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B M & T ••• July/August 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 43 CHARM CITY CONTINUES TO SHINE AS TOP CONVENTION DESTINATION BY RUFUS MCKINNEY Baltimore is famous for its beautiful waterfront, world-class museums, one-of- a-kind attractions, three centuries of his- tory and much more. What's more is that Charm City is situated at the crossroads of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a region of 50 million people, giving planners an edge in attracting attendees. Located off I-95, at a convenient stop on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and 15 min- utes from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – with 650 daily flights from 70 destinations – Baltimore is well positioned to make it easy for your attendees to get there. For those who drive, more than 40,000 off- street spaces in downtown garages and lots make parking convenient. Nestled in the heart of downtown Baltimore, the newly renovated Baltimore Convention Center is the premier loca- tion in the Mid-Atlantic region for organi- zations wishing to host conventions, meetings, banquets and other activities. With 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space, approximately 85,000 square feet of meeting space (50 rooms) and a multifunctional 36,672-sq. ft. ball- room, the Center is able to host a variety of events large and small. Linked by a series of overhead walkways to Baltimore's renowned Inner Harbor, hotels and fine dining, the Center offers attendees a wide variety of attractions, and meeting planners with an affordable prime destination. No need to worry about finding places to stay for all of your guests and atten- dees; there are more than 8,500 hotel rooms (5,500 committable) around the Inner Harbor and the Baltimore Convention Center, and thousands more just a short ride away. All of the major brands, such as Choice, Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Kimpton, Marriott, Royal Sonesta, Starwood and Wyndham are there, along with charming inns and bed and breakfasts. B a l t i m o r e 's shining jewel, the Inner Harbor, is surrounded by renowned attrac- tions, a variety of r e s t a u r a n t s , unique shopping, first-class hotels and the Baltimore Visitor Center. It's all within a quick walk from the B a l t i m o r e C o n v e n t i o n Center. From fine dining in restaurants that have drawn rave reviews to a traditional crab feast, Baltimore restaurants present a varied menu of culi- nary delights. Many of Baltimore's chefs have been touted in culinary publications and major newspapers, as well as fea- tured on network television. When time permits conference atten- dees might want to explore some of Baltimore's informative African-American historic sites and museums. Just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor is the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, the largest African American museum on the East Coast. The Lewis Museum shares the stories of African American Marylanders' triumph over adversity and their influence on American life. Hop aboard a water taxi and visit the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park & Museum. Within the walls of the restored "Sugar House," trace the path of one of America's most famous abolitionists – Frederick Douglass – who, along with Isaac Myers and 14 fellow African- Americans, started the first Black-owned shipyard in the United States. The Great Blacks in Wax Museum fea- turing prominent African-American histor- ical figures is another must-see. The museum exhibits feature over 100 wax figures and scenes, a full model slave ship exhibit which portrays the 400-year history of the Atlantic Slave Trade, an exhibit on the role of youth in making his- tory, and a Maryland room highlighting the contributions to African-American history by notable Mary- landers. If you are thinking about bringing your event to Balti- more, be sure to reach out to Al H u t c h i n s o n , president/CEO of Visit Balti- more. He and his team will make sure your event is a memorable one. TheBaltimore/Washington Internat- ional Thurgood Marshall Airport services the Baltimore/Washington DC area with 650 daily flights from 70 destinations. AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Baltimore 757 Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel (Marriott) 586 Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor 488 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Baltimore Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 300,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 36,672 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 50 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Baltimore – (877) Baltimore www.baltimore.org Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce http://www.greaterbaltimorechamber.com B A LT I M O R E s team will make sure Aerial Shot of Baltimore City Skyline Photo Credit: Visit Baltmore