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GREAT OPTION FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM GROUP EVENTS BY BUCK SAMUELS Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is a destination marked by sharp contrast. Town and Gardens. Beauty and Brains. Past and Present. Historic and Hip. It is these contrasts that make each experience more vibrant, each moment more distinct and each sight more authentic and beautiful. Wilmington is well equipped for meetings of all sizes with thousands of hotel rooms, spacious and unique event venues, tax-free shopping as well as nearby entertainment. The city is easily accessible from anywhere on the east coast and, indeed, anywhere around the globe. Wilmington venues offer corporate meeting rooms wired for videoconfer- ences, theaters with stadium seating and catering staffs that can handle any taste and crowd. No matter what you need for your conference, Wilmington has the place that fits your needs. Located on Wilmington, Delaware's revitalized riverfront, the Chase Center is the largest special event facility in the Brandywine Valley. The facility's more than 87,000 sq. ft. of versatile space is perfect for hosting corporate meetings and conferences, shows and conven- tions, weddings and social celebra- tions. The Chase Center's spacious meeting rooms complete with audio visual capabilities, a 250 fixed-seat audi- torium, dedicated open exhibit space and two beautifully appointed ballrooms to complement our delicious culinary creations and impeccable service. The Clayton Hall Conference Center is another outstanding option as a meeting venue in the area that is guaranteed to meet your clients' approval. This meeting space is locat- ed on The University of Delaware's Laird Campus with state-of-the-art facilities witch include a 500-seat audi- torium, 7,700 sq. ft. of exhibit area, a full business center, as well as 22 con- ference and meeting rooms. In every direction, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley blends the arts, dining a nd entertainment amenities of the city with the history and beauty of the surrounding countryside. So whatever your mood, whatever your passion, you can experi- ence a perfect mix of history, cul- ture and gardens. Visitors can enjoy post performance receptions with live music and refresh- ments, lunchtime performances along Wilmington's Market Street, food trucks, restaurant specials and Sax in the City, the ultimate Jazz Festival afterparty. With grand theaters old and new that host national concert tours and Broadway shows, to improv comedy and classic din- ner theater, there's always something going on in Wilmington. Catch a show before it heads to Broadway at the Delaware Theatre Company, or see your favorite pop star perform an intimate acoustic show at World Café Live at the Queen - whatever you choose, the experi- ence of seeing a live show here is like nothing you'll see anywhere else. The Delaware Historical Society recently founded the Jane and Littleton Center for African American Heritage, the purpose of which is to collect, preserve, research and present for public enrich- ment the history and heritage of Delaware's African-Americans. The Mitchell Center includes (i)Journey to Freedom(ei), an exhibition which explores Delaware's African American history through 10 thematic sections beginning with Delaware's first documented Black resident Antoni Swart, also known as Black Anthony, an enslaved African trans- ported from the West Indies in 1639. For air-travel the region is served by the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), just 30 minutes north of downtown Wilmington. If arriving from the south, the Baltimore/Washington International Air- port (BWI) is another option and is just 90 minutes away. B M & T ••• January/February 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 29 W I L M I N G T O N AREA GUIDES Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, located at the confluence of the Christina River • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Wilmington/Christiana 266 Embassy Suites Newark/Wilmington South 154 Four Points by Sheraton 120 Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley 113 Hampton Inn – Middletown 72 Boardwalk Plaza Hotel 84 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Chase Center On The Riverfront total meeting space 92,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 16 largest ballroom 22,000 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Wilmington CVB (800) 489-6664 http://www.visitwilmingtonde.com Photo Credit Denis Tangney Jr.