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B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 50 NEW YORK AREA GUIDES THE NEW YORK STATE OF MIND Where City Dreams Meet Mountain Highs BY DARLENE DONLOE New York's got a little bit of everything – city buzz, mountain lakes, and endless adventure. The city's five boroughs – Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island – are the ultimate urban jungle, packed with diversity and endless adven- tures. Whether you're chasing skyscrapers or solitude, the Empire State's got you cov- ered. From Manhattan's neon lights to Albany's historic charm, Buffalo's waterfront grit, and Rochester's Finger Lakes beauty, there's a vibe for every taste. For your next meeting, New York State's got the ultimate trifecta: world-class venues, diverse settings, and endless downtime options. With top-notch hotels and cutting- edge centers, New York is ready to host. NEW Y0RK CITY "New York, New York, it's a wonderful town! The Bronx is up and the Battery's down. The people ride in a hole in the ground." That iconic song sung by Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, and Jules Munshin describes one of the most vibrant, diverse, artsy, cosmopolitan, and resilient cities in the world. The city pulses with energy – a melt- ing pot of cultures, an iconic skyline, and bustling streets fueled by a relentless spirit of togetherness. For melanin-infused visitors, a slice of Black excellence is waiting in Harlem, con- sidered one of the most famous Black com- munities in the country. Home of the Harlem Renaissance, the area is known for its great music, culture, and, of course, food. Landmarks include The Apollo Theatre, the Studio Museum of Harlem, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Don't forget jazz clubs, soul food restaurants, art galleries, the African American Wax Museum, the Black Fashion Museum, the Lenox Lounge, the Gatehouse Theater, and the Abyssinian Baptist Church. From Times Square's dazzling lights to Central Park's serene green oasis, NYC pulses with energy. This city that never sleeps is a mashup of iconic sights, top-tier museums, and vibes from every neighbor- hood. Dive into Central Park, catch a Broadway show, snap a pic at the Empire State Building, ride the waves at Coney Island, or soak up history on Liberty Island. Foodies flock to NYC for a taste of the city's legendary eats – think pizza slices, bagels, and global flavors galore, tucked into cozy spots across every borough. Getting to the Big Apple is a breeze. New York's trio of airports – John F. Kennedy International (15 miles to midtown), LaGuardia Airport (eight miles), and Newark Liberty International Airport (16 miles) – ensures you're just a landing (and a short ride) away from the heart of NYC. When your begin to research bringing your convention to NYC, be certain to contact Julie Coker, president/CEO of New York City Tourism, who along with her team, will help you put on an extraordinary event in NYC. BUFFALO Buffalo, New York, known as 'The Queen City,' is a city reborn. Once overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors, Buffalo, located on the easternmost end of Lake Erie, over- looking the Niagara River, and minutes from the Canadian province of Ontario, has emerged as a vibrant destination. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Buffalo's got a lot to offer. And it's reinventing itself with a fierce, blue- collar pride that's infectious. Discover Buffalo's charm: explore Elmwood Village's trendy scene, chase the thundering Niagara Falls, and dive into art at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Burchfield Penney, or Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Martin House and Graycliff Estate. Buffalo's cultural scene is thriving, with Apollo-Theater Marquee • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS New York Marriott Marquise 1,971 New York Hilton Midtown. 1,929 Sheraton New York Times Square 1,780 Hyatt Grand Central NewYork 1,300 The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel 1, 083 The St. Regis 600 The Beekman 287 The Ritz-Carlton New York 253 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Jacob J. Javia Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 3.4 million sq. ft.Largest Hall 850,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 55,000 sq. ft. MeetingRooms 122 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? NYC Tourism – (212) 484-1218 www.nyctourism.com