< Previous950 22ND ST. NORTH, SUITE 550 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 TEL: 800-458-8085 INBIRMINGHAM.COM S omethingweheartimeand againfromfirst-timevisitors toBirminghamisthatthey neverknewhowbeautifulit is.Withthefoothillsofthe Appalachiansasadramaticbackdrop,the cityislaidoutonaseriesoflushroll- inghillsandtakesadvantageofitwith almost4,000acresofparksandstunning golfcourses.But,thenaturalbeautyof theareaisbutpartofwhat makesBirminghamspecial. Thesamepeopleawe-struck byournaturalbeautywill tellyoutheyneverexpected toencounteracitywithso muchcharm,hospitality, andsomanythingstodo. James Beard and the BJCC Meetinggoerslovenoth- ingmorethanagreatmeal, andBirminghamhasright- fullyearnedareputationforbeingable toprovidethatinspades.(There’sarea- sonwe’recalledtheDinnerTableofthe South!)So,shouldyoumistakenlyhave uspigeonholedasservingonlybarbeque andfriedpies,preparetoloosenyour beltsanotch.HereinBirmingham,you canhardlythrowamartiniolivewithout strikingaJamesBeardFoundationaward winnerornominee. TheBirmingham-JeffersonConven- tionComplex(BJCC)hasmeetingfacili- tiesallononecampus.TheBJCCcomplex campushas350,000sq.ft.ofmeetingand exhibitionspace.Thecomplexincludes an16,500-seatarenaand4,000seatsin twotheaters,alongwithtwohotelsanda diningandentertainmentdistrict. Media Darling Justinthepastyear,Birmingham hasbeenshoweredwithaccoladesfrom prestigiousnationalmediaoutlets.Condé NastTravelerranksBir- minghamwithexoticdes- tinationslikeLondonand RapaNui,Chileasoneof the22BestPlacestoGoin 2022,whileGolfMagazine saidwehadoneoftheTop 30BestMunicipalGolfCourses.South- ernLivingchoseBirminghamasoneof theSouth’sBestCitiesin2022.Fodor’s namedourfaircityinThe22BestPlaces toGoin2022.AndLonelyPlanetnamed Birminghamintheir8UnexpectedUS FoodieDestinations.We’reproudtohave beendiscoveredbyalloftheseandmore. Entertaining Our Visitors SomeofthebestgolfonEarthcanbe foundatpubliccoursesaroundBirming- ham,includingtwoscenicandchalleng- ingcoursesthatarepartofthestate’s RobertTrentJonesGolfTrail. VisitorsalsofindtheBarberVintage MotorsportsMuseum,whichhouses theworld’slargestcollectionofvintage andcontemporarymotorcyclesalong- sideadramaticracetrack,tobeafasci- natingdiversion. ShoppingBirminghamisadelightful diversion,withopenairmalls,unique boutiques,anddozensofartgalleriesthat surpriseenthusiastsandcollectorsalike. Ourguestsalsoexperiencethestory ofBirmingham’sroleinthelongmarch tocivilrightsastoldattheBirmingham CivilRightsInstitute,thefocalpoint ofthecity’sCivilRightsDistrict,nowa nationalmonument. | AC&F | Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau It is our hospitality, the delight of discovery, and the simplicity of planning that bring conventions back to Birmingham time and again. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is 10 minutes from downtown. Birmingham is a national leader in urban green spaces with almost 4,000 acres of parks. Rickwood Field is the nation’s oldest baseball park. Birmingham hosts a year-round schedule of major art, food, film, and music festivals as well as motorcycle and IndyCar races. FACTS & FEATURES AMERICA'S PREMIER MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2023 38 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023 PHOTO BY ART MERIPOLBIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX 350,000 SQ FT OF MEETING & EXHIBITION SPACE 16,500 SEAT LEGACY ARENA 45,000 SEAT PROTECTIVE STADIUM 4,000 SEATS IN TWO THEATERS Give your attendees an experience they’ll not soon forget with exceptional activities and a culinary scene that has garnered national attention. From James Beard Award-winning fare to authentic soul food and barbecue, along with craft breweries and cocktail bars, Birmingham has what you need to make your meetings successful before, during, and after the work. EAT. WORK. PLAY. A PLANNER’S GUIDE TO DELICIOUS EVENTS inbirmingham.com | 800 - 