FORT LAUDERDALE

Steeped in rich history dating back to the 1800s, Greater Fort Lauderdale has long served as home to a myriad of ethnic communities. African-American, Bahamian, Brazilian, Cuban and other Hispanic residents have established strong roots from Pompano Beach to Miramar, Lauderdale to Lauderhill. And, as Greater Fort Lauderdale emerges as a Beach Chic destination, its role as a leading multicultural business and tourism destination is growing as well.

As the hub to the multicultural community, Central Broward County and the city of Lauderhill are home to many important infrastructure, business and tourism projects. Opened in late 2007, the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill was the first major component of this new infrastructure. The national-award winning park acts as a center for the multicultural community with a 5,000-permanent seat multi-purpose stadium that can expand to a 20,000-seat facility for cricket, soccer and rugby matches. The Regional Park also includes a water park for children, pavilions perfect for larger gatherings and family reunions and a variety of other amenities. Lauderhill will also serve as home to two other important projects, the International Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation and the Central Broward Entertainment District.

The International Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation, supported and affiliated with famed gospel figure Dr. Bobby Jones, will be one of the nation's premier centers for special events, educational programs and the celebration of the global impact of gospel music. The Entertainment District, which will be comprised of sound studios and warehouses for television and movie production, will attract African-American and Hispanic filmmakers drawn to South Florida because of its variety of locales and beautiful natural environment.

These developments, combined with affordable accommodations and world-class meeting facilities, are making Greater Fort Lauderdale a preeminent destination for multicultural group meetings and conferences. In 2009 Greater Fort Lauderdale will host groups such as the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, the National Bowling Association (TNBA) and the National Urban League's Leadership Conference, just to name a few. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has completely revamped and published a multicultural guide that offers insights into the destination's colorful history and today's vibrant communities from the beaches to the Everglades.

Potential visitors will find activities and local gems that make Greater Fort Lauderdale an exciting place to visit. The guide is a one-stop shop to plan a vacation, wedding, meeting or family reunion with a listing of minority owned and operated businesses attractions and areas of historical significance.

For more information, or to request a multicultural guide, visit www.sunny.org

JACKSONVILLE

Need help planning your event? Visit Jacksonville offers meeting-planning service professionals who can help tailor your event in Jacksonville. Let our team put you at ease by assisting you plan your event, assist you book great attractions Jacksonville has to offer and arrange your group to play one of our championship golf courses. No matter the size of your group, big or small, we can advise you on perfect sites for your meeting.

Soak up the sun on Jacksonville's more than 20 miles of beautiful beaches or play a relaxing game of golf at one of our more than 70 renowned courses. The Zoo and Gardens is a delight for all ages. Local festivals, historic sites and serene places of worship will create memorable experiences for your group.

Our planning professionals understand the ever-tightening budgets meeting professionals deal with. We work with you to make every dollar count, while giving your group the pleasurable stay you're looking for.

We offer:

• More than 100-daily non-stop flights
• Over 275,000 square feet of convention center meeting & event space
• Over 16,000 hotel rooms
• Unique venues and event spaces for groups from 10 to 10,000
• Easy access by highways, water-taxis, skyway rail, buses and trolleys

Call one of experts for an in-depth and personalized plan at (800) 340-4444 or visit visitjacksonville.com/multicultural.

MIAMI

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a new advertising campaign that positions Miami as a mega-hot destination for culture and arts. Featuring the work of some of Miami's brightest stars in the art, music, design and fashion scene interwoven into colorful, exotic area locals, including quotes from the artists expressing their passion for the city. The tagline, EXPRESS YOURSELF, is a call to action, an encouragement to come to this amazing place and be yourself, or someone else if that's what you're into. Miami inspires you to express yourself by exploring cutting-edge galleries filled with provocative art, discovering Latin-inspired music, tasting exotic food, or buying those funky shoes that you always wanted but wouldn't wear at home. Miami is such a sophisticated and exciting international city, what more could a planner want, except the time to put together a fantastic itinerary? Located close to our fabulous beaches, historic Art Deco District, or in the heart of downtown, Greater Miami's first-class facilities offer state-of-the-art technology and are equipped to provide elaborate exhibition displays, audio/visual setups, and United Nations-style simultaneous translations. All are convenient to area shopping, dining, and exciting nightlife. In short, our unique destination is the ultimate choice for your next meeting. From historic sites and Art Deco theaters to nature-themed attractions, avant-garde museums, sun-splashed locales like the beach and the Everglades, and auditoriums of every size, Miami's unique venues create a memorable environment for receptions, breakout sessions and other events. Our growing reputation as a dynamic international center of business, first-class convention locale, and entertainment center as well as our hotbed of arts and cultural influence, offers every opportunity for you to come to Miami, and express yourself.

For more information
Phone: (800) 933-8448, ext. 3071
E-mail: MeetingsInfo@MiamiMeetings.com
Web site: www.MiamiMeetings.com

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