Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/458344
B M & T ••• November/December 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 and small. Event venues in Los Angeles benefit from the mild climate and diverse post-meeting entertainment options. The Peterson Automotive museum's collec- tion offers a unique setting for inventive thinking, and Dodger Stadium allows events to be set up on the field's warning track. There is no shortage of diversions for attendees at Los Angeles event ven- ues. When it comes to finding a place to stay, travelers have never been more spoiled for choice in today's Los Angeles. From luxurious digs in Beverly Hills to budget boutiques along the coast, hotels are stepping up service, upgrading ameni- ties, and throwing in perks like free Wi-Fi, in-room espresso makers, and spa-quali- ty bath products. The California African American Museum (CAAM) exists to research, col- lect, preserve and interpret for public enrichment, the history, art and culture of African-Americans. The museum con- serves more than 3,500 objects of art, historical artifacts and memorabilia, and maintains a research library with more than 20,000 books and other reference materials available for limited public use. Ranked seventh in the world for num- ber of passengers and tonnage of air cargo handled the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) provides conference atten- dees and leisure travelers alike easy and stress free access into the city. ••• LONG BEACH ••• Long Beach, California's fifth largest city, is part of Greater Los Angeles. Situated along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the world, as well as a world-class seaside resort destination, with numerous shopping districts and attractions. One of downtown's liveliest areas is Pine Avenue, where Long Beach's nightlife lives. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-renowned research facility and tourist destination, with over 10,000 animals. Perhaps the most popular attraction, the R.M.S. Queen Mary, is a former ocean liner that has been transformed into a grand hotel. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is an excel- lent choice of a venue for a planner to consider, offering more than 400,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space as well as 34 meet- ing rooms . Long Beach offers a dazzling selection of new and recently ren- ovated rooms — perfectly appoint- ed, ideally located, and refreshing- ly affordable. In fact, every major downtown and airport hotel is vir- The world famous Hollywood Sign • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites 1,354 Los Angeles Airport Marriott 1,004 JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE 878 Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel 802 Sheraton Universal 451 Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE 123 Hyatt Regency Century Plaza 726 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Los Angeles Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 720,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 64 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (888) 733-6952 www.discoverlosangeles.com Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (323) 292-1297 Photo Credit: Bannosuke AREA GUIDES