Black Meetings & Tourism - JAZZ UP THE AGENDA WHEN YOU MEET IN DALLAS

Industry Briefs
JAZZ UP THE AGENDA WHEN YOU MEET IN DALLAS
In a city that prides itself on style, great taste, and just the right amount of swagger, when you plan your meetings in Dallas, you can’t miss the chance to dive into the city's cultural events. Yes, Dallas has plenty of happy hours to satisfy your team meetings - on rooftops, in fact. And of course, there's enough fine dining to make you want to create an entire agenda around it. But this is a city that pulses with creative energy, legendary events, and music that spills into the streets. Why not plan your meeting around one of Dallas’ many signature cultural events throughout the year? Discover festivals like the 9th Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, which swings into the city every Labor Day weekend. Presented by the Black Academy of the Arts, this year, Fair Park brings together renowned jazz artists, blues musicians and contemporary stars, headlined by legendary R&B vocalist Gladys Knight. Because after a long day of problem solving, you deserve Dallas' can-do spirit to inspire what comes next. In fact, to pique a little inspiration, here's a sample itinerary for how to make the most of your time celebrating an iconic event like this. Day 1 \| Curate The Post-Conference Vibe When the keynote wraps, the applause fades, and business cards are exchanged, keep the energy going as you explore Dallas' vibrant arts and culture scene. Start your day with a dose of creativity over brunch at Ateliê by The EXPERIENCE which features a gallery by Daisha Board. This art curator is one of the most influential voices in the Dallas contemporary art scene, who leverages her space to shine a light on artists who’ve been historically underrepresented. Here you can savor elevated eats, plated next to specialty works by LGBTQ+, disabled, and BIPOC artists. Discover new eats and new artists when you return for your next conference, as the collection rotates alongside the menu. Then, walk off your meal by wandering over to the free Mandela exhibition, on view through November at the African American Museum. Learn about the life and legacy of one of the world's most celebrated freedom fighters as you browse a specialty collection of rare artifacts and personal belongings for a truly immersive experience. After a captivating journey through time, treat yourself with a tour of the nationally ranked Dallas Arts District. The largest arts district in the country, it boasts a variety of museums, as well as the Nasher Sculpture Center and Garden, perfect for a moment of peaceful contemplation away from your busy schedule. With everything from live performances at the Riverfront Jazz Festival to colorful murals woven throughout the city's sprawling landscape, the first day of your itinerary will leave you creatively satiated, at least until you’re hungry for more. Day 2 \| Savor The Local Flavor Wake up ready to taste everything Dallas has to offer. Step into the signature Dallas sunshine and head directly across the bridge to the vibrant Bishop Arts District. Spearhead the day over brunch at one of the beloved restaurants in the area. Discuss the day over blue corn pancakes at Encina, chilaquiles at Taco Y Vino, or Fried Chicken and Waffles at Oddfellows. In between dynamic performances, check out the vibrant energy of the city, including the local food truck lineup at the Riverfront Jazz Festival. Eyes bigger than your stomach? No worries here. With so much delectable food to savor and flavor bombs to explore, it's impossible to choose just one. As the second day winds down, keep the rhythm going. There’s plenty more music to dance the night away throughout downtown Dallas. Whether it's live jazz at local cocktail bars, neighborhood lounges to relax over conversation, or rooftop patios to toast to “day two”, there's no shortage of places to keep the night going. End the evening with even more music and dancing at Atlas, a sultry cocktail bar in the Bishop Arts District. The perfect finale to a day of memorable meals, music, and movement. Day 3 \| End On A High Note As your time comes to a close, don’t miss your chance to add the pièce de résistance to your time in Dallas. Savor an elegant brunch at Bistro 31 in the upscale Highland Park Village. After a galette and maybe a glass or two of champagne, find a power suit fit for your next leadership conference among the area's many boutique stores. Immerse yourself in the last of the blues ballads and gospel harmonies of the jazz festival. And as the sun sets on your final day, filled with new connections, bold beats, and innovative flavors, find yourself relishing every moment with a nightcap at the Mansion Bar. Under the sounds of live jazz and with cigars on the patio worthy of a 1920s Harlem Renaissance painting, soak up the last moments of an occasion so memorable, you might forget it's part of the job. But no need to be sad it's over, Dallas is always waiting.

Industry Briefs

JAZZ UP THE AGENDA WHEN YOU MEET IN DALLAS

In a city that prides itself on style, great taste, and just the right amount of swagger, when you plan your meetings in Dallas, you can’t miss the chance to dive into the city's cultural events. Yes, Dallas has plenty of happy hours to satisfy your team meetings - on rooftops, in fact. And of course, there's enough fine dining to make you want to create an entire agenda around it. But this is a city that pulses with creative energy, legendary events, and music that spills into the streets. Why not plan your meeting around one of Dallas’ many signature cultural events throughout the year? Discover festivals like the 9th Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, which swings into the city every Labor Day weekend. Presented by the Black Academy of the Arts, this year, Fair Park brings together renowned jazz artists, blues musicians and contemporary stars, headlined by legendary R&B vocalist Gladys Knight. Because after a long day of problem solving, you deserve Dallas' can-do spirit to inspire what comes next. In fact, to pique a little inspiration, here's a sample itinerary for how to make the most of your time celebrating an iconic event like this.

Day 1 | Curate The Post-Conference Vibe

When the keynote wraps, the applause fades, and business cards are exchanged, keep the energy going as you explore Dallas' vibrant arts and culture scene. Start your day with a dose of creativity over brunch at Ateliê by The EXPERIENCE which features a gallery by Daisha Board. This art curator is one of the most influential voices in the Dallas contemporary art scene, who leverages her space to shine a light on artists who’ve been historically underrepresented. Here you can savor elevated eats, plated next to specialty works by LGBTQ+, disabled, and BIPOC artists. Discover new eats and new artists when you return for your next conference, as the collection rotates alongside the menu.

Then, walk off your meal by wandering over to the free Mandela exhibition, on view through November at the African American Museum. Learn about the life and legacy of one of the world's most celebrated freedom fighters as you browse a specialty collection of rare artifacts and personal belongings for a truly immersive experience. After a captivating journey through time, treat yourself with a tour of the nationally ranked Dallas Arts District. The largest arts district in the country, it boasts a variety of museums, as well as the Nasher Sculpture Center and Garden, perfect for a moment of peaceful contemplation away from your busy schedule. With everything from live performances at the Riverfront Jazz Festival to colorful murals woven throughout the city's sprawling landscape, the first day of your itinerary will leave you creatively satiated, at least until you’re hungry for more.

Day 2 | Savor The Local Flavor

Wake up ready to taste everything Dallas has to offer. Step into the signature Dallas sunshine and head directly across the bridge to the vibrant Bishop Arts District. Spearhead the day over brunch at one of the beloved restaurants in the area. Discuss the day over blue corn pancakes at Encina, chilaquiles at Taco Y Vino, or Fried Chicken and Waffles at Oddfellows.

In between dynamic performances, check out the vibrant energy of the city, including the local food truck lineup at the Riverfront Jazz Festival. Eyes bigger than your stomach? No worries here. With so much delectable food to savor and flavor bombs to explore, it's impossible to choose just one. As the second day winds down, keep the rhythm going. