Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/34521
AREA GUIDES KANSAS MIDWEST DESTINATION WTH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Kansas City is the perfect choice for groups of all sizes. This historical desti- nation located in the center of the nation, charms with its warm-hearted, small-town graciousness. Kansas City didn’t earn the nickname “Heart of America”for nothing.This vibrant, revi- talized city is the most centrally located major metropolitan area in the country. In fact,more than 55million people can get to KC in less than a day’s drive. Flying there is even easier, as Kansas City International Airport is just a three-hour flight away from each coast. And once you have arrived, you’ll find it’s a breeze to getwhere youwant to go because the traffic jams you’ll find in many other cities don’t exist in this des- tination. Located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, just 20 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport, the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities dominate the city skyline with their brilliant art deco pylons.Attendees are right in the heart of the city and just steps away from hotels, the Sprint Center and the Power and Light District. The Convention Center has just completed a $150million expansion and technology upgrade. It now features one of the 10 largest convention center ballrooms in the country. The newly renovated facility comes well equipped with 388,800 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space on one floor, a brand new 46,484-sq. ft.Grand Ballroom, 45 state- of-the-art meeting rooms, a three-level conference center and a 2,400-seat fine arts theater. Amenities also include a renovated 60 Skystations atop Convention Center arena that seats 10,700 people, an out- door plaza and sculpture garden for events up to 2,000 people, permanent tennis court at Barney Allis Plaza and an on-site parking lot for up to 1,000. Kansas City accommodations repre- sent a remarkable mix of sophistication and simplicity, glamour and good old- fashioned fun, international flair and American values. More than 26,000 hotel,motel and bed&breakfast rooms grace the metropolitan area, ensuring that your group will find accommoda- tions and amenities within your budget wherever you stay—all the whilemak- ing everyone feel welcome and com- fortable. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Aladdin Holiday Inn is located in the heart of the down- town convention,business, financial and entertainment districts. This KC land- mark re-opened in the spring of 2007 following an extensive historic preser- vation with 193 guest rooms, rooftop banquet space to accommodate 25 to 225 people,amezzaninemartini bar and the ZebraRoomfull-service restaurant. With almost 4,000 sq. ft. of function space with that same “vintage hip” appeal, theAladdin offers intimacywith a spectacular view of Downtown Kansas City. For social events or meet- ings from 25 people to 225 people, the Roof Garden Ballroom, the Roof Garden Terrace, and the Martini Loft Alcove offer a unique yet state-of-the- art environment for your function. Conveniently situated next to the Downtown Kansas City’s Power & Light Entertainment District, adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center, is the luxurious Crowne Plaza Kansas City Hotel. Crowne Plaza has nine spa- cious, high-tech meeting rooms to meet your needs. Facilities include 9 meeting rooms totaling 12,984.4 sq. ft.ofmeeting space, a largest roomcapacity of 325 sq. ft. in a Theatre Style set-up, 5,000 sq. ft. ft. of exhibit space, along with accom- modations for 25 8’x10’ booths. Within minutes to Kemper Arena, American Royal, River Market, Crowne Center and the County Club Plaza, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is cen- trally located to all retail and entertain- ment venues Kansas City has to offer. Kansas City offers a wealth of attrac- tions. The striking landscape includes wide boulevards,beautiful parks, fantas- tic architecture andmore than 200 foun- tains. The city’s diversions include world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene, superb shopping and great blues and jazz clubs. WHOYOUGONNACALL? Kansas City CVA (800) 767-7700 www.visitkc.com Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Kansas City CVB