Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/61584
Phoenix has over 55,000 hotel rooms. Symphony Hall, Chase Field, US Airway Center, the PhoenixArtMuseum and the Herberger Theater Center are often used for alternate events. The African-American experience starts at the Phoenix Union Colored High School, the state's first Black high school and home to the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Louis and other Black dignitaries stayed at the historic Swindall House during the days of segregation. Kids love the Phoenix Zoo, Children's Museum of Phoenix and Arizona Science Center. Scottsdale Fashion Square located in nearby Scottsdale and Kierland Commons are the more popular shopping areas. Phoenix Convention Center Fromtop to bottom,California,ourmost populous state, is CALIFORNIA themost geographically diverse. NorthernCalifornia is heav- ily forested with towering California Redwoods and the Redwoods National Park. Head south across the scenic Golden Gate Bridge to find San Francisco and Oakland. While these cities share the cool waters of San Francisco Bay, each city has its own unique vibe. The desert resort of Palm Springs is known for great golf, tennis and beautiful mountain scenery. Pasadena is a mecca of art and culture and home to the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade. In Los Angeles it's all about Hollywood. South of Los Angeles is Anaheim and every- thing Disney. From Anaheim head west to Newport Beach and enjoy boating, restaurants, amusements and boutique shopping. LONG BEACH The most recognizable attraction in Long Beach is the RMS Queen Mary. This ocean liner, permanently docked in Long Beach is actually 200 feet longer than themore famous Titanic and was the fastest in the world between 1936 and 1952. Come aboard for a guided tour and enjoy ameal, shop or plan to spend the night in an original First Class Stateroom. Around the corner from the QueenMary isAquarium of Long Beach Aquarium the Pacific. Explore the new Ocean Science Center and the Arctic andAntarcticGallery to see how climate change,mar- itime trade and ports impact our lives. A recent Zagat sur- vey rated the aquarium the #2 Family Attraction in the Los Angeles area behind Disney. If your travels take you to Long Beach inApril catch the exciting action of the Long Beach Grand Prix as the race winds its way through the streets of downtown. The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center across the street from The Aquarium has 400,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and exhibit space with all the latest in tech- nology and wireless capability. Adjacent to the Convention Center is the 528-room Hyatt Regency Long Beach with an additional 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. There are numer- ous brand-name high quality hotels within walking distance of the Convention Center. Avoid the crowds at LAX by flying into the Long Beach Airport, its oh so easy to get around. SAN DIEGO SanDiego has one of the top 10 best climates according to Farmers Almanac, and one of the top two best summertime climates in America according to the Weather Channel. Average wintertime temperatures hover around 65 degrees with summertime highs in the mid 70s. Arial view of downtown San Diego and the Marina 42 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com