Columbus

Can one meeting destination satisfy all your requirements? It can if it's as varied and versatile as Columbus, which offers everything from vibrant districts and top-of-the-line shopping to professional sports and a lively arts scene. And when it's time to get down to work, Columbus has the facilities, services, resources, and accommodations groups need in one affordable, easily accessible destination, served up with Midwest hospitality. The Greater Columbus Convention Center is in the heart of downtown and within easy walking distance of a variety of attractions, fine dining, and nightlife. The Arena District, the city's newest entertainment destination, is just steps away. Heading north, the Cap at Union Station connects downtown with the Short North Arts District. Just south of downtown is the historic German Village and the adjacent Brewery District. All are filled with restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightspots. Three historic downtown theaters - the Ohio, Palace, and Southern - are home to many of Columbus' performing arts troupes, along with touring productions. On the visual arts front, experience the Columbus Museum of Art's impressive permanent collection and temporary exhibitions or cutting-edge works at The Ohio State University's Wexner Center for the Arts. For sports fans, there's the Ohio State University Buckeyes, Columbus Crew soccer, the NHL Blue Jackets, Triple-A Baseball's Columbus Clippers, and the Arena Football League's Columbus Destroyers. Greater Columbus also offers more than 100 golf courses - many top ranked. Getting to Columbus is easy. Port Columbus International Airport, just 10 minutes from downtown, offers more than 350 daily arrivals and departures ; two major interstates (I-70, east and west; I-71, north and south) intersect near downtown.

Kalamazoo

Booking a meet- ing in Kalamazoo? You can't go wrong! Suited to every budget and taste, the city offers easy accessibility and affordable rates. A total of more than 2,600 hotel rooms includes accommodations in a wide range of properties, from intimate bed-and-breakfast inns to a AAA Four Diamond, world-class convention hotel. Several hotel properties feature meeting space, as do a number of other facilities in the area. Groups convening in Kalamazoo can also enjoy a wide range of post-meeting diversions. An array of unique restaurants, brew pubs, nightly entertainment, and theaters distinguishes the vibrant Art Deco downtown district. Excitement of another kind awaits at one of 22 beautiful area golf courses, three ski resorts, four wineries, and 83 lakes with public access. History and culture buffs will want to explore the city's many historic neighborhoods and outstanding museums. Shopping opportunities abound as well. What's more, getting here is easy: Convenient transportation options link Kalamazoo with several major centers. Meeting facilities and accommodations lie within a 10-minute drive of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport. The city's historic downtown train station offers transportation to and from major destinations via Amtrak. By car, Kalamazoo is located approximately two hours from Chicago and Detroit via Interstate 94. U.S. 131 provides a north/south artery leading north to upper Michigan and south to the Indiana toll road.

Springfield

A welcoming, "can-do" citywide attitude, easy accessibility, and a surprisingly metropolitan setting surrounded by beautiful scenery make Springfield, Mo., the best location for your next event. What sets this mid-sized destination apart from all the rest are the typical city amenities, without the typical city hassles. With a metro population approaching half a million people, Springfield is the area's cultural center for casual and fine dining, performing and fine arts, professional sports, and, of course, shopping - all the amenities without the extraneous expenses, traffic jams, or long lines of larger cities.

Springfield is also one of the most affordable cities in the nation for business travel: Your budget will go further here, without sacrificing the amenities and services you and your attendees have come to expect. The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau staff is flexible and service-intensive, anticipating - and seeing to - your every need. You will find the same to be true among Springfield's hospitality professionals. What's more, Springfield provides top-tier meeting facilities. The Springfield Exposition Center offers 110,000 square feet of contiguous space and can also accommodate 3,000 people for a banquet, 3,800 delegates classroom-style, or 4,500 attendees for a reception. Isn't it time you booked your meeting in Springfield? To get started, contact the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 678-8767 or (417) 881-5300. n