Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 45 AREA GUIDES threshold to the Civil Rights District. During the Civil Rights Movement, this public park became the focal point of a grassroots resistance to the inhumani- ties of racism and discrimination by law and by custom. When tour groups get down to Birmingham, they get down to the busi- ness of exploring the city's personality. Among the themed tours are trips to sample the city's locally-produced snacks, real Southern dining and the influ- ence of immigrants on the city's cuisine. Other tours explore the diversity of Birmingham's ethnic communities, reflected in the architecture and cultural events throughout the city. Plan a tour to visit the Eternal Word Television Network, founded by Mother Mary Angelica. Take in the historic sites from Birmingham's tumultuous role in America's Civil Rights Movement. Hear interesting tales from the city's rowdy pioneer days. Visit the factory where the popular M-Class Mercedes-Benz is manufactured. Conference attendees can take a glimpse into the lives of Birmingham's prominent jazz musicians at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. From the boogie woo- gie beginnings of Clarence "Pinetop" Smith to the velvet crooning of Nat King Cole, legendary jazz greats are immortal- ized in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, within the historic Carver Theatre. This 2,500 sq. ft. theater is an excellent option for planners looking to hold a smaller event with a touch of Birmingham flavor. Sara Hamlin serves as vice president of Tourism at the Birmingham CVB. Her staff is available to work with travel agents and group travel leaders who are interested in bringing clients to Birmingham. If you are planning a reunion or wed- ding, the staff is also available to assist you in the selection of your hotel and can make suggestions to help you save time and money. Michael Gunn is the vice president of Sales at the CVB. From the earliest plan- ning stages of your meeting until the last delegate leaves the city, Gunn and the Convention Sales and Servicing team will assist you in finalizing the details of your meeting. B i r m i n g h a m - S h u t t l e s w o r t h International Airport is Alabama's largest airport serving the Greater Birmingham area and surrounding Southeastern cities as well as offering 126 daily flights to 50 airports in 47 cities throughout the United States. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Sheraton Birmingham Hotel 757 Birmingham Marriott 295 DoubleTree by Hilton Birmingham 298 Embassy Suites Birmingham 242 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex total exhibit space 220,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 74 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau – (800) 458-8085 www.birminghamal.org Greater Birmingham Black Chamber of ni m la le G C an w fin of B i i h S h st w ag tr ar br B ar re di al assist you in the selec Vistior viewing a Exhibit at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Photo Credit: Greater Birmingham CVB