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Center of Cleveland and multiple new hotel properties including a 600-room Hilton Cleveland Downtown opening in 2016. Whether it's a unique venue for a small meeting or a large convention cen- ter for a tradeshow, Cleveland accommo- dates. Cleveland is full of dynamic gathering spots that can empower your meeting with a motif. Whether you're looking for a hotel ballroom, theater style seating or outdoor event space for rental, this city has great facilities that offer unforgettable experiences. Cleveland's hotel scene continues to expand offering 22,000 hotel rooms regionally, boasting nearly 5,000 rooms in 19 hotels in the downtown area alone. While in Cleveland attendees should explore some of the city's his- toric African-American sites and muse- ums. Beginning in 1907, the Majestic Hotel served as Cleveland's primary African-American hotel, a role it played until integration eased the need for hotels catering primarily to a Black clientele. Before it was widely known as the Majestic Hotel, the imposing structure on the corner of East 55th Street and Central Avenue was simply referred to as "the apartments" by many Black residents residing in Cleveland. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) serves as a hub for United Airlines and offers 250 daily flight depar- tures to 74 markets. ••COLUMBUS•• In September 2015, the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) began a full, staggered renovation and expansion project. The venue is 1.8 million sq. ft., with 373,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 3 ballrooms and 75 meeting rooms. Plus, there are 4,000 hotel rooms downtown and 2,100 rooms connected/adjacent to the convention center. For a touch of the city's African- American heritage be sure to visit The Southern Theatre, which was built in 1896 and is a U.S. national historic site. In May 2009, the Lincoln Theatre, which was for- merly a center for Black culture in Columbus, was reopened to the public after extensive restoration. Not far from the Lincoln Theatre is the King Arts Complex, which hosts various cultural events. It's easy to get to Columbus. Port Columbus International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown and offers 34 non-stop destinations. And Columbus is within 550 miles of half of the nation's population. . WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Columbus (614) 222-6151 http://meet.experiencecolumbus.com Columbus African American Chamber of Commerce – (614) 340-4890 ••AKRON•• Every Season, Any Day… is the per- fect time to visit Greater Akron. Nestled in the heart of the Old Connecticut Western Reserve, this community's proud history of industry and innovation is the foundation upon which their vibrant 21st century city now rests. You'll see the pillars of the cities heritage through local architecture and attractions that are reclaimed, repurposed and celebrated. So, set your sights on fun, adventure and relaxation as you discover, explore and experience Greater Akron! With exceptional food, flexible meeting and exposition space and the latest tech- nology, the John S. Knight Center is the area's premier convention center. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Akron, the Center continues to set the standards for exceptional atten- tion to detail and an uncompromised level of customer service. While in Akron make sure and explore the cities African-American influence by visiting the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron Black History & Culture. Get an in- depth look at the history and experiences of African-Americans who have helped develop and shape Akron. The gallery serves as a showplace for the research activities of The University of Akron Pan African Center for Community Studies. The Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), about 15 minutes south of downtown Akron, is one of the nation's fastest-grow- ing airports, but it also boasts Ohio's low- est average fare. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Akron/Summit CVB (800) 245-4254 www.visitakron-summit.org Akron Black Chamber of Commerce (330) 434-1222 B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 55 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Kalahari Resort 756 Renaissance Cleveland Hotel 491 The Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland East Beachwood 404 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Cleveland Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 375,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 37 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Destination Cleveland (800) 321-1001 www.thisiscleveland.com Greater Cleveland African American Chamber of Commerce – (216) 624- 5119 Columbus skyline Photo Credit: Wikipedia