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B M & T ••• March/April 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 28 South Beach has been called the American Riviera and an Art Deco Playground. Yet there's more than fine white sand and colorful buildings to South Beach's fantasyland of exuberant Deco architecture. South Beach offers an eclectic mix of world-class bou- tiques, galleries and stores. It's also a culinary hot spot for everything from gourmet to casual beachside cui- sine. At night, South Beach comes alive with crowds ready to go out and have a world-class evening out. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Miami & The Beaches (800) 933-8448 www.miamiandbeaches.com ORLANDO After a multi-year surge of blockbuster expansions at Orlando's world-class theme parks, Orlando's meet- ing, dining and entertainment scene is following suit in 2015. The Orange County Convention Center has launched the next phase of its five-year capital improvement plan with the renovation of its West Building. Hall WF will be converted into a remarkable 50,000-sq. ft. ballroom and four boardrooms. The proj- ect is expected to be completed by August 2015. With much fanfare, the incredible Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts opened in November and seats are already filling up for jazz concerts, Broadway theater and other shows. With two theaters, a public performance space and educational facilities, it will be a unique venue for meeting professionals who want to use specific rooms, public spaces and the- aters for special events. Planners can also create unique events at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Orlando® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort. Walt Disney World Resort is transforming Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, doubling the number of shops, restaurants and other venues, while the opening The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, added an addi- tional 37,750 sq. ft. of meeting and event space in an unparalleled lakeside setting.. Additionally, Universal Orlando Resort debuts its newly renovated guest rooms at Hard Rock Hotel. And by fall 2015, Loews Royal Pacific Resort — already the largest meeting hotel at Universal Orlando — will expand its meeting and event space from 85,000 sq. ft. to more than 140,000 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Orlando (800) 972-3304 | (407) 363-5872 http://www.visitorlando.com KISSIMMEE Plan your next meeting in Kissimmee and it is sure to be a shining success. Aside from beautiful weather all year round, Kissimmee also boasts an impressive inventory of meeting facilities and unique venues. Easy access to and from Orlando International Airport and minutes from world-famous attractions make Kissimmee ideal for any group whether it be a professional meeting, family reunion, military reunion or faith-based meeting. Kissimmee offers unique meeting facilities including large arena spaces such as Osceola Heritage Park and per- formance spaces such as the Kissimmee Civic Center. A 120-acre complex, Osceola Heritage Park includes the 8,000-seat Silver Spurs Arena, 47,850-square-foot Exhibition Building, ideal for trade shows, meetings, or breakout sessions, and Osceola County Stadium, Spring Training Home for the Houston Astros. Between meetings, attendees can enjoy exciting out- door adventures and thrilling roller coasters to leisurely game of golf on one of Kissimmee's championship courses or a relaxing massage at a luxurious spa. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Kissimmee (407) 742-8200 www.experiencekissimmee.com Orange County Convention Center