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•pg_19-29_ICI__BMT_pg3-58 8/12/13 6:48 PM Page 24 For group gatherings requiring less than 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space try the Comfort Inn Maingate, Fantasy World Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites or the Seralago Hotel & Suites Maingate, Nothing more adequately defines Central Florida than its myriad theme parks. These parks need no introduction, but the top ones are Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and Legoland. Several of the larger resort properties have free shuttle service to area theme parks and the airport. AURORA, IL the second largest city in Illinois and sits just 37 miles west of Chicago. If you need an alternative to that big city destination, Aurora is the answer—-its big city amenities at great value. Local attractions include the Hollywood Casino Aurora featuring slots, blackjack, poker, three restaurants and lots of movie memorabilia. Paramount Theatre is the premiere arts and entertainment venue in Aurora. Checkout the Broadway Series and enjoy iconic plays such as Miss Saigon, In The Heights, 42nd Street and Rent. The Chicago Premium Outlets draws thousands of visitors a month and features many of the top brand names. RiverEdge Park was designed with a little something for everyone from kayaking and canoeing to a 10-acre music venue. Entertainers from country music sensations Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Dr. John and Buddy Guy have performed here. For thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts there's whitewater rafting on the Marge Cline Whitewater course or Kayaking along the Fox River. How about boating, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, skiing, biking and hiking – its all here for the taking. Just down the road in nearby Yorkville is the state's largest waterpark, Raging Waves. The park sits on 40 acre and features 17 waterslides, a separate kiddie pool and 23 private cabanas. Getting to Aurora is easier than one might think. Aurora is located on Interstate 88 equidistant from both Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports. Simply rent a car and drive one hour. Another option is Amtrak or the Metra Train lines. The Best Western Timber Creek and Convention Center is the region's largest meeting facility with 25,000 sq. ft. of space. The property, just outside of Aurora has 100 guest rooms, including suites and whirlpool rooms. A mere five minutes from Aurora is the Rich Harvest Farms, a 1,820-acre spread with an award-winning 18-hole golf course. Golf Digest America ranked this course as one of America's Top 100. This private and secluded locale has 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space and over 40,000 square-feet of outdoor function space. In Aurora is the Hampton Inn & Suites with 127 rooms. This property offers five meeting rooms, video conferencing and can host For a change of pace, try a family golf tournament, an airboat ride, fishing tournament, Zip-lining, horseback riding or miniature golf. And if you need a few minutes away from the kids there are more than enough spas around. For some after-hour entertainment try a dinner show. The three most popular are Arabian Knights, Capone's and Medieval Times. For help with all Kissimmee planning needs call (800) 831-1844, email meet@experiencekissimmee.com or visit http://www.experiencekissimmee.com/meeting/meet-the-team/ for direct contact information. Hampton Inn & Suites (Aurora) It's from 90 to 140 attendees depending on configurations. There's also a Holiday Inn for small gatherings. Meeting planners who need additional information can call (630) 256-3194 or fill out the form on their website at http://www.enjoyaurora.com/-plannersrequest.cfm. JUNEAU, AK laska's capital city might be our nation's best-kept secret. Juneau looks like a portrait one might see in an art gallery – beauty, color, wildlife, quaint and majestic all in one setting. Why Juneau? It could easily be the adventure of a lifetime for any group. Juneau has many unique attractions not seen in the Lower 48. The Mendenhall Glacier is a tongue of ice stretching 12-miles from A 24 B M & T ••• July/August 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Mount Roberts Tramway (Juneau)