Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/533451
B M & T ••• March/April 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 23 M illions of people from all over the world flock to Florida each year, and it's no won- der. The Sunshine State's combination of sunny beaches, wild swamps, theme parks, and sizzling cities make it a top-notch travel destination, especially when cold weather grips many other places. Year-round, travelers will find an abundance of activities and attrac- tions to enjoy. With more than 1,100 miles of sandy shores, it's no sur- prise that Florida's beaches consistently rank among the nation's best. The state's vast coastline means that visitors can find any type of beach they enjoy. From secluded areas teeming with wildlife to crowd-pleasing beaches lined with resorts, restaurants, and hot clubs, Florida has it all. You'll also find boardwalks with carnival rides, light- houses, excellent beach combing spots (where you may even pick up a gold doubloon), historic forts, and quaint beach towns home to vibrant artist communities. Florida offers incredible value, beautiful weather, and unbelievable settings for your next meeting and/or event! FORT LAUDERDALE The city of Fort Lauderdale knows how to make a meeting planner shine. With the 600,000 sq. ft. Gold LEED Certified Broward County Convention Center, you'll enjoy high-tech meeting and exhibit space as well as five-star food service, an Internet café and ele- gant banquet rooms. Organizations of all sizes come to Florida each year to hold their meetings/conferences. The National Urban League announced plans to host its 2015 Annual Conference in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Six hotels in the Lauderdale Convention Collection offer clustered booking advantages, beach or BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II FLORIDA'S AMBIANCE OFFERS CONFERENCE ATTENDEES A COMBINATION OF TOP LEVEL HOSPITALITY AND PARADISE ALL-IN-ONE Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center