Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/187632
•pg_42-55__BMT_pg3-58 9/25/13 12:27 AM Page 49 Milwaukee Skyline gatherings up to 10,000 with over 8,000 hotel rooms at low-cost Midwestern prices. Wisconsin Dells has been christened "The Waterpark Capital of the World!®" It features the largest concentration of waterparks in the world including America's largest outdoor waterpark, the country's largest indoor/outdoor combination and the state's largest indoor waterpark. MILWAUKEE When nearly 600 meeting planners convened in Milwaukee at this year's Connect Marketplace, the city was thrilled at the opportunity to throw the largest site inspection in its history. Connect Marketplace planners, as well as attendees of the recent National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (August 2013), came away with a new image of Milwaukee as an exceptional blend of stunning natural beauty, meeting facilities, entertainment and urban-easy charm – an exciting second-tier destination where there's no sacrifice of quality and "wow" factor, and all this at a substantial cost savings. Meeting planners helped design the Wisconsin Center – one of three facilities on Milwaukee's convention campus. Featuring 189,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, the convention center is just a skywalk away from 1,200 rooms in recently upgraded flagship hotels, the Hilton Milwaukee and Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Unforgettable off-site venues include the Harley-Davidson Museum, the spectacular lakefront Milwaukee Art Museum with its moving "wings," and neighboring Discovery World, whose Pilot House is renowned for its 360-degree view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The elegant Potawatomi Bingo Casino raises the stakes with its Expo Center and ballroom. The casino features Off-Track betting rooms, nearly 3,000 of the latest slot machines, table games such as poker, blackjack, craps and of course bingo. The casino has several partner hotels where visitors qualify for perks at the casino. All you have to do is head to the front desk of a partner hotel and ask for the Potawatomi Casino Stay and Play Voucher and take it along with your room key and identification to the casino to receive your perks. A free shuttle service is available from most downtown Milwaukee hotels. Partner hotels include the Ambassador Inn Marquette, Ambassador Hotel, Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Downtown Milwaukee, Hilton Garden Inn Downtown and several others. A charming RiverWalk connects colorful walk-around neighborhoods in Milwaukee like the trendy Historic Third Ward with Milwaukee Public Market and Old World Third Street, showcasing the city's German heritage. 300,000 sq. ft. convention center 16,000 hotel rooms 125 downtown restaurants 10 minutes from international airport With a variety of meeting spaces, affordable hotels, live music, night life, natural beauty, and a casino — all in a convenient downtown area — you'll find it easy here. B M & T ••• September/October 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 49