Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/944430
MEET IN A CITY FILLED WITH SURPRISES BY RUFUS MCKINNEY Conveniently located at the cross- roads of the country, Omaha is in the center of America making flying or driv- ing easy. Omaha is a modern, thriving city that is savvy in business and rich in culture. Set in the beautiful Missouri River Valley, Omaha is comfortably easy yet bursting with activity. Omaha offers a seamless package, developed to lighten the planning bur- den while providing unique activities and a welcoming atmosphere for atten- dees. Discover a fresh destination that will delight and surprise your attendees, because you don't find hidden gems by mining obvious places. Anchoring the city's meetings infra- structure is CenturyLink Center Omaha, boasting 346,000 sq. ft. of possibilities. In addition to this hybrid facility's attached 18,300-seat arena, the Center offers 194,300 sq. ft. of exhibit space divisible into 3 halls, a 30,996-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom a 10,880-sq. ft. Junior Ballroom and a total of 19 breakout rooms. Omaha's downtown hotels are a short 5-10 minute drive from the airport and close to the convention center, riverfront and Omaha's Old Market Entertainment District. The majority of downtown hotels offer complimentary direct shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as to the Old Market and surrounding areas. With more than 14,000 hotel rooms throughout the metro area, Omaha offers variety and convenience for your next meeting. There are 40 hotel prop- erties with meeting space located throughout the city. CenturyLink Center Omaha is close to more than 3,000 downtown hotel rooms and is connect- ed via skywalk to the Hilton Omaha, a 600-room headquarter hotel. In 2017, the new 333-room, full-service Marriott hotel opened directly across the street from the convention center. When the meetings are over for the day, there is no shortage of things to see and do. From public art displays spread throughout the city to contem- porary art centers, award-winning museums, local galleries and hands-on interactive art houses, Omaha's cre- ative spirit is contagious. Planners and their attendees should block out enough time to check out the Durham Museum. Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by here. Making its home in one of Omaha's most unique treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a fascinat- ing look at the history of the region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives and the Field Museum. For example, two events scheduled for the Durham are "Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII," and "Double Victory Lecture: The African American Military Experience." Another must see attraction is Omaha's Old Market Entertainment District. This historic area has been transformed into a lively shopping, din- ing and nightlife destination. Street musicians and artists offer entertain- ment as you wander in and out of the many boutiques and galleries that line the cobblestone streets. Innovative restaurants, original steakhouses, local pubs, quaint cafes and jazz clubs make the Old Market a great stop when visit- ing Omaha. Music lovers will want to drop by Love's Jazz and Arts Center. This 8000-sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility fea- tures the Preston Love gallery, a per- forming arts area, exhibition space, a gift shop, classrooms, administration space, and of curse, great music. Omaha is served by Eppley Airfield, with more than 200 arrivals and depar- tures daily, and is located a quick drive from the downtown district. B M & T ••• January/February 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 AREA GUIDES O M A H A • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS DoubleTree by Hilton 414 Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District 333 Embassy Suites Downtown/ Old Market 249 Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market 159 EXHIBITION FACILITIES CenturyLink Convention Omaha total exhibt space 346,000 sq. ft. largest ballroom 30,996 sq. ft. meeting rooms 19 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Omaha (866) 937-6624 www.visitomaha.com CenturyLink Center Photo Credit: CenturyLink C.C.