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B M & T ••• November/December 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 37 AREA GUIDES O H I O MEETING IN OHIO KEEPS GETTING BETTER & BETTER BY DOSWELL INGRAM Ohio has more than its fair share of world class accommodations, top-of-the line meeting facilities, and venues for every type of gathering, from small inti- mate board meetings to massive conven- tions and trade shows. Fortunately, meeting and incentive planners will also find plenty of leisure activities to keep their conference attendees entertained when the meeting day is done. As Ohio temperatures begin to dip, woodpiles are stocked for comfy lodge evenings by a roaring fire. Five ski resorts around the state offer downhill skiing and tubing while many State Parks and metroparks have areas reserved for cross-country skiing. Along Lake Erie, when the deep freeze sets in, fisherman can't wait to get out and drop a line from an ice fishing shanty. Indoors, performing arts and new exhibits once again take center stage. Throughout the state, theaters, art muse- ums and more welcome visitors with stunning shows, concerts and thought- provoking art exhibits. ••CINCINNATI•• Whether you're planning a focused business summit or a multi-venue national convention, Cincinnati has a selection of superb meeting venues, an array of world-class accommodations, and a vari- ety of support services that will guarantee the success of your event. Cincinnati's major meeting facility, the Duke Energy Convention Center, recent- ly underwent a $135 million expansion and renovation to become the Midwest's best-in-class center. The expansion means Cincinnati can accommodate 75 percent of the existing convention, con- ference and meetings market in the United States. The Center's 750,000 gross sq. ft. includes 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 40,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, an additional 17,400-sq. ft. ball- room, and 30 deluxe breakout rooms. More than 3,200 hotel rooms - from headquarter hotels to stylish boutiques are within three blocks of the Center. An easy-to-navigate footprint allows atten- dees to explore the city, with countless restaurants, clubs, attractions and live music a 2-minute walk from their hotel. They can mix and mingle rather than wasting time being shuttled. When the meetings end in Cincinnati, the fun just begins. Cincinnati has under- gone a dramatic transformation in recent years with more than $2 billion in down- town and Riverfront development. Our region boasts an outstanding lineup of arts and cultural attractions. Attendees can take in a Reds or Bengals game, visit art museums or put a couple bucks down on a roulette wheel. And foodies will be in heaven too, with more than 4,000 restau- rants ranging from four-star French to Cincinnati-style chili. Cincinnati is located within 500 miles of 60 percent of the U.S. population. Our airport has more flights than most in the region and was named as one of the world's best. We're easily accessible from I-71 and I-75 for attendees who drive in. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport services the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. ••CLEVELAND•• From a sleek, new downtown conven- tion center to dozens of new and/or ren- ovated hotels, Cleveland has the meet- ings and convention infrastructure cov- ered. But attendees want much more than just a great meeting space. They want nightlife, social-media worthy culi- nary offerings, and a great arts & culture scene. Cleveland has all of that and more. Cleveland is full of dynamic gathering spots that can empower your meeting with a motif. Whether you're looking for a hotel ballroom, theater style seating or outdoor event space for rental, this city has great facilities that offer unforgettable experiences. The $465 million Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland features 225,000-sq. ft. of Class A exhibit space, • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Cincinnati 491 Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 488 Westin Hotel Cincinnati 450 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Duke Energy Convention Center total exhibit space 220,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 30 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Cincinnati USA CVB www.cincyusa.com (800) 543-2613 Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber-Commerce (513) 751-9900 Cincinnati Skyline as viewed from Bellevue Kentucky Photo Credit: Cincinnati CVB