Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/999395
BRICK CITY'S GOT IT GOING ON AND EVENT PLANNERS ARE TAKING NOTICE BY REGGIE MURPHY Newark's got it going on. The stage is set for family friendly fun. Free yourself; give in to the rhythms of Newark. Words will be spoken, festivals unfurled; there is a cadence to this city. The trumpets will blare, dancers will move in unconvention- al ways, laughter will be heard from afar. Find yourself in the center of it all, rocking to international pop icons, all amplifying the message that Newark is a happening place. Brick City is a happening place for a fraction of the price of New York City, and it's all just eight short miles from Manhattan. Whether a meeting, trade show, convention, reunion or wedding, the greater Newark region offers phe- nomenal bang for your buck. Large or small, from traditional to the unconven- tional, this city has got amazing venues, and unbelievable values making your occasion even merrier. The NJIT Wellness + Event Center recently opened in fall of 2017. This 220,000-sq. ft. convention center is designed for entertainment, recreation as well as to host large conferences and events. It is the largest conference space in downtown Newark, fitted with state-of- the-art technology. The space was designed to be a multipurpose facility housing a 3,500-seat event center, a Natatorium, a Running track, an Indoor turf field and two multipurpose gymnasi- ums. For centuries, African-American cul- ture has been a major contributor to the fabric of America, and this cultural contri- bution is especially visible in Newark. It is a heritage seen in every neighborhood and ward, from the city's historic church- es to its restaurants, art galleries, music festivals, cultural institutions and gift shops. So whether you're visiting Brick City on business or taking a fun weekend tour, there's always time to explore the rich traditions of Newark's African American past, present and future. Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church occupies the oldest active Black congre- gation in Newark, having been estab- lished in 1822. Visit its Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings from July to November for fresh produce, nutrition classes, and health screenings. Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art, is located in the heart of downtown Newark. This contemporary art center features exhibits and community events by well-known and emerging African American artists. The African Soul Festival, located in Military Park in July of 2018, will be the largest celebration of culture and heritage of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora in the state of New Jersey. This free family friendly celebration will bring out over 200 vendors featuring food, music, clothing, artifacts as well as enter- tainment from the diaspora. You think you might want to indulge in some of Newark's home cooking? Stop by Eleven Clinton Smothered Blues at 11 Clinton Street. This eatery was estab- lished with the vision to resurrect a true jazz supper club in the heart of downtown Newark. Eleven Clinton boasts a farm-to- table menu featuring home-style dishes with a Cajun flair, paired with exceptional service and "smothered" with live jazz performances. Be sure to contact Greater Newark CVB President/CEO Karin Aaron if you are contemplating booking your meeting into Newark. She and her team are poised to provide you all the neces- sary support to make your event a success. Clearly New- ark does HAVE IT GOING ON….from an abundant amount of meeting space and lodging to some of the finest dining and entertainment the Northeast has to offer. Newark is a transportation hub and traveling could not be any easier with Newark Liberty International Airport right at their doorstep. Enjoy quick and easy access to NYC 24 hours a day via sub- way (PATH), NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak. B M & T ••• May/June 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 54 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Marriott Hotel Newark Airport 585 Hilton Newark Penn Station 253 Best Western Plus Newark Airport .83 Best Western Robert Treat Hotel 170 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The NJIT Wellness + Event Center Total Exhibit Space 220,000 sq. ft. Event Center 3,500.sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Newark CVB (973) 735-2135 www.newarkhappening.com contemplating your into and are provide to a New- IT ON….from an abundant amount N E WA R K Panorama view of downtown Newark October Photo Credit: By King of Hearts - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52718334