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than 100 non-stop and direct flights daily. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Center (BJCC) can accommodate virtually any kind of event across four separate buildings—-Arena, Concert Hall, Theatre and Exhibition Hall. The BJCC has a large central piazza for outdoor events. The Exhibition Hall is over 220,000 sq. ft. The facility has 60 meeting rooms – the largest can accommodate 1,950 people. Nothing evokes culture and history like Birmingham. The city has embraced the legacy of it Civil Rights through the many muse- ums and monuments that capture those history-defining moments. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Sixteenth Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park should definitely be on your itinerary. The Five Points South district is a popular hangout for dining and entertainment, while the Alabama Adventure theme park serves up a day of family fun. Birmingham's largest meeting venue, the Jefferson Convention Complex, contains 220,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 60 meeting rooms, and a 10-story Medical Forum. There are about 14,000 area gue- strooms. ALABAMA The history of this state is undeniably rich and chronicled in Alabama's many wonderful museums. Hollywood has based many a movie on that history. While Alabama's civil rights footprint is indeed one of its top tourist attractions, there is more to this great state starting with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. At the opposite end of the state are Mobile's African-American Heritage Trail and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Montgomery must see attractions include: the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, the Civil Rights Memorial and Dexter King Memorial Baptist Church. No visit to Alabama would be complete without a stop at The National Tuskegee Airmen Museum and the Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center. BIRMINGHAM Something that's heard time and again from first time visitors to Birmingham is that they never realized the beauty of the area. With the foothills of the Appalachians as a dramatic backdrop, the city is laid out on a series of lush rolling hills, with woodland-covered neighborhoods just minutes from downtown. That this Southern city has its own cosmopolitan personality is another eye-opener to visitors. It's hip without being pretentious. It's tuned-in without being pushy. It's very cool without the exer- tion. So if you thought you were coming to the Waffle House—- not that there's anything wrong with that—-you're coming to James Beard country instead. The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama Adventure, Riverchase Galleria, McWane Science Center, the Barber MotorSports Park and the world famous Talladega Motor Speedway are just some of the places to put on your itinerary. The city is a rare combination of affordable family-friendly activities and outstanding infrastructure to support both business and leisure time pursuits. There are 15,000 hotel rooms in the greater Birmingham area, the largest the 757-room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Many of the larger properties have their own meeting facilities and some come with kitchen facilities perfect for in room cooking options. The airport is a mere seven minutes from downtown with more B M & T ••• May/June 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 22 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibit ARKANSAS After a day of sightseeing there's no better way to relax than a min- eral bath at one of Hot Springs' many bathhouses and spas. And speaking of sightseeing, visit the Gangster Museum of America. The city was a one-of-a-kind hangout for some of American's most noto- rious mobsters. Little Rock is home to The Clinton Presidential Center and Park in the River Market District overlooking the Arkansas River. Exhibits feature a replica of President Clinton's Oval Office, the presidential limousine and a time-line with exhibits for each year of Clinton's presidency. One of the most visited landmarks in the state is Central High School home to the Little Rock Nine. This National Historic Site features a wonderful visitor cent er. Pine Bluff, nicknamed "The Bass Capital of the World" plays host to 30-35 bass tournaments a year. September is the popular Smoke on the Water Barbecue and Music Festival. Photo Credit: Birmingham CVB Little Rock skyline at sunset Photo Credit: Wikipedia