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AREA GUIDES MISSISSIppI BIG CITY OR SMALL TOWN, YOU’LL GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II If you’re searching for a place for your nextmeeting or convention, start to think ofMississippi as a possible destina- tion to bring your group.With the wide array of culture and style each city has to offer the conference experience there is no reason you shouldn’t find the perfect convention destination, meeting facility or conference center for your next event. JACKSON Boundless opportunities for success await your Jackson meeting, confer- ence, or convention.With a diversity of Jackson Mississippi meeting facilities, planners can easily choose a fantastic destination and theme for their event. One can chart a new corporate direc- tion within the cutting-edge space of the new Jackson Convention Complex – the centerpiece of the downtown dis- trict’s renaissance. This massive facility showcases state-of-the-art technology, a 382-seat theatre, and over 330,000 sq. ft. of prime meeting and exhibit space. The Complex is fully equipped with a 9,000-sq. ft. kitchen and catering facil- ity, two full-service concession areas in the main exhibit hall, dual loading docks and a staging area. The business center/café space, separate entrances for the exhibit hall and ballroom as well as the covered bus and vehicle drop-off lanes all add to the convenience this center has to offer meeting attendees. At the end of the day, you and your Y’all Come. It’s our mission statement, a warm invitation that promises friendship, personal comfort and safe haven for groups large and small. In Natchez we have history, scenery, and a walkable downtown offering great cuisine, events, gaming, outdoor recreation, and breathtaking views of the Mississippi, without the traffic and hullabaloo of the big city - in short, a tour operator’s dream. Easy access, affordability, charm, and the right mix of excitement and relaxation make the perfect recipe for successful tours. See for yourself. Plan for lovely, historic Natchez, and all the credit goes to you. 60 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com attendees can sleep comfortably in some of Jackson’s 5,500 hotel rooms. The Hilton-Jackson Hotel & Convention Center is very well prepared for confer- ences and conventions of various sizes, fully equipped with 30,000 sq. ft. of meet- ing space, 17 meeting rooms as well as 276 luxuri- ous hotel guest rooms including 11 spectacular suites. The Regency Hotel & C o n f e r e n c e Center is another great option for housing your attendees. With over 20,000 sq. ft. of function space and 147 guest rooms and suites, this conference center is able to handle small to large meetings, weddings, ban- quets, reunions, s e m i n a r s , Conventions and Social Gatherings. As well as prime meeting and lodging space, Jackson offers a huge selection of highly cultured entertainment. There are many fascinating museums devoted to the city’s visual arts, history and heritage, and sports. Celebrate the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement at Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. Close your eyes and hear the cheers of the crowd at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum – named among the Top 10 “Most Amazing Baseball Museums in America” by ESPN. Learn about the wonders of nature at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. See a mem- orable performance by the world-class Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, or grab a drink and a bite to eat at an authentic blues “juke joint.” WHOYOUGONNACALL? Jackson CVB – (800) 354-7695 www.visitjackson.com NATCHEZ Natchez, on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, is known for its breathtaking vistas and old-world charm. Though bustling enough, the entire downtown is well-planned and walkable,with inviting hotels, a new, state-of-the-art convention center, community center, and city audi- torium; great restaurants, unique shops, and sparkling entertainment easily with- in reach. There’s also plenty of public transportation, and even a lazy horse- drawn carriage ride if you choose to meander through our historic district. The Natchez Convention Center is the flagship of this triple venue complex, offering over 23,000 sq. ft. of divisible function space downstairs, including threemeeting rooms,an executive board room, 5,100 sq. ft. of pre-function area, a fully equipped concession area, a full service kitchen, and wi-fi throughout the building. The siblings of the convention center are the Community Center and The Natchez CityAuditorium. WHOYOUGONNACALL? The Natchez CVB – (800) 647-6724 www.natchez.ms.us