458 - 8085TEL: 214-571-1000 SALES@VISITDALLAS.COM DALLASDELIVERS.COM D allasalreadyboasts35,000 hotelrooms,award-winning globalcuisine,andawalk- abledowntown.Butweare justgettingstarted. VisitDallasisthrilledtoannounce thatthecityofDallasisdoublingdown withamassivenewconventioncenter andentertainmentdistrict.Featuring 800,000squarefeetofexhibitarea, 260,000squarefeetofmeetingrooms, and170,000squarefeetofballroom.The centerwillnotonlybeimpressiveonthe inside,buttheoutdooreventareawill featureterraceswithviewsofdowntown DallasandtheTrinityRiver.Plusthe centerwillconnectbusinesstravelers withevenmorediningandshopping optionsinthepopularCedarsDistrict. “Thisnewsisagamechangerfor Dallasandwillputourcityonthemapas thepreeminentlarge-cityconventionand meetingdestinationinthenation,”said CraigDavis,VisitDallasPresident&CEO. Thenewdistrictwillbeinadditionto themanyplacesattendeescurrentlyhave attheirdisposaltoexploreaftersessions. Dallashasawalkabledowntownaswell as20vibrantentertainmentdistricts offeringlivemusic,shoppinghotspots, culturalinstitutions,anddiningoptions. “Dallasisalreadyagreatmeetings andconventionsdestination,withthe accessibilityoftwomajorairports, affordablelabor,andanoutstanding hotelproduct,”saidD.BradleyKent, VisitDallasseniorvicepresidentand chiefsalesofficer.“Thenewcenterand ConventionCenterDistrictwillenhance Dallas’competitivepositionandare exactlywhatourcustomersneedand havebeenaskingfor.” What’s New – AT&T Discovery District LocatedintheheartofDowntown Dallas,thisnewdistrictontheAT&T corporatecampusistailor-madefor groupsofallsizes.Itboastsamulti-sensory experience,includingoutdooreventspace, theAT&TTheater,andmultipledining outletsincludingJAXONBeerGarden andTheExchange,abustlingfoodhall. Hotels Coming Soon NamesliketheJWMarriott (Downtown),lnterContinentalDallas (Uptown),andHotelSwexan(Uptown) areaddingluxuryamenitiesandbountiful eventspaces.Theprojectswilldebutin 2023andbeyond. JW Marriott: Thisnew,15-story,283- roomhotelwillopenintheheartofthe city’sdowntownArtsDistrictthisyear. Thepropertyfeaturesa25,000-square-foot grandballroom,aswellasaspa,restaurant, lobbybar,fitnesscenter,andarooftop pooldeckandbar. InterContinental Dallas: Locatedin CityplaceTowerinUptown,InterConti- nentalDallaswillfeaturesweepingpan- oramicviewsoftheDallasskyline.Guests willenjoyspacious,high-endroomsand amenities,includingmorethan21,000 squarefeetofeventspace. Hotel Swexan: HotelSwexan,anew, 22-storyluxuryproperty,isrisingin Uptown’sHarwoodDistrictandwillmake itsmarkontheDallasskyline.Openingthis year,itisasculpturalbuildingwithcanti- leveredupperfloors,aswellasa75-foot rooftopinfinity-edgeswimmingpooland ahiddenundergroundlounge. | AC&F | Visit Dallas A new convention center and entertainment district is on the way. Affordable: 27% lower labor cost than national average Accessible: Two airports with direct daily flights from 200+ destinations Accommodations: Leader in hotel development with nearly 20,000 rooms in the pipeline Walkable: Getting around is easy in Dallas STANDOUTS AMERICA'S PREMIER MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2023 40 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023If you’re looking for something fun to do in between your meeting or event, Dallas boasts twenty entertainment districts with walkable access to live music, boutiques, art and, of course, amazing food. Start planning at DallasDelivers.com This news is too exciting not to share: In 2028, Dallas will unveil a new convention center and entertainment experience. Get an early look at VisitDallas.com/ConventionCenter Omni Dallas Hotel, Downtown2201 SECOND STREET, SUITE 600 FORT MYERS, FL 33901 TEL: 239-338-3500 MEETINFORTMYERS.COM F ortMyers’islands,beaches andneighborhoodshaveaway ofleavingalastingimpression. Discoverarelaxeddestination justminutesfromSouthwest FloridaInternationalAirport(RSW) andashortdrivefromotherFloridacit- ies.Createanimmersiveexperiencefor