Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/875690
AUSTIN IS KNOWN FOR MORE THAN MUSIC ALONE BY BUCK SAMUELS Ranked among the top cities for nightlife, safety, airport satisfaction and high-tech facilities, Austin offers all the amenities you'll need for work and play. Groups enjoy a compact downtown with distinctive dining, outdoor attractions, world-class museums and more within walking distance from an impressive array of hotel rooms. When it comes to meetings and con- ventions, Austin is a city that planners and visitors always agree on. The state- of-the-art infrastructure, innovative meet- ing spaces and world-class hotels are nestled in the center, and the heart, of the city. Within a few walkable blocks you'll also find the famous Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail, legendary live music venues and some of the best margaritas in the country. Anchoring Austin's meetings offerings is the Austin Convention Center with 900,000 sq. ft. of high-tech, highly desir- able meeting space right in the heart of downtown. In terms of space, the Center offers 246,000 sq. ft. of contiguous, col- umn-free exhibit space; two ballrooms of 43,000 and 23,000 sq. ft. each; and 54 meeting rooms. Austin offers an ample amount of full service hotels that are sure to leave con- ference attendees comfortable and pleased while on their business trip. Because of the city's unique design, meeting planners have the luxury of choosing from a plethora of reputable hotels in the downtown area, just minutes from the convention center. The Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, conveniently located near Sixth Street, the Warehouse District, State Capitol, University of Texas campus and Convention Center, presents 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space and 375 luxurious guest rooms and suites overlooking the city or an allur- ing atrium. Experience the new look and unparal- leled comfort of the Radisson Austin Downtown, just steps from everything the city has to offer. Ideally located in the heart of downtown at Congress Avenue, the hotel is walking distance to the Central Business District, Convention Center, entertainment districts, restau- rants, shopping and live music. Boasting 413 sleeping rooms, the properties meet- ing rooms are currently be spruced up, with an anticipated completion date of December 31, 2017. Other options include the 1,012-room JW Marriott (120,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), 492-room Renaissance Austin Hotel (65,000 sq. ft.), and 801-room Hilton Austin (80,000 sq. ft.), to name a few. When the workday is done, don't for- get to check out some of the fine art and cultural museums this vibrant city has to offer. Paying homage to Austin's African- American heritage, the George Washington Carver Museum in East Austin features four galleries, a theater, dance studio, museum store and library. East Austin is also where you'll find: Downs Baseball Field, once home of the Austin Black Senators; the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (MYEC), where locals and visitors alike bring the family for bowling, roller-skating, karaoke, games, birthday parties, concerts and more; and Six Square, home to numer- ous sites of national, regional and local historic significance and celebrates African Americans and others who played important roles in creating the vibrancy of Austin. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) makes it easy to get to and from Austin by air. All major domestic airlines serve ABIA, with more than 150 commer- cial passenger flights per day, nearly 40 nonstop destinations and 80 direct (same plane) destinations. B M & T ••• July/August 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Omni Austin Hotel Downtown 375 Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin- Downtown 413 JW Marriott Austin 1,012 Renaissance Austin Hotel 492 Hilton Austin 801 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Austin Convention Complex Total exhibit space 246,097 sq. ft. L argest hall 79,525 sq. ft. Largest ballroom 43,000 sq. ft. Meeting rooms 54 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Austin – (800) 926-ACVB (2282) www.austintexas.org The Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce (512) 459-1181 AREA GUIDES A U S T I N Austin Aerial Shot of City Skyline Photo Credit:Ashley Garmon