Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
OHIO HAS IT ALL COUNTLESS MEETING SPACE OPTIONS, DEPENDABLE LODGING AND TOP LEVEL HOSPITALITY BY REGGIE MURPHY Ohio has more than its fair share of world class accommodations, top-of-the line meeting facilities, and venues for every type of gathering, from small inti- mate board meetings to massive conven- tions and trade shows. Fortunately, meeting and incentive planners will also find plenty of leisure activities to keep their conference attendees entertained when the meeting day is done. As Ohio temperatures begin to dip, woodpiles are stocked for comfy lodge evenings by a roaring fire. Five ski resorts around the state offer downhill skiing and tubing while many State Parks and metroparks have areas reserved for cross-country skiing. Along Lake Erie, when the deep freeze sets in, fisherman can't wait to get out and drop a line from an ice fishing shanty. Indoors, performing arts and new exhibits once again take center stage. Throughout the state, theaters, art muse- ums and more welcome visitors with stunning shows, concerts and thought- provoking art exhibits. ••CINCINNATI•• Whether you're planning a focused business summit or a multi-venue national convention, The Queen City has got you covered. Cincinnati USA's convention center recently underwent a $135 million expansion and renovation to become the Midwest's best-in-class center. The expansion means Cincinnati can accom- modate 75 percent of the existing con- vention, conference and meetings market in the United States. The city is equipped with more than 3,200 hotel rooms – from headquarter hotels to stylish boutiques there is suffi- cient lodging within three blocks of the Duke Energy Convention Center. Cincinnati's easy-to-navigate footprint allows attendees to explore the city, with countless restaurants, clubs and attrac- tions, while live music is just a two-minute walk from their hotel. They can mix and mingle rather than wasting time being shuttled. There are so many things to do, places to go, stores to shop, and restaurants to sample that no visit seems long enough. Make certain you block out enough time to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, dedicated to revealing stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, while challenging and inspiring everyone to take coura- geous steps of freedom today. A history museum with more than 100,000 visitors annually, it serves to inspire modern abo- lition through connecting the lessons of the Underground Railroad with today's freedom fighters. The center is also a convener of dialogue on freedom and human rights. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport services the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area and has more flights than most in the region and was named as one of the world's best. ••CLEVELAND•• Cleveland is currently experiencing $3 billion in meetings-related infrastructure development that is transforming the city. Anchoring this unprecedented amount of growth is the sleek FirstMerit Convention B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 54 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Cincinnati 496 Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 488 Westin Hotel Cincinnati 450 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Duke Energy Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 200,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 30 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau http://www.cincyusa.com (800) 543-2613 Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber-Commerce (513) 751-9900 O H I O Duke Energy Center Cleveland East 4th Street Photo Credit: Cincinnati CVB Courtesy of: Phil Scalia