attendeesinaplacewhereinnovationand creativitycomenaturally. Whetheryou’replanninganintimate gatheringoralargerevent,wecanaccom- modateitthanksto222,000totalsquare feetofmeetingspace.Venuesinclude open-airrestaurants,historicalhomes, hotelballroomsandtheCaloosaSound ConventionCenterlocatedintheheart ofdowntownFortMyers.Bringattend- eestogetheratauniquelocation,whether thatbeinkayaksontheGreatCalusaBlue- way,amongthebotanicalgardensatthe EdisonandFordWinterEstatesoronthe patioofarestaurantoverlookingtheGulf. Full-Service Resorts AsofApril2023,69%ofhotelrooms (over9,800)inthegreaterFortMyersarea havereopenedwithmorebecomingavail- ableeveryday.The254-roomMargarita- villeBeachResortFortMyersBeachwill debutinlate2023withfiverestaurants andplentifulbanquetspace.Anothernew build,theHamptonInn&Suitesindown- townFortMyers,isscheduledtoopenthis fall.Inviteattendeestoextendtheirtrip andstayatoneofourfull-serviceresorts, boutiquehotelsorprivatevacationrentals. Attractions,restaurants,parksand evenmostbeacheshavereopenedacross thegreaterFortMyersarea.Createmem- orablenetworkingandteam-building eventscustomizedtoyourgroup’sneeds, liketakingasunsetcruisetoreconnect aftermeetings,catchingupwhileona fishingcharterorindulginginfreshsea- foodwhilesavoringaperfectsunsetover theGulf.Spendadayhoppingbetween pristinebarrierislandsthroughoutPine IslandSound.Backonland,plantomeet onthegreenatoneoftheaward-winning golfcoursesthroughouttheregionor golf-themedexperiences. A Seamless Experience Letourexpertconferenceservice teamscreateaseamlessexperiencefrom concepttoexecution.Wecanhelpwith taskslikesiteinspections,registration, brochurefulfillmentandsomuchmore. Newmeetings,MaythroughDecember, canalsotakeadvantageofourIsland IncentiveOfferandreceivea$3room rebateperroomupto$5,000. FortMyers’flexiblemeetingspaces, white-sandbeachesandmultipleland- basedactivitiesmakethedecisionto hostyournextgrouphereeasy.Ifyou’re readytoconnect,wecanhelp.Submit anRFPandourteamwillconnectyou withvenuesthatmeetyourgroup’scrite- ria.Seewhysomanypeoplehavemade personalconnectionswithourarea,then planameetingfullof#MyFortMyers memories.| AC&F | Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods Innovation thrives here. Our surroundings inspire it. Total Guest Rooms: 9,800+ Total square feet of meeting space: 222,000 square feet Convention Center FYI: Caloosa Sound Convention Center, features over 40,000 square feet of meeting space in historic downtown Fort Myers. FACTS & FEATURES JILL VANCE Director of Sales Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods jvance@leegov.com CONTACT AMERICA'S PREMIER MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2023 42 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023THE NEW CROWNE PLAZA FT. MYERS GULF COAST Collaborate, connect, celebrate in our reimagined event space, restaurant & bar. Groups of 2 to 200 people are welcome. www.crowneplaza.com/fortmyersfl 239-561-1550 THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE Connect and collaborate at The Westin Cape Coral Resort and let our waterfront resort set the stage for an energizing event. WestinCapeCoral.com 239-541-5040 Inspirational surroundings Expert conference services team Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near RSW airport Ready to connect? We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at MeetInFortMyers.com YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. LEADS THEM TO Innovation.300 EAST OCEAN BOULEVARD LONG BEACH, CA 90802 TEL: 562-436-3636 VISITLONGBEACH.COM W ithitsabundantcoastal beautyandmagnifi- centviews,LongBeach, Californiaisapostcard- perfectdestinationfor eventsofanysize. Thisiswherehot,sunnydaysturninto bright,electricnights.LBCistheperfect coastaldestinationforextraordinarycor- porate-styleevents.Plannerswillwow attendeeswiththecity-chicambianceand