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B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 Louisiana Boardwalk, Red River District, and Bakowski Bridge of Lights, or gather at venues such as The Noble Savage, Bear's on Fairfield, Celebrity Lounge, Allure Ultra Lounge, Strange Brew, Haze on Texas, and Stray Cat. In Shreveport, meetings come with a side of music, history, and riverfront vibe with an authentic Louisiana feeling without the crowds of larger destinations. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Shreveport-Bossier – 318-222-9391 www. visitshreveportbossier.org DES MOINES, IA As Iowa's capital, Des Moines has quietly built one of the Midwest's most efficient and accessible meet- ings environments. Connected by an extensive down- town skywalk system and anchored by a convention campus in the heart of the city, Des Moines combines practical advantages with a growing cultural scene, diverse dining options, and a welcoming atmosphere. The city's meetings centerpiece is the Iowa Events Center, a downtown complex that includes convention, arena, and performance facilities. The convention center offers approximately 150,000 sq. ft. of convention and exhibit space, including a 28,000 sq. ft. ballroom, more than 50 meeting rooms, and exhibit halls capable of hosting con- ventions, trade shows, and large conferences. The broader campus also includes the EMC Expo Center, which contributes approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and roughly 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, creating a flexible environment for events of varying sizes. Hilton Des Moines Downtown is a headquarters hotel connected to the Iowa Events Center through the city's skywalk network and offers approximately 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Nearby, the Des Moines Marriott Downtown features approximately 413 guest rooms and more than 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, while Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown offers 234 suites and approxi- mately 16,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Surety Hotel provides an upscale option for executive meetings and VIP gatherings. Des Moines also offers planners a strong selection of venues for receptions and special programming. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates provides an architecturally impressive setting for awards pro- grams and evening events. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden combines riverfront views with dis- tinctive event space, while the Des Moines Art Center offers galleries, sculpture gardens, and a creative backdrop for networking functions. Additional options include Salisbury House & Gardens and Principal Park. The story of the historic Center Street district remains one of the city's most signifi- cant African American cultur- al touchpoints. Once a thriving corridor of Black-owned busi- nesses, entertainment venues, and community institutions, its legacy continues to shape conversations about the city's history and development. Planners may also draw on resources from the Iowa African American Museum, the state's leading institution dedicated to Black history and culture. Beyond the meeting room, attendees can explore the Historic East Village, Pappa- john Sculpture Park, the State Historical Museum of Iowa, and the city's growing riverfront districts. Dining options range from Big Al's BBQ, a Black-owned favorite, to Flying Mango, Bubba, and Aposto. After hours, networking naturally continues in the East Village and Court Avenue District, where cocktail lounges, breweries, live music venues, and local restaurants create a lively but approachable social scene. Des Moines may not always command the spotlight, but it consistently delivers the convenience, value, and sense of discovery that planners appreci- ate. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Catch Des Moines – 800 - 451-2625 www. catchdesmoines.com Des Moines Skyline