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AREA GUIDES THE MAGNOLIA MISSISSIPPI STATE: OFFERING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II If you're searching for a place for your next meeting or convention, start to think ofMississippi as a possible destination to bring your group. With the wide array of culture and style each city has to offer the conference experience, there is no rea- son you shouldn't find the perfect con- vention destination, meeting facility or conference center for your next event. The great thing about Mississippi is that whether you choose a cosmopolitan city or a smaller town to hold your event you can get the best of both worlds in each setting. From theMississippiCoast Coliseum & Convention Center, in Biloxi, MS, boasting 32 meeting rooms, a the- ater capacity of 12,900, and a largest meeting room space of 40,000 sq. ft., to theOxfordConferenceCenter inOxford, MS, that has 9 meeting rooms, a theater capacity of 282, and a largest meeting room space of 10,869 sq. ft.,Mississippi has you covered. •JACKSON• Boundless opportunities for success await your Jacksonmeeting, conference, or convention. With a diversity of Jackson Mississippi meeting facilities, planners can easily choose a fantastic destination and theme for their event. One can chart a new corporate direction within the cutting-edge space of the new Jackson Convention Complex – the cen- terpiece of the downtown district's ren- aissance. This massive facility showcas- es state-of-the-art technology, a 382-seat theatre, and over 330,000 sq. ft. of prime meeting and exhibit space. At the end of the day, you and your attendees can sleep comfortably in some of Jackson's 5,500 hotel rooms. The Hilton-Jackson Hotel & Convention Center is very well prepared for confer- ences and conventions of various sizes, fully equippedwith 30,000 sq. ft. ofmeet- 66 HOTEL • • • STATS • • • The Hilton-Jackson Hotel & Convention Center The Regency Hotel & Conference Center total Exhibit Space meeting Rooms EXHIBITION FACILITIES Jackson Convention Complex ROOMS 276 147 60,000 sq. ft. 24 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-354-7695 / 601-960-1891 601-960-1827 (fax) www.visitjackson.com Jackson Madison County African American C of C (731) 424-2030 Photo Credit: Jackson CVB Statue of Medgar Evers ing space, 17 meeting rooms as well as 276 luxurious hotel guest rooms including 11 spectacular suites. The Regency Hotel & Conference Center is another great option for housing your attendees. With over 20,000 sq. ft. of function space and 147 guest rooms and suites, this conference center is able to handle small to large meetings, weddings, banquets, reunions, seminars, conventions and social gatherings. In addition to prime meeting and lodg- ing space, Jackson offers a huge selec- tion of highly cultured entertainment. There are many fascinating museums devoted to the city's visual arts, history and heritage, and sports. Close your eyes and hear the cheers of the crowd at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum – named among the Top 10 "Most Amazing Baseball Museums in America" by ESPN. Learn about the wonders of nature at the Mississippi MuseumofNatural Science. See amem- orable performance by the world-class MississippiSymphonyOrchestra, or grab a drink and a bite to eat at an authentic blues "juke joint." From slavery and the tumultuous Civil Rights era, Jackson Mississippi African- Americans have emerged as a major force for the city's development and lead- ership. Relive a dramatic and inspirational story as you visit fascinating Jackson Black history sites. Celebrate the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement at Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center as well as theMedgar Evers home. Stop by the International Museum of Muslim Cultures – the first and only such muse- um in America. Wanda Collier-Wilson is president and CEO of the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, a position she has served in since 1998. She and her staff will make sure your event in Jackson is a huge suc- cess. J a c k s o n Internat ional Airport is the commercial airport serving Jackson. Designated as a general purpose Foreign Trade Zone, it maintains two 8,500-ft. runways and has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. Airlines serving Jackson are American Eagle, Continental, Delta, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines and US Airways Express. Wanda Collier-Wilson •Natchez• Natchez, on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, is known for its breathtaking vistas and old-world charm. Though bustling enough, the entire downtown is well-planned and walkable, with inviting Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com