saveupto$500,000withitscompletely turnkeymeetingexperience. Itsbrilliantlydesignedcampusof uniquemodernspacessetsthestagefor magicalexperienceswithinnovative, turnkeyspacesthatwillsparkconver- sationandlong-lastingconnectionsin personandonline. Ready-to-gomeetingsolutionsinclude decorativechandeliers,built-inprogram- mablelights,andacoolcollectionofstylish furnitureanddécor.Lively,sophisticated backdropswithsculptureinstallations, coffee-shopstyleseating,gorgeouspublic artmurals,analoggameslikepingpong andfoosball–allinnaturallight.Living roomvignettesandavarietyofeye-pop- pingindoorandoutdoorspacesencour- agemeet-and-greetsandcollaboration. Eachspaceisfullyscalabletoanysize event,andwithLongBeach’sownproduc- tionlighting,professionalsoundsystems andaccessories,youcanaddthelatestin hybridtechnology.Youcaneasilystream youreventthroughoutthecampusand offsite,sonoonemissesoutonallthe happenings.Withinfinitecustomization optionsusingourturnkeysolutions,you haveallthetoolsatyourfingertipstocre- atetheperfectambianceforyourperfect eventatnoextracost! Thefundoesn’tendthere,ascosmo- politanexcitementandcoastalcharmis juststepsawayfromtheConventionCen- tercampus.Attendeeswillenjoyavibrant nightlife,milesofoceanfrontviews,a sophisticatedculinaryscene,abustling shoppingdistrict,andworld-famous attractionsthatonlyLongBeachcanoffer forteam-buildingevents.Theycanenjoy morethan100exhibitsatTheAquarium ofthePacificorexplorethewaterswith HarborBreezeCruises–theperfectset- tingsforbusinessretreatsthatallowpeo- pletounplug,reflectandconnect. Agrowingnumberofgroup-friendly, downtownhotels,willhelpkeepyour guestslocal,avoidingtrafficandmaking themostoftheirtime. Travel Essentials Onlysixmilesfromdowntown,the SoCalcentrallylocatedLongBeachAir- port,withitslounge-inspired,resort-style atmosphereissleekandstylish.With24 nonstopdestinationsfromLGB,thispas- sengerconcourse,anditshostoflocal eateriesandrefreshments,welcomes inboundflightsfromU.S.citiesdaily. WhetheroutontheTerracePlaza– withprogrammabledancingwaterfoun- tains–orinTheCoveata“streetparty” orinsideoneofSoCal’shottestspecial eventvenues–ThePacificBallroom,you willnotonlycreateanunforgettableexpe- rienceforyourattendees,butsavethou- sandsofdollars!| AC&F | Long Beach, California Immerse yourself in a completely turnkey meeting experience Total Guest Rooms: 5,200 Total Hotels/Resorts: 32 Total Square Feet of Meeting Space: 420,000 sq.ft. Convention Center FYI: An oceanfront campus of turnkey, unique spaces just steps from a walkable downtown with an eclectic culinary scene, shopping and world-famous attractions. A perfect setting for your next meeting. FACTS & FEATURES JOSEPH JENCI Senior Vice President Sales & Service Long Beach CVB 562-822-6239 josephj@ longbeachcvb.org CONTACT AMERICA'S PREMIER MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2023 44 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023Immerse yourself in a completely turnkey meeting experience. Hot, sunny days. Bright, electric nights. LBC is the perfect destination to turn corporate-style events into the extraordinary. A brilliantly designed campus of unique modern spaces sets the stage for magical experiences – indoors, outdoors, online. Spark conversation and connection in a glittering atmosphere filled with our ready-to-go meeting solutions – decorative chandeliers and built-in, programmable lights, a cool collection of stylish furniture and décor – all saving you up to $500,000 . Easy and a ordable , this unconventional city saves you thousands and makes for a refreshingly di erent meeting experience unlike anywhere else. All the bells and whistles. Make your next meeting an eye-popping experience and save up to $500,000. visitlongbeach.com @VisitLB1601 MARKET ST., SUITE 200 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 DISCOVERPHL.COM/MEET F ewconventioncentersany- whereputtheirguestsas