Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/4253
DIVeRse CItY HAs MUCH tO OFFeR PLAnneRs BY VICTORIA HEAD A city on the move, Oakland, CA has emerged as a major economic force in its region. For a long time a center for inter- national trade, the Port of Oakland is the nation's fourth busiest container port in the Bay Area. Oakland's landscape is a wonderful mix of lovely hillside neigh- borhoods; exciting and diverse architec- ture; a bustling waterfront; two shimmer- ing lakes; 19 miles of shoreline along the San Francisco Bay; unparalleled Bay views; and more parks and open space per capita than any other city in the Bay Area. It's said variety is the spice of life; well, Oakland has its share and then some. Today, Oakland is one of the nation's most ethnically inclusive desti- nations. The city features a wealth of neighborhoods filled with history, shop- ping, and wonderfully diverse restau- rants. Oakland's downtown and water- front are popular with out-of-town visi- tors, but many of the city's commercial and residential neighborhoods offer ter- rific treats for tourists as well. Located between Broadway and Clay, from Seventh to 10th Streets, historic Old Oakland is lined with elegantly restored Victorian buildings dating back to the 1870s that now house shops, galleries, and restaurants. Jack London Square offers world-class jazz, dining, lodging and shopping along the water's edge. The Fruitvale District has emerged as a thriving multicultural commercial area; cultural events there attract tens of thou- sands of people. The Oakland Convention Center is conveniently located in downtown Oakland, only 10 minutes from Oakland International Airport. Right outside the doors of the center is Oakland's Chinatown, Old Oakland, Preservation Park, shopping and within a few short blocks the waterfront, Jack London Square and the Paramount Theatre. The convention center offers 64,000 sq. ft. of exhibition and meeting space, while the adjoining Oakland Marriott City Center, features an addi- tional 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. The center offers three ball- rooms that can accommodate up to 1,100 guests for receptions, 700 for ban- quets and 600 classroom style. There are a number of fine hotels and inns located in close proximity to the Convention Center, including the Courtyard by Marriott, Washington Inn, Best Western Inn at the Square and the Waterfront Plaza Hotel. If you desire accommodations closer to the airport, the Hilton Oakland Airport Hotel is the way to go; there, guests are offered 363 rooms, a pool, a fitness area, restaurants, a sports bar, and meeting facilities. An airport shuttle is available 24 hours a day. Also near the airport is the Park Plaza Hotel. This hotel has deluxe suites and all 190 rooms are internet-ready. Additionally, guests can enjoy the restau- rant, pool, gym, Jacuzzi, and saunas. Oakland sits in the center of the San Francisco Bay Area and is easily accessi- ble by plane, train, automobile, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), bus, and ferry. Few places in the country offer as many modes of transport as Oakland, making it easy for business and leisure travelers to get in and around town quickly. The Oakland International Airport is the most centrally located airport in the Bay Area. It has more than 200 flights per day from 37 nonstop destinations. Victoria Jones, vice chair of the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce, advises professional travel- ers that Oakland is a dynamic destina- tion. "Oakland is home to several new restaurants that have recently opened in the trendy 'uptown' and Lake Merritt districts," says Jones. "When planning conventions or meetings in the area, the Oakland African-American Chamber would be happy to provide needed infor- mation. There are several African- American-owned restaurants and cater- ers that can meet your needs. COME TO OAKLAND!" AREA GUIDES OAKLAnD S T A T S HOTEL ROOMS Oakland Marriott City Center 486 Park Plaza Hotel 190 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 133 Executive Inn & Suites 224 Hilton Oakland Airport 363 EXHIBITION FACILITIES oAKLAND CoNVENtIoN CENtEr total exhibit space 64,000 sq. ft. largest hall 25,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 12 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Oakland CVB – (510) 839-9000 www. oaklandcvb.com Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce (510) 268-1600 www.oaacc.org Sailing on Lake Merritt Photo Credit: OCVB/Dianne Fristrom Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 99