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B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 51 NEW YORK AREA GUIDES institutions like the African American Cultural Center, the Colored Musicians Club and Museum, and the Nash House Museum. Buffalo's nightlife rocks with energy – think craft breweries, distilleries, and food trucks. Still hungry? Venture onto the Buffalo Food Trail where you'll taste everything from crispy wings to char- broiled hot dogs. When it's time for meetings or conven- tions, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is the perfect venue, with 110,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, including 64,000 sq. ft. of con- tiguous exhibit space. The exhibit hall capac- ity is 7,000. The ballroom spans more than 12,000 sq. ft. with pre-function areas adding 8,800 sq. ft. There are also 21 meeting rooms. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown with around 100 flights daily to 18-31 destina- tions. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Buffalo Niagara (800) 283-3256 www.visitbuffaloniagara.com ROCHESTER Rochester, New York, located on Lake Ontario's southern shore, is a hub of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the 96-foot High Falls waterfall, the Susan B. Anthony Museum, and the Strong National Museum of Play. Visit the George Eastman Museum and Frederick Douglass' home. Enjoy the city's vibrant arts scene, local breweries, and farm-to-table cui- sine. Take a scenic drive through the Finger Lakes, visit pumpkin patches, or hike nearby trails. The former Inner Loop highway has been transformed into walk- able neighborhoods. For other activities, stroll through Highland Park's Frederick Douglass Monument and Memorial Plaza, or visit the historic Rochester Public Market. Taste local brews at Strangebird Brewing or Genesee Brew House, dine at Jine's Restaurant or The Revelry. Rochester boasts about 50 central hotels, including The Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown, Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown, The Strathallan, and Hyatt Regency Rochester. Rochester has several options for meet- ings and conventions. The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center boasts 100,000 sq. ft. of space, 25 meeting rooms, theater style seating for 5,000, banquet seating for 3,500, and exhibit space for up to 400 10'x10' booths. The Blue Cross Arena has 25 executive suites, a seat- ing capacity of 10,662, and 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Rochester is easy to get to and even easier to get around. Frederick Douglass – Greater Rochester International Airport is located 10-minutes from downtown Rochester. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Rochester – (585) 279-8300 ALBANY Albany, New York's capital, often lives in NYC's shadow, but this charming Hudson River town is worth discovering. With rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant arts scene, the city's blend of elegance and grit fascinates. Explore the Capitol Building, Erie Canal, and Warehouse District's eclectic shops and eateries. Nearby, hike the Helderberg Mountains or kayak on the Hudson River. There are numerous attractions, including Quackenbush Square, Empire Live, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Palace Theatre, Yono's, and dp An American Brasserie, Albany Center Gallery, The Kenmore Ballroom, McGeary's Irish Pub, The Albany Distilling Co's Bar & Bottle Shop, and the Capital Repertory Theatre. Discover Albany's Black history, cul- ture, and businesses through murals, public art, and Black-owned restaurants. When it's time to meet, the Albany Capital Center, part of the Capital Complex, offers ample meeting space. It features a 22,500 sq. ft. multi-purpose ballroom, 11 meeting rooms, and a 13,500 sq. ft. pre- function area, totaling 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The complex also includes the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, The Egg Performing Arts Center, and MVP Arena, providing a total of 159,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space across connected venues. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Discover Albany – (800) 258-3582 www.albany.org Buffalo Convention Center photo credit: Buffalo Niagara C.C