closetohistory,art,andenter- tainmentasPhiladelphia.The PennsylvaniaConventionCen- terisreadytohostthousandsofattendees andourcityisreadytoshowthemeacha trulymemorabletime. LocatedintheheartofPhiladelphia, theCenterisjuststepsawayfromthe city’sattractions,restaurants,andhotels. Progressiveworkrulesandstreamlined servicesprovidecustomerswithjust therightamountofflexibilityand independencetheyneed,resultingin greatercostefficienciesandbetteroverall customerexperience. Inthepasttwoyears,theCenter hasmadesignificantinvestmentswith upgradestoitsfacilitytomaximize efficiencyandcreateahealthyand welcomingenvironment.Througha partnershipwithSiemens,theCenter digitallytransformeditsoperations toachieveitssustainabilitygoalsand positionitselfasanindustryleaderin sustainabilityinnovation. Alongstandingproponentof environmentalconservationanda reliablesupporttoitscustomers,the Center’sGreenTeamoffersawealthof expertiseinsuccessfullyhostinggreen eventsandhelpingcustomersachieve theirownsustainabilitygoals. Making Connections Fromexpertsonmentalhealthto successfulentrepreneurschanging thebusinesslandscapetoday,the PhiladelphiaConventionandVisitors Bureauteamcanconnectyouwith thoughtleadersthatwillelevate yourconventionexperience.Our teamhelpseventspecialiststapinto Philadelphia’sextensivemedical,life sciencesandnursingcommunities throughPHLLifeSciences,thefirstand onlydivisionofitskindinthecountry. NamedasoneofBrookingsInstitution top“KnowledgeCapitals”intheU.S.and Europe,Philadelphiahasawealthof industryleadersandexperts,including scholars,researchers,professionals,and entrepreneurs,toenlistas speakersorpanelists. Between the Meetings Weknowthatwhathappensbetween meetingsisimportantwhenselecting adestination.Philadelphiaishome tomust-seemuseumsandavibrant diningscene.FromthehistoricReading TerminalMarket,namedthebestpublic marketintheUnitedStates,topremier exhibitions,yourattendeeswillleave Philadelphiainspiredandinvigorated, andlikelywantingtocomebackagain. Asoneofthemostwalkablecitiesin thenation,meetingattendeeswillfind iteasytoaccessandexplorethecity’s topattractionsduringtheirdowntime, withpopularsitessuchasLOVEPark andthePhiladelphiaMuseumofArtall withinafewminutes’walkofoneofthe EastCoast’spremiereventvenues. Frominitialoutreachtothelastsession, ourteamprovidesrecommendationsand logisticsupporttoensurethatyourevent issuccessfulandmemorable.Wecan’t waitforyoutomeetthemandtohostyou inPhiladelphia! | AC&F | Philadelphia Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly. Total guest rooms: More than 14,400 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center Total hotels: 100 offsite venue options with spaces for 50 to 20,000 guests Total square feet of meeting space: A million square foot venue in the middle of downtown Convention Center FYI: Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Convention Center is steps away from attractions, restaurants and hotels. Progressive work rules and streamlined services provide flexibility and independence for outstanding events. FACTS & FEATURES NIK PEREIRA Vice President of Sales Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau 215-636-3330 nik@discoverphl.com CONTACT AMERICA'S PREMIER MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2023 46 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023 PHOTO BY ELEVATED ANGLESCome for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly. DISCOVERPHL.COM PHILLY IS THE PLACE FOR TRADESHOWS THAT STAND OUT Why Philadelphia? Because it’s aordable, walkable and just a train ride away for up to 50 million Americans. Why Philly? Because it’s an eclectic city full of remarkable restaurants, art and nightlife. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau works with event marketers every step of the way to make each tradeshow wildly successful and uniquely Philly. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED, FLAWLESSLY managed.Next >