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planning activities. For more information call (800) 458- 8085. CHARLOTTE, NC Largest meeting venue: Charlotte Convention Center—280,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, more than 90,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, a 35,000-sq. ft. ballroom Number of area guestrooms: 30,000 "Charlotte is one of the most accessi- ble destinations, thanks to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and is a major hub of US Airways. Over 60% of the U.S. population lives within a two-hour flight," says Molly Hedrick, senior director of communications for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, who notes that the city's easy accessibility translates into cost savings for visitors. Travelers to Charlotte can also take advantage of free attractions like the Billy Graham Library, and several new attrac- tions opening in 2010 — including the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts, the Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art — will offer affordable admission as well as a convenient location near the Charlotte Convention Center. As a special promotion, the CRVA is offering complimentary meeting spaces for public companies holding annual board meetings or recognition events in the city through the end of 2009. At a time when many corporations are cutting back on travel because of the economy, Charlotte officials hope such incentives will encourage more meeting business. "We recognize the call for saving costs when meeting with customers, organization members or employees, and we are also acutely aware of the great overall importance to continue hav- ing meetings now and in the future," says Tim Newman, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. "According to leaders throughout the country, meet- ing personally with clients and employ- ees makes even more sense now than ever . . . communicating and conversing leads to better team interaction and focus." Convention services include a free welcome/transportation desk at the air- port, information tables at your hotel or the convention center, VIP airport trans- portation, a PassKey room reservation Art work on display at the Mint Museum Photo Credit: Visit Charlotte