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Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 200 : www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 82 STATS Total exhibit space: 580,000 sq. ft. Largest hall: 152,700 sq. ft. Largest ballroom: 39,500 sq. ft. Number of meeting rooms: 28 Telephone: (800) 214-0420 Website: www.prconvention.com Americas. The 580,000-sq. ft. facility features a 152,700-sq. ft. exhibition hall, 39,500-sq. ft. ball- room and 36,200 sq. ft. of meeting space in 15 flexi- ble rooms that break out into 28 sections. In November, the 5 0 0 - r o o m Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center will open, serving as the h e a d q u a r t e r s hotel and as an "urban resort" for conventioneers, with 63,000 sq. ft. of func- tion space, a casino, retail shops, rooftop pool and spa. The Puerto Rico Convention Center is the core compo- nent of the 113-acre "lifestyle" urban development project known as the Puerto Rico Convention Center District, one of the largest and most ambitious waterfront development projects in the history of the U.S. and its territories. Conceived as a vibrant urban gathering place, once com- pleted in 2012, the District will welcome delegates to expe- rience the distinctiveness of Puerto Rico in what will become one of the Island's most sought-after spots for busi- ness, shopping and recreation. The Puerto Rico Convention Center is located just minutes away from historic Old San Juan, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and the Condado tourist area. SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER The San Diego Convention Center is located on sparkling San Diego Bay in the heart of a vibrant down- town. Abundant, flexible space and five-star service make the San Diego Convention Center the meeting planner's choice for hosting major conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events. From floor plans to pricing guides to policy details, there can never be too much information when planning a successful event. The convention center is well equipped with 525,701 gross sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space on the ground level, 90,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space in the Sails Pavilion on the upper level along with 72 meet- ing/banquet rooms totaling 204,114 sq. ft. of space. Additionally there are two ballrooms, totaling 80,706 sq. ft. and eight show manager offices overlooking the exhibit halls. The convention center boasts 184,500 sq. ft. of landscaped terrace levels with spectacular bay views which is ideal for receptions and breaks, 284,494 sq. ft. of prefunction, registration and circulation areas including the lobby which features 115,756 sq. ft. of convenient registration areas. There is a 138-seat capacity onsite restaurant, a 36-seat bar, eight concession stands in exhibit halls, 2 full-service kitchens, portable specialty services and three Starbucks lobby operations. At the San Diego Convention Center having the most updated technology is a must. Center comes ready for any event with complete A/V production capabilities, full-service FedEx/Kinko's business cen- 9