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B M & T ••• March/April 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 48 LONG BEACH Dinning on the regal Queen Mary docked at Long Beach's port, experiencing spectacular stirring Broadway shows, enjoying live music venues and hundreds of exclusive dining destinations — all centrally located, Long Beach, CA has it all. Within conveniently close proxim- ity you can find first-class accommodations, shopping, numerous entertainment options and more than 100 restaurants in an eight- block area. To get around Long Beach easily, you'll want to utilize the free Passport shuttle downtown; then, for only $1.25, the Passport links you up with local destinations such as Belmont Shore, Alamitos Bay and Cal State Long Beach. You can also navigate the Long Beach Harbor via AquaBus and/or AquaLink. World-class arts and cultural exhibitions complement this spectacular seaside locale. There are musical masterpieces at the waterside Long Beach Performing Arts Center, million-dollar ocean views atop the bluffs at the Museum of Art within the historic Craftsman mansion, and the dynamic culture of the eclectic East Village Arts District. Many plan their visit to Long Beach to sync up with the Aquarium of the Pacific's African-American Festival; an annual February event featuring live gospel singers, hip hop music, ethnic food, storytelling, drum circles, jazz, as well as African music and dance. For those attend- ing a meeting or Convention at the award winning Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (LBCEE), you'll be glad to know that recently over $75 million has been spent in hotel and con- vention center renovations at this award winning facility. The LBCEE offers more than 400,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space, with new wiring for the latest technology, as well as wireless capability. The cen- ter has incorporated the new model for contemporary convention centers into its renovation efforts; transforming it from traditional, meeting rooms into more comfortable lounges aimed at encouraging people to mingle and ideas to flow. It now provides a warm, stylish and welcoming social experience for guests with mini meeting spots and networking pods for sitting, talking and socializing. LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, one of the most famous cities in the world for its glitz and glam, star studded streets and a ranch, which transformed into the historical center of film studios and starlets — Hollywood. One of the best ways to experience Los Angeles is by visiting its cultural attrac- tions; the LA Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall; outdoor performances at the Hollywood Bowl; the stunning Getty Center in Brentwood and the California African-American Museum to name a few. Leisure travelers and meeting planners alike enjoy scheduling their arrival to LA around a Lakers or Clippers game at the world famous Staples Center or during one of the city's famous events like the UCLA Jazz & Reggae Festival, Juneteenth Celebration or Hollywood Black Film Festival. Other "must sees" are the world- famous LA beaches – Venice, Malibu, Zuma and the Santa Monica Pier will not disappoint. In the heart of all the action is the LA Convention Center, located downtown. Flying into LA can be done via the Burbank Bob Hope Airport and of course, Los Angeles International Airport, the gateway to the city. with San Diego's sunny outlook and an award-winning sales team to assist you with your planning needs, and you've got all the essen- tials for a successful event. Known for incredible panoramic views of San Diego Bay and five-star service, the San Diego Convention Center is a meeting planner's dream and just 10 minutes from the airport. Nearby is the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, the USS Midway Museum and Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. View of the Hollywood Sign, in Hollywood Photo Credit : Jon Bilous San Deigo Convention Center Photo Credit: San Deigo CVB COLORADO Located in the Rocky Mountain region of the country, Colorado has a number of natural marvels. Waterfalls are one of the state's best sites; some are small, trickling gently down the rocks of a scenic trail, while oth- ers are grand and a destination unto themselves. Among those that cap- tivate is the breathtaking Ouzel Falls which has a drop of more than 40 ft.; the Fish Creek Falls, best witnessed in early spring when the snow begins to melt and the rushing water thunders over the cliffs; and the Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's tallest waterfall which plummets 365 ft. in grandeur. In the city of Aspen/Snowmass fun happens all year long; win- ter outdoor concerts are ongoing in this trendy ski town known for its celebrities and liberal politics. Vail has an amazing itinerary of skiers in the winter, but is also well known for its summer outdoor sports races and world class concerts, food and dining events. DENVER In the city of Denver 24-hour casinos lay tucked amongst historic mining towns. Many are greatly surprised by the climate as the sun shines more than 300 days a year. In the winter months, the tempera- ture averages about 50 degrees, and in the summer, the average daily high is a mild 86º F. These enjoyable temperatures make discovering downtown Denver a delight. A most walkable and visitor-friendly area,