Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/5950
MIDWESTERN STATE'S MEETING PROWESS ON RISE BY VICTORIA HEAD In Ohio it's said that this mid-west- ern state is too much fun for one day. Ohio has world-class museums, bou- tique wineries and world record-setting roller coasters. Visitors can expand their minds at some of the best hands-on sci- ence museums in the country or enjoy two days of R&B jams at Cincinnati's Macy's Music Festival in July. Those who don't mind a brisk bike ride can take their cycles on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Tour and encounter important landmarks along this histori- cally rich segment of America's Road to Freedom. CINCINNATI Amidst the rolling hills along the Ohio River, Cincinnati spreads from the southwestern corner of Ohio into Northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The city is located about mid- point on the shoreline of the 981-mile long Ohio River. It's a diverse city and this is reflected among its decision-mak- ers with African-Americans Mark Mallory and Milton Dohoney holding the two top posts within city govern- ment, Mayor and City Manager. There is national recognition of Cincinnati being a premier meeting and convention destination. Among the many conferences and conventions held in Cincinnati over the past few years have been The National Society of Black Engineers, The National Organization of Black Law Enforce- ment Executives and The NAACP. Additionally, many continue to flock annually to Cincinnati for the Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion, an outdoor event that has grown to be one of Cincinnati's largest family-focused gatherings, drawing over 100,000 patrons. With many hotels in the region and 3,000 rooms just blocks from the Duke Energy Convention Center it's easy to see why Cincinnati is a favorite of meet- ing planners. So much is located within steps of the newly renovated Duke Energy Convention Center, which offers nearly 200,000 sq. ft. of premium meeting space and boasts one of the largest and most impressive ballrooms in the Midwest at 40,000 sq. ft. ClEVElAND A model of urban renewal, the city of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie is a success story fueled by an ongoing commitment to growth and vision for the future. With more than $10 billion invested in downtown development in the past decade, Cleveland is shaping up to be one of the hottest business and leisure travel destinations in the US. Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Convention Center has undergone a massive expan- sion and is surrounded by first class hotels and restaurants and is within walking distance of several entertain- ment and sightseeing venues. The Convention Center's meeting rooms can accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000 and the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 4,000. The Convention Center Complex offers over 375,000 sq. ft. of usable exhibition space which can be arranged to accom- modate over 1,500 individual exhibits. AREA GUIDES OHIO Visitor to Cincinnati Art Museum Black Meetings & Tourism December 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 68 S T A T S HOTEL ROOMS Millennium Hotel Cincinnati 872 The Cincinnatian Hotel 153 Kingsgate Marriott Hotel 206 The Garfield Suites Hotel 152 EXHIBITION FACILITIES CLEVELAND CONVENTION CENTER total exhibit space 350,000 sq. ft. largest hall 200,780 sq. ft. meeting rooms 31 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Cincinnati CVB – (800) 543-2613 www.cincyusa.com Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce (513) 751-9900 african-americanchamber.com Photo Credit: Cincinnati CVB