Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/592242
B M & T ••• July/August 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 18 RiverWalk the feel of an outdoor gallery and colorful, user-friendly directional signs elaborate on the city's his- tory. It's the site of many Milwaukee events, including River Rhythms, the Milwaukee River Challenge and more. Simply put, Milwaukee is a walker's paradise. The Milwaukee RiverWalk winds through the heart of the city, tying together three distinct riverfront neighbor- hoods — the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B. Just three blocks south of downtown, the Historic Third Ward is now known as "Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District" and offers the city's most dynamic array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries and unique shopping, all in a historic warehouse setting. More than 20 blocks from its northernmost to southernmost points, the RiverWalk is unified by permanent and changing art exhibitions that create a unique, urban, outdoor gallery. A leisurely stroll provides plenty of opportunities to discover Milwaukee. Why? Milwaukee's RiverWalk is home to an outdoor art gallery called RiverSculpture! that includes both permanent pieces and temporary installations that change periodically. As you stroll along the RiverWalk you'll enjoy making new discoveries, from small, whimsical sculptures such as Gertie, the world's most celebrated duck, to sizeable and striking abstract works. There are currently 20 sculptures on display rep- resenting national, regional and local artists. Also located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee is the Wisconsin Center, one of the world's most architec- turally exhilarating and technologically robust conven- tion facilities. The facility offers 188,695 sq. ft. of con- tiguous exhibit space, a 37,506-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, an additional 39,640 sq. ft. of meeting space that can be divided into as many as 28 meeting and breakout rooms, and $1.2 million in public art. Fortunately, the area's popularity has not gone unno- ticed. Several years ago, Milwaukee's RiverWalk was des- ignated one of America's Ten Great Public Spaces by the American Planning Association (APA). Milwaukee is nicknamed the "City of Festivals," and it only takes a glance at the calendar to know why! Most of the city's great street festivals and year round special 300,000 SQ. FT. CONVENTION CENTER 16,000 HOTEL ROOMS 125 DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS A are case WHEN LOTS OF SURPRISES ARE A GOOD THING. We have all the things you'd expect. More importantly, we have the things that surprise, amaze, and impress. Make your job easier by bringing your attendees to a city that effortlessly celebrates food, craft beers, the arts, motorcycles, miles of riverwalk, museums, a casino, and nightlife. All in a city set on the coast of Lake Michigan.