Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 29 TACOMA, WA Meetings are not a one-size-fits-all experience, which is why Tacoma + Pierce County offers so many meeting venue options. With has five major con- ference and event centers, planners can choose from a variety of versatile places for your next major conference, trade show or event. Take your pick of ultra-modern facilities, venues with his- toric charm and flexibility and conven- ient spaces with indoor and outdoor capabilities. Heading the list is the Greater Tacoma Convention + Trade Center (GTCTC), an upscale, modern meeting facility. The acclaimed GTCTC's con- tiguous glass walls give way to breath- taking mountain and water views. Anchored in the heart of Tacoma, GTCTC is the second largest meeting facility in Western Washington. Offering more than 118,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, GTCTC is not only attractive and affordable, but ded- icated to protecting the environment through implementation of green poli- cies and practices. The Center, located just 20 miles from Sea-Tac International Airport, features a 50,000-sq. ft. column-free Exhibit Hall, 13,650-sq. ft. Ballroom, 12 additional breakouts, and 37,000 sq. ft. of addition- al, flexible event space. The other four conference and events centers include: McGavick Conference Center, located on the campus of Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, offering a 10,709sq. ft. Ballroom divisible into three spaces; The Washington State Fair Events Center, a state-of-the-art facility in a park-like setting hosting events, trade shows and activities throughout the year, where planners can choose from a wide variety of buildings and facilities on the fair- grounds that are available for rent dur- ing the year; Dumas Bay Centre, which offers three reasonably priced banquet rooms with breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympics, as well as 67 overnight guest rooms; and the 6.1-acre Tacoma Dome Entertainment Complex, nestled in downtown near the waters of Commencement Bay, touted as the community's meeting place for over 25 years. Tacoma hotels range in size, atmos- phere, price and proximity to area Airport Hotel & Conference center with 5,300 sq. ft., to the Ayres Hotel & Suites Ontario Convention Center with 3,200 sq. ft. and Comfort Suites Ontario Airport with a cozy 1,200 sq. ft. For larger meetings, another possibility is the Citizens Business Bank Arena, offering 20,000 sq. ft. of function space. After the meetings are done for the day, it's time for you and your delegates to have some fun. Whether you're look- ing to take in Legoland, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Universal Studios, or even the San Diego Zoo, Ontario serves as a great central location to get your pre- and post- convention activities moving! The spacious LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub, full-service airport with daily flights to and from major U.S. cities and connecting service to many inter- national destinations. The airport is served by AeroMexico, Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United/United Express, and US Airways. The airport's Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC) is known for its convenience and efficiency. Ontario and the region also are served by Amtrak, which stops daily in Ontario as well as several other local cities. Metrolink provides commuter rail service several times daily, connecting to points east as well as to Union Station in down- town Los Angeles, where passengers may connect with Amtrak (Amtrak also stops directly in Ontario). During summer months, Metrolink also offers a beach train from the Inland Empire to Oceanside in San Diego County. breakouts, and 37,000 sq. ft ft f . of addition- buildings and facilities on the fair- r- r Mount Rainier, Washington