Black Meetings and Tourism

Mississippi – a replica of a typical Mississippi town in the early 1900s? Or enjoy theatre-style meetings at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science where break-time can be spent viewing Mississippi's diverse wildlife, include some baby alligators, or strolling out- doors along the 2.5-mile nature trail. The Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex offers a bit of everything for convention and meeting delegates – a variety of hotels close by, a full-service Coliseum for large meeting/rallies, and the Mississippi Trade Mart for trade shows. Attractions are aplenty in Jackson! From downtown walking tours of historic sites to live animals at the Jackson Zoo and the Mississ-ippi Museum of Natural Science, there is always something to see or do. Jackson's museums range from Old South history to modern art and from sports to Jewish and Muslim culture. Be sure to contact Wanda Collier- Wilson, president of the Jackson Convention & Visitors bureau if you're con- t e m p l a t i n g booking an event into the area. She or one of her talented team will pro- vide you with all the assistance you need. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Jackson CB - (800) 354-7695 www.visitjackson.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and 26 miles of scenic coastal beaches, Mississippi Gulf Coast offers the perfect blend of outstanding accommodations, meeting venues and attractions to guarantee the success of your event. You and your delegates can not only enjoy world-class facili- ties and services, but outstanding golf courses and championship fishing. Some of the artistic and historical museums have reopened. After a day of meetings, attendees can take part in an array of fun activities, followed by an exciting evening with dinner at a local seafood restaurant before head- ing off to enjoy 24-hour gaming at one of the coast's casino resorts. Several first class meeting facilities are available for meetings/- tradeshows, with many more coming online by 2010. Hotel room inven- tory on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is over 11,000 with several hun- dred additional rooms opening by mid-summer 2008. Although many properties may have a new look, the hospitality that you've come to expect on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is as strong as ever. New developments along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that have been announced include the $704 million new project of Harrah's Margarita- ville Casino & Resort in Biloxi to include 66,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The Margaritaville project broke ground August 2007 and is expected to be completed by early 2010. Other developments include the July 2007 opening of Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi and the opening of several con- dominiums along Beach Boulevard. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center is the centerpiece of convention activities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located in the center of the Coast and directly across from the beach in Biloxi, the facility offers meeting and pre-func- tion space with all amenities. For meeting space that is just steps away the fine resorts, hotels and motels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast also offer a glamorous choice of meeting space. Many of the high-rise hotels are located on or across from the beach. Guests breathe in the sea air and bask in the sunshine during conven- tion breaks. The Center is currently undergo- ing a 130,000-sq. ft. expansion and renovation of the existing convention center. The existing convention cen- ter has been hosting business since January 2008. The anticipated open- ing date for completion of the expan- sion is slated for the Fall of 2009. Planners can take advantage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB's out- standing service and "one-stop shop- ping" approach to planning, promot- ing and managing meetings in the area. Acting as a liaison between meeting planners and marketing partners, the CVB's full range of services includes assisting with site and accommodation selection, event promotion, special event and theme party planning, as well as on-site reg- istration services. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB (888) 467-4853 www.gulfcost.org NATCHEZ As one of the south's oldest and most historic destinations, Natchez is home to dozens of antebellum homes, classic riverboats, and a natural southern beauty. Natchez has embraced and preserved the influences of Native American, European, Southern, and African- American cultures – all of which have given her a timeless and unique blend of charm, grace, romance, mystery, and adventure. No other city in the US has more antebellum homes than Natchez. While just nine homes are open for tour- Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 112 AREA GUIDES Grand Casino Biloxi Hotel Photo Credit: Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB WANDA COLLIER-WILSON

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