Black Meetings and Tourism

May/June 2014

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MEETING IN THE HEART OF AMERICA BY DON LITTLETON Known for jazz, barbecue and foun- tains, Kansas City is a creative commu- nity that prides itself on good times and friendly, fun-loving people. Part of the city's charm lies in its beauty, which includes an impressive network of boulevards, parks and exquisite foun- tains. But it's the area's unique and unexpected discoveries that will make your time here special – eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of- a-kind museums, a thriving arts scene and fantastic shop- ping districts. Kansas City is nicknamed the "Heart of America." And talk about location. The city is right in the center of the country, so it's easy to get there. And once you make it there, you'll find it's a breeze to get where you want to go because the city doesn't experience the traffic jams you'll find in many other cities. Add in the fact that hotel rates, food costs, labor, rental charges and admission prices are some of the most competitive in the nation, and you'll find that Kansas City is one of the best convention values in America. Meeting Planners can't go wrong by booking an event here with the newly ren- ovated convention hotels, new grand ball- room, state-of-the-art arena and an eight- block restaurant and entertainment dis- trict…. all steps from the Convention Center. The Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities has just complet- ed a $150 million expansion and technolo- gy upgrade. It now features one of the 10 largest convention center ballrooms in the country. Kansas City's downtown convention center can accommodate conventions and special events all in one place. Amenities include 388,800 sq. ft. of col- umn-free exhibit space on one floor, a brand new 46,484-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom as well as 45 state-of-the-art meeting rooms. Another venue planners can explore is the American Royal Complex, located in the downtown area. It is equipped with over 300,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and a 29,000-sq. ft. Hale Arena, which seats 5,000. Kansas City is a dynamic city backed by a vibrant arts scene, world-class attractions and an eclectic mix of shops. Whether this is your first visit or Kansas City is like your second home, take time to discover a blend of new and traditional favorites during your next visit. Conference attendees are invited to discover some of the 34,500 pieces in the collection of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. From ceramic objects found in ancient Chinese tombs to whim- sical sculptures of badminton birdies, the Nelson-Atkins collection spans over 5,000 years of humanity. Visitors can now experience a new Downtown Kansas City with the Kansas City Power & Light District. The $850 mil- lion entertainment district – the largest new development project in the Midwest – has reenergized downtown, creating an entertainment, retail and dining hot spot for visitors and conventioneers. It trans- forms itself from a unique lunch and retail destination by day to an exciting dining and entertainment experience in the evening. Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is located 19 miles northwest of down- town Kansas City and services the area with 11 carriers and connecting partners, more than 400 daily flights and non-stop service to nearly 50 locations. AREA GUIDES K A N S A S C I T Y B M & T ••• May/June 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57 Bartle Hall Convention Center, Kansas City, MO Photo Credit: Visions Of America LLC • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Marriott Kansas City Downtown 983 Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crowne Center 730 Westin Kansas City at Crowne Center 724 Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown 385 Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa 250 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Kansas City Convention Center total exhibit space 388,800 sq. ft. largest ballroom 100,980 sq. ft. meeting rooms 45 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Kansas City CVA (800) 767-7700 www.visitkc.com Black Chamber of Commerce (816) 474-9901

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