Beach, waterfront parks and open shoreline create space for group wellness activities, from morning walks to infor- mal gatherings. Across these communities, the coast becomes a choose-your-pace destination—one where smaller meetings, incentives, and reunions are shaped not by scale, but by connec- tion, and where the most meaningful moments happen between the plans. GULFPORT The Gulfport experience centers on connection between history, community, and the Gulf itself. You can begin in the Turkey Creek Community Historic District, where the story of one of Mississippi's oldest African American communities is told through preserved land- marks and living legacy, then continue downtown to the Gulfport Museum of History, where local narratives add context to the city's coastal identity. For meetings and group stays, properties such as Island View Casino Resort and Centennial Plaza Resort provide flexible options that blend convenience with atmosphere, while The Almanett Hotel & Bistro offers a more inti- mate setting rooted in culture and community. These spaces make it easy to shape gatherings that feel both productive and personal. Outdoors, the pace shifts naturally. At Jones Park, you can move between waterfront views, walking paths, and open green space, or set out from the harbor on a Ship Island excursion on the Gulf. The Mississippi Aquarium adds another layer, offering interactive programming that works well for groups and families alike. Dining and social moments drive your experience for- ward. In Fishbone Alley, art-lined walls and local spirit create a natural gathering place, while The Almanett Hotel & Bistro brings together food, culture, and conver- sation in one setting. Gulfport's easy coastal rhythm invites you to meet, explore, and stay connected long after the agenda ends. Mississippi Gulf Coast signage Gulfport, Fishbone Alley