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B M & T ••• May/June 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 46 AREA GUIDES C H I C A G O CHICAGO HAS IT ALL: PLENTIFUL MEETING SPACE, TOP LEVEL HOSPITALITY AND A BOOMING NIGHTLIFE BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II With a vast list of award-winning restaurants, several professional sports teams, miles of outdoor enjoyment, and world-renowned attractions, the demand for hosting events in Chicago is higher than ever. One of The Windy City's biggest meeting place highlights is McCormick Place Convention Center, which has built a reputation as the country's premier facil- ity for meetings and conventions for more than half a century. The 2.6 million-sq. ft. venue is equipped with 173 meeting rooms, leading technology and located within a five-mile radius of more than 33,000 downtown Chicago hotel rooms. Because this city has so many unique characteristic highlights its no wonder The Windy City has so many unique meeting venues. Revel Motor Row is located in a renovated historic building in Chicago's Motor Row District, close to McCormick Place. Founded in the early 1900s, Motor Row got its name from the car companies that built some of their first-ever auto showrooms there. The venue offers 50,000 sq. ft. of event space that's made up of more than 20 versatile rooms. Highlights include a 4,000-sq. ft. outdoor courtyard that links to the adjacent 3,000-sq. ft. former Cadillac showroom, called The Garage at Motor Row. Revel Motor Row can accommodate 2,600 for a full venue reception. No visit to Chicago is complete with- out some fun at Navy Pier. In addition to an array of restaurants, attractions and activities, Navy Pier offers two exhibit halls, 36 meeting rooms, and an 80-foot- tall domed ceiling (accommodating up to 1,100 for dinner, with additional seating for 300 in the balcony); With a truly unique mix of global attrac- tions and local charm, Chicago has it all. Incredibly popular with groups of all ages, the city packs a full itinerary of hands-on educational experiences. Tour the vibrant downtown and colorful neighborhoods by bus, bike, boat or Segway. Go on a cul- tural immersion at one of the 40 diverse museums. Take in a show at one of the 200 theaters. Customize sightseeing excursions with visits to Windy City icons such as Millennium Park and Wrigley Field. The DuSable Museum of African American History is located in the historic Hyde Park area of Chicago. The Windy City is rich in African-American History, and the Museum's namesake comes from Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian of African and French descent, who in 1779 established the trading post and permanent settlement which would become known as Chicago. The Museum is dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans and African-Americans. This historical land- mark is proud of its diverse holdings that number more than 15,000 pieces and include paintings, sculpture, print-works and historical memorabilia. Conference attendees and leisure travelers alike might want to indulge in Chi-towns nightlife. Discover music, entertainment and dining for every style and budget. At Blue Chicago, your groups can enjoy performances by local musicians and vocalists in a 1940s-style bar. This River North club welcomes patrons over 21 and with valid photo ID every night of the week and prides itself on its warm and friendly atmosphere. The year round calendar of events, combined with a multi-cultural mix of locals and visitors, make Chicago a one of a kind destination to live and learn. With over 26 miles of uninterrupted lake- front and a skyline of architectural won- ders as your backdrop, no other class- room can compare. Thanks to The O'Hare International Airport, located 17 miles from downtown, and The Midway International Airport, located 10 miles from downtown, Chicago is one of the most cost-compet- itive and convenient cities for domestic and international travel. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Congress Plaza Hotel at Convention Center 804 Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown 368 Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop 398 Marriott Marquis Chicago 1,205 Viceroy Chicago 180 Park Hyatt Chicago 198 Millennium Park Connection's 4 Properties 3,700 EXHIBITION FACILITIES McCormick Place Convention Center Total Exhibit Space: 2.6 million sq. ft. Meeting Rooms: 179 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Choose Chicago (312) 567-8596 www.choosechicago.com Navy Pier Photo Credit: McCormick Place C.C