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•pg_28-38__BMT_pg3-58 1/8/14 7:10 PM Page 28 TODAY'S CONVENTION CENTERS ARE NOT ONLY IDEAL FOR LARGE TRADE SHOWS, BUT SMALL MEETINGS TOO BIRMINGHAM/JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX In the heart of thriving, fun-filled Birmingham is the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Here you will find everything you need for whatever your event requires: an array of top-notch facilities, 757 adjoining guest rooms, a helpful event staff and a host of special- The re once was a time when convention centers were nothing more than huge boxes with concrete floors and cinder block walls that were used solely for mega trade shows and conventions. Nothing fancy, no creature comforts, just plenty of exhibit space, basic utilities and oversized loading docks. That was the industry standard. Meeting and trade show planners had a choice to either take it or leave it! History shows us that nearly all of them, except those that truly needed the cavernous expanses of an old school convention center, opted for the more appealing and hospitable environment of a hotel setting That was then – this is now! Convention Centers have evolved into an entirely different animal, boasting everything from plush carpeting, textured wall coverings, multimillion dollar art installations and ergonomic boardroom seating, to award winning food and beverage departments, attentive concierge staff and 5-star hotel quality amenities. And while today's convention centers still accommodate those huge gatherings that require room for hundreds of exhibit booths and thousands in a general session or meal function, now they can also host those smaller meetings and conferences that are seeking a more intimate and inviting environment. Here are a few venue possibilities for planners to consider when organizing their next small or mega event. ized services. An impressive 220,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space is just the beginning. One of the most compelling features of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex is that it has all the right components in one complex. The centrally located, modern facility also includes 100,000 sq. ft. in 74 meeting rooms, and The Medical Forum, a conference facility unlike any other in the country that's equipped with state-of-the-art communications technology. The adjoining Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, with 757 modern guest rooms, in-house catering service as well as on-site covered and valet parking, complete the package. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is conveniently located 10 minutes from the Birmingham International Airport and at the apex of several major interstates, making it super-accessible by car, bus or plane. STATS Total Exhibit Space: Largest Ballroom: Number of Meeting Rooms: Telephone: Website: www.bjcc.org 220,000 sq. ft. 15,522 sq. ft. 74 (205) THE-BJCC CLEVELAND CONVENTION CENTER The Cleveland Convention Center is a multipurpose performing arts, entertainment and exposition facility located in the heart of downtown Cleveland offering meeting planners underground sustainability with a brand new LEED Silver 28 B M & T ••• November/December 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com