Black Meetings & Tourism - WELCOME TO THE CROSS ROADS OF THE SOUTH

Industry Briefs
WELCOME TO THE CROSS ROADS OF THE SOUTH
How Location Turns an Event Into an Experience *"An absolutely amazing experience."* It's what happens when everything comes together - when accommodations exceed expectations, activities add up with ease and everything you need is accessible in a flash. For today's event planners and their intended guests, striking this perfect balance means more than planning an event, it means creating a holistic experience that excites, inspires and engages. And as the crossroads of the South, it's safe to say Baton Rouge, Louisiana can deliver it all. A guest's experience starts the moment they RSVP. So ensuring they have affordable and convenient travel/lodging options is crucial to kick off their experience in a positive way. With the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and the city's central location along the I-10 Corridor, Baton Rouge is an opportune destination for any out-of-state visitors. Once here, they'll be welcomed by the picturesque views and luxury amenities offered by a variety of signature hotels, which collectively provide over 13,000 rooms throughout the city. While each hotel includes its own space for hosting events, both large and small, there are countless other options that boast equal amounts of function and flare. From traditional meeting and exhibition spaces, such as the Baton Rouge River Center - which offers 225,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, exhibit halls and breakout rooms - to unique outdoor venues, Baton Rouge has successfully hosted over 300 events in the last year alone. As guest are touching down and checking in, experienced sales and services teams are equipped and ready to meet the event organizer's every need. From finding the perfect venue, to planning the ultimate team-building excursion, Visit Baton Rouge, the city's tourism bureau, provides endless resources to ensure every box on the list gets checked without a hitch. With lodging and logistics out of the way, organizers are free to focus on the fun. The Rural Life Museum, new and old State Capitol and historic plantations, such as Nottoway Plantation and The Myrtles, are great options for group activities. For those who want to take team-building outdoors, the LSU Lakes provide everything from paddle-boarding and kayaking, to sandy shores and picnic tables. And between each fun-filled adventure? Well, there's bound to be some life-changing cuisine. With French, Spanish, Creole and Native American roots, the richness of the city's history and culture can be tasted in every bite. For those wishing to get a taste for authentic cuisine, local favorites like Coffee Call, serving hot coffee and beignets, or Mike Anderson's, known for authentic Cajun cuisine, should be added to the top of the list. Those looking for something a little different can check out fusion restaurants such as Lava Cantina, creole food with a Mexican twist, or trendy hotspots such as Downtown's Magpie Café. With plenty of opportunities to explore history, culture, music and food, Baton Rouge offers meeting planners the perfect mix of work and play. To learn more about what possibilities the city holds for your next event, go to www.visitbatonrouge.com/meetings or connect directly with their team at (225) 383-1825.

Industry Briefs

WELCOME TO THE CROSS ROADS OF THE SOUTH

How Location Turns an Event Into an Experience

"An absolutely amazing experience."

It's what happens when everything comes together - when accommodations exceed expectations, activities add up with ease and everything you need is accessible in a flash. For today's event planners and their intended guests, striking this perfect balance means more than planning an event, it means creating a holistic experience that excites, inspires and engages. And as the crossroads of the South, it's safe to say Baton Rouge, Louisiana can deliver it all.

A guest's experience starts the moment they RSVP. So ensuring they have affordable and convenient travel/lodging options is crucial to kick off their experience in a positive way. With the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and the city's central location along the I-10 Corridor, Baton Rouge is an opportune destination for any out-of-state visitors. Once here, they'll be welcomed by the picturesque views and luxury amenities offered by a variety of signature hotels, which collectively provide over 13,000 rooms throughout the city.

While each hotel includes its own space for hosting events, both large and small, there are countless other options that boast equal amounts of function and flare. From traditional meeting and exhibition spaces, such as the Baton Rouge River Center - which offers 225,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, exhibit halls and breakout rooms - to unique outdoor venues, Baton Rouge has successfully hosted over 300 events in the last year alone.

As guest are touching down and checking in, experienced sales and services teams are equipped and ready to meet the event organizer's every need. From finding the perfect venue, to planning the ultimate team-building excursion, Visit Baton Rouge, the city's tourism bureau, provides endless resources to ensure every box on the list gets checked without a hitch.

With lodging and logistics out of the way, organizers are free to focus on the fun. The Rural Life Museum, new and old State Capitol and historic plantations, such as Nottoway Plantation and The Myrtles, are great options for group activities. For those who want to take team-building outdoors, the LSU Lakes provide everything from paddle-boarding and kayaking, to sandy shores and picnic tables. And between each fun-filled adventure? Well, there's bound to be some life-changing cuisine.

With French, Spanish, Creole and Native American roots, the richness of the city's history and culture can be tasted in every bite. For those wishing to get a taste for authentic cuisine, local favorites like Coffee Call, serving hot coffee and beignets, or Mike Anderson's, known for authentic Cajun cuisine, should be added to the top of the list. Those looking for something a little different can check out fusion restaurants such as Lava Cantina, creole food with a Mexican twist, or trendy hotspots such as Downtown's Magpie Café.

With plenty of opportunities to explore history, culture, music and food, Baton Rouge offers meeting planners the perfect mix of work and play. To learn more about what possibilities the city holds for your next event, go to www.visitbatonrouge.com/meetings or connect directly with their team at (225) 383-1825.