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AREA GUIDES BIRMINGHAM WHERE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY EMBRACES STATE-OF-THE-ART MEETING FACILITIES BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Birmingham, Alabama, is classic southern charm and hospitality. This vibrant, beautiful city is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and serves up nationally rec- ognized dining, shopping and entertain- ment,world-class attractions, events and other things to see and do. With 220,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, 14,000 guest rooms, an interna- tional airport sevenminutes fromdown- town offering 160 daily flights and non- stop flights to nine out of the 10 topmar- kets,Birminghamis one of the friendliest cities in the world and premier choices for your nextmeeting or reunion! The Birmingham-Jefferson Convent- ion Complex Center is Alabama's fore- most entertainment and meeting center. Events and meetings of all types can be accommodated in the four public build- ings: Arena, Concert Hall, Theatre and Exhibition Hall. The complex also includes a large central piazza used for outdoor events. The Exhibition Hall has a main floor covering 220,000 sq. ft., generous space for presenting expansive trade shows and exhibitions. For smaller trade shows or exhibitions, theNorthExhibitionHall has amovable wall that can be placed at 30,000-sq. ft. increments for further flexi- bility. Banquets can be arranged easily through the Exhibition Hall's two spa- cious kitchens and full catering service. The Civic Center's catering capabilities are extended to groups of a fewdozen or several thousand. Sixty meeting rooms can accommo- date 60 to 1,950 people.The 15,522-sq. ft. 58 Vistior viewing Image on display at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute East Meeting Room is the largest. Seating within meeting rooms can be arranged either classroom or theatre style.Audiovisuals, recording equipment, microphones, spotlights and other spe- cial requirements are readily available through the Civic Center office.Meeting rooms can be converted easily for ban- quets, luncheons and breakfasts or for such functions as dances and small exhibits. Another option is the Highland ConferenceCenter, a full-service confer- ence and reception facility adjacent to the charming Pickwick Hotel in historic Five Points South.With 10,000 sq. ft. of contemporary rooms, the Pickwick Conference Center can accommodate groups large or small for business or pleasure with ease and style.The facility transforms from a practical learning environment to an elegant atmosphere for social events. The largest of the center's five meet- ing rooms, the Clairmont, can accommo- date 300 people for a reception or seat 175 for meetings and 125 for banquets. Next in line is the Magnolia room, seat- ing 100 for meetings and 150 for ban- quets, with space for 200 to attend a reception.The Highlands and Savannah rooms can each accommodate 50 people formeetings,80 for banquets and 100 for receptions. Located Southeast of the city, Birmingham Marriott offers an upscale design in a premier location. The Birmingham Marriott, equipped with 295 guest rooms, awaits you with a com- bination of luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and an array of area activities. The facility has 15 meeting rooms offering 13,000 sq. ft. of flexible, state-of- the-artMarriottmeeting space, including theBirminghamBallroomwith a total of 7,480 sq. ft. ofmeeting space and seating for up to 960 guests. The hotel is also equipped with professionally appointed executive boardrooms with ergonomic chairs and large conference tables, state- of-the-art technology, onsite audiovisual and high-speedwired/wireless internet in meeting rooms. While in Birmingham take your group members to The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI). This his- torical site is a "living institution" which views the lessons of the past as a positive way to chart new directions for the future. BCRI's permanent exhibitions are a self-directed journey through the BirminghamCivilRightsMovement and human rights struggles. Multi-media exhibitions focus on the history of African-American life and the struggle for civil rights. WHOYOUGONNACALL? Greater Birmingham CVB (800) 458-8085 (phone) www.birminghamal.org Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Greater Birmingham CVB