Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/443780
B M & T ••• September/October 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 20 One certification to the ASTM Standard pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Venues for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences. The new international sustain- ability venue standard is one of nine standards introduced by the meet- ings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry in 2012 to provide event planners and suppliers with specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner. While Minneapolis doesn't have that one massive ultra-mega hotel that could house super large gatherings, the city does have 7,000 rooms downtown of varying price points and types, and nearly 5,000 of those are within half a mile of the Minneapolis Convention Center. The downtown district is compact, where everything is walkable and you never really feel like you're too far away from any one thing. Even if one hotel can't hold your whole delegation, they guarantee your attendees won't be more than a quick walk away from headquarters. MISSOURI It's a state renowned for its natural beauty and unique place in American history with more than 1,000 Civil War battles fought on its soil. The African-American history is chronicled at places like the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing just north of St. Louis, The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site where he wrote the ragtime classic The Entertainer and the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, site of the famous Dred Scott case. The Gateway Arch symbolized America's westward expansion and the St. Louis Zoo is arguably the nation's best. Known by many as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson has more than 50 live performance theaters, three lakes, a dozen golf courses, a world-renowned theme park and museums. In Springfield everything starts with sports and outdoor recreation. The rolling hills and nearby Ozarks Mountains is fertile ground for fish- ing, hiking, biking and camping. KANSAS CITY Kansas City is a place where wide boulevards, bountiful parks, beau- tiful architecture, great meeting facilities and more than 200 fountains stand ready to welcome you with open arms. The eight-square block Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities can accommo- ST. LOUIS Why meet in St. Louis? They've got a whole list of reasons from affordable accommodations and world-class dining to vibrant cultural activities and a great centralized location. St. Louis features a tight pack- age for city-wide meetings and events in the heart of the re-developed downtown central business district. The America's Center Convention Complex offers 502,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space in six contiguous meeting halls, 80 meeting rooms, the 67,000-seat Edward Jones Dome, and much more in the middle of downtown. There are more than 7,000 hotel rooms within a mile of America's Center a nd more than 38,000 throughout the metro area. If your meeting space needs are a little smaller, more than 20 hotels throughout the St. Louis area offer at least 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space that can fit any need. Looking for something a little different? The city's unique venues can accommodate groups of 10 to 10,000 or more in flex- ible, convenient venues. From the sleek and stylish to fresh air and fun, we've got you covered. St. Louis offers a convenient, central location for meeting of all sizes. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport provides non-stop service to more than 60 destinations with more than 500 daily arrivals and depar- tures, making getting here easy. American Jazz Museum. Kansas City date every need with 388,800 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space on one floor; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; 46,484-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater; an arena that sits more than10,700 people and a unique outdoor festival plaza. The complex is connected to major downtown hotels and parking by skywalks and underground walkways. When the work day is done, head to the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District and you'll see instant proof to the genre's rich KC roots. Then take in The American Jazz Museum for a look into the city's jazz legacy, featuring legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Finally, take in a fierce, late-night jam session at the Mutual Musicians Foundation – the perfect nightcap to an unforgettable, music-filled adventure. No visit to KC is complete until you can literally taste it. Luckily, it's a taste you're guaranteed to enjoy – legendary KC barbecue. It's practical- ly a rite of passage for visitors to leave with at least one sauce-stained shirt. Today you'll find more than 100 barbecue establishments in the area, each boasting its own personal house special. OHIO Akron's Goodyear World of Rubber Museum and Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, former estate of Goodyear Tire and Rubber co- St. Louis city skyline