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B M & T ••• January/February 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 "THE MAGIC CITY" HAS WHAT PLANNERS WANT; GREAT WEATHER, AMAZING MEETING SPACE AND PRISTINE BEACHES BY REGGIE MURPHY Greater Miami and the Beaches' weather and atmosphere is perfect. Nowhere else on earth will you find a combination of cosmopolitan Miami con- ference facilities and tropical splendor. In short, this unique destination can only be described as "Tropicool," which means Miami meetings are the ultimate choice for your next conference. After all, Miami has been attracting some of the most prestigious association and corporate meetings, conventions and trade shows from around the globe. This puts you in very good company indeed. Located in the heart of South Beach, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) boasts over 1,000,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, including; over 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, over 100,000 sq. ft. of versatile pre-function area space and 70 meeting rooms comprised of 127,000 sq. ft. The dynamic and interna- tional City of Miami Beach is a unique, sophisticated, urban paradise, offering world-class business amenities and cos- mopolitan facilities in a laid-back tropical atmosphere. Fresh from a major re-design, the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC) is located adjacent to Miami International Airport, adjoining the Doubletree Hotel and the Miami International Merchandise Mart. Minutes from Downtown Miami, the MACC fea- tures 172,000 sq. ft. of high-tech meet- ing, conference and trade show space, including a 29,000-sq. ft. social catering ballroom (second largest in the region) and 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibition and func- tion space. With a great location, dynam- ic meeting space and professional, atten- tive service, the MACC has the flexibility to host everything from trade shows and social functions to conventions and con- ferences. Miami's great weather and broad array of cultural activities make leisure time in this city something to brag about. Beyond all the fairs and festivals that celebrate creativity, the destination is also known for its talent exports. World-class performance troupes have vaulted onto the international stage, including Miami City Ballet, the New World Symphony and Florida Grand Opera. One of Miami's newest arts venues is the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay. The $51-million cen- ter was designed by Arquitectonica International and includes a main stage performing arts space and smaller per- formance venues, an outdoor plaza for festivals and art shows, and a concert lawn. Miami museums cover a broad range of interests. From contemporary to his- torical treasures, Miami's cultural and art AREA GUIDES M I A M I Aerial view shot of Miami at night Photo Credit: GMBCVB