Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/848446
the Gateway Arch, Monument to the Dream. The last known slave sale in St. Louis was held as part of a property set- tlement on the steps of the Old Courthouse in 1861. Information on the infamous Dred Scott case and other African-American achievements are on display at the Old Courthouse, the Griot Museum of Black History and Culture and the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. St. Louis Black Repertory Company, the nation's largest professional African- American theatre company presenting contemporary and classic works by African-American and world playwrights. Jan.-June performances is another popu- lar attraction. Thirteen commercial airlines serve Lambert-St. Louis International Airport with nonstop service to nearly 60 cities in the U.S. and international destinations. Two MetroLink stations directly link Lambert's terminals to downtown St. Louis businesses and attractions. ••KANSAS CITY•• History, culture, and, of course, terrific barbecue, are a few of the memorable findings groups can uncover in Kansas City, MO. Even more significant for groups large and small, KC offers an array of world-class conference and con- vention facilities that will meet the needs of the most demanding meeting and event planners. Whether you seek an intimate experience at one of many small- er venues across the metro, or a spectac- ular evening reception within the 800,000 square foot KC Convention Center, Kansas City's event facilities have you covered, often with room to spare. Here, Encompassing more than 800,000 sq. ft., the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities can serve all your meeting needs under one roof. The eight- square block convention and special event facility can accommodate every need with 388,800 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space on one floor; a 46,484-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater; an arena that sits more than 10,700 people and a unique outdoor fes- tival plaza. And not only is it all in one loca- tion, the complex is connected to major downtown hotels and park- ing by skywalks and underground walkways. Nearby is the Sprint Center, searing 18,500, ideal for sports, concerts, family shows, collegiate competitions, tourna- ments and special events. Lodging options in Kansas City are just as impressive. Located in the heart of the city's business, government and theater districts, the stunning Kansas City Marriott Downtown provides 946 guest rooms and 37 suites and nearly 100,000 sq. ft. of function space. Both the Westin Kansas City at Crowne Center (724 guest rooms and 53,873 sq. ft. of meet- ing space) and the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center (730 guestrooms and suites and 88,360 q. ft. of meeting space) are connected to the Crowne Center's addi- tional 52,000- sq. ft. Exhibition Hall by walk- ways. Be sure to reach out to President/CEO Ronnie Burt and his team at the Kansas City CVA. They will provide you with all the support services you need to make your event in Kansas City a successful experience. Attendees will have numerous options for exploring Kansas City after the meetings are over for the day. Popular attractions include: Black Archives of Mid-America, Inc. (one of the largest collections of Midwestern African-American memo- rabilia); the American Jazz Museum (located in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District); Black Archives of Mid- America (one of the largest collec- tions of Midwestern African-American memorabilia); Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (provides visitors with culturally rich entertain- ment and educational experiences); and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (recreates the look, sounds and feel of the game's storied past). Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is located 19 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City and services the area with 11 carriers and connecting partners, more than 400 daily flights and non-stop service to nearly 50 locations. B M & T ••• May/June 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 46 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Marriott Kansas City Downtown 983 Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown 385 Adam's Mark Hotel & Conference Center 369 Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa 250 Embassy Suites by Hilton KCI 237 Harrah's Casino and Hotel 392 Hilton Kansas City Airport 347 InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza 346 Kansas City Airport Marriott 384 Sheraton Kansas City at the Crowne Center 730 Westin Kansas City at Crowne Center 724 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Kansas City Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 388,800 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 48 Largest Ballroom 46,484 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Kansas City (800) 767-7700 www.visitkc.com Black Chamber of Commerce (816) 474-9901 RONNIE BURT Negro Leage Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum Photo Credit Richard