Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/875690
19 B M & T ••• July/August 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com DENVER, CO J ust 340 miles from the exact center of the Continental United States, Denver is closer to the center of the nation than any other city of com- parable size. In addition to easy air access, Denver is at the intersection of two major Interstate highways, has two AMTRAK passenger trains daily and is a major hub for interstate motorcoach travel. What's more, Denver boasts the 10th largest downtown in America and one of the most exciting and walkable. Within a mile radius, downtown Denver has three major sports stadiums, the nation's second-largest performing arts center, an assortment of art and histo- ry museums, a mint that produces 10 billion coins a year, a river offering white water rafting, more than 8,400 hotel rooms, a $140 million theme and water park, a $100 million aquarium and 300 restaurants. Ideal for attendees trav- eling with their families. Kids are often tough to please — but they'll be grinning from ear to ear whenever they're in The Mile High City, thanks to Denver's wide array of kid- friendly activities. Interactive museums, incredible zoos and aquariums, wide- open parks — they're perfect ways to entertain your little travelers. For example, the History Colorado Center brings history to life with amaz- ing interactive presentations, while at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, an outdoor museum and visitor center, you can touch the bones of Allosaurus and Stegosaurus at the site where important dinosaur discoveries were made in the late 1800s. At the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, more than 50 planes and riveting space-oriented displays occupy the sprawling space, an aviation wonderland that allows families to get up close and person- al with giant bombers, fighter jets, antique planes and a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter. The Denver Black American West Museum provides a glimpse into the life of African-American cowboys of a bygone era. Located 25 minutes west of Downtown Denver, the 3,000-sq. ft. Morrison Natural History Museum offers a relaxed environment that is perfect for kids of all ages to explore rocks and fossils. And the Butterfly Pavilion, another nearby attrac- tion, is the perfect indoor refuge in which to interact with live invertebrates fluttering around a lush rainforest, or to hold Rosie, a Chilean Rose Hair taran- tula, in the palm of your hand — if you dare. Located in the heart of Downtown Denver lays the Colorado Convention Center, which is ideal for any size meeting or convention group. Loaded with Kids are often tough to please — but they'll — but they'll — but be grinning from ear to ear to ear ear 584,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 50,000-sq. ft. Mile High Ballroom and a 35,000-sq. ft. Four Seasons Ballroom, this venue definitely has the space to accommodate a group of just about any size. The convention center is also equipped with 63 meeting rooms and a Bellco Theatre, which can accommo- date up to 5,000 people in an auditorium-style fixed seating format. The downtown area is home to 10,000 rooms (by the end of 2017) within short walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center and 45,000 first- class hotel rooms in the greater metro area. Here's a rundown of new hotels that will open in 2017 and beyond. For more information contact Visit Denver at (303) 892-1112 or visitden- ver.org. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL G reater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County is emerging as the most diverse area in the country and it's the gathering place of choice for large professional organizations, including the country's most influential African American groups. The Urban League, the Newspaper Publishers Association, and 100 Black Men of America have all made return visits to plan their national social justice agendas. Members of Delta Sigma Theta and Omega Psi Phi made history leading the famed Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and the Alpha Kappa Alphas will convene there in 2018. Family reunions are drawn to Broward County for the experiences in suburban cities that offer afford- able lodging and intergenerational activities. And for group or vacation travelers, the area offers a myriad of opportunities to celebrate the spirit of diversity in a friendly resort setting, or beyond the beach. Between Blue Wave beaches and exotic Everglades lie countless ways to play in Greater Fort Lauderdale, including kid-friendly attractions and sightseeing cruises, watersports and more. Just minutes from the beach is the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale, home to cultural attractions, shops, parks and restaurants. Along Riverwalk, the brick-lined meandering promenade, discover the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science with its AutoNation 3D IMAX Theater, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Center, Stranahan House and the Museum of Art. Between Blue Wave beaches and exotic Everglades lie countless ways African American Research Library and Cultural Center Denver's Black American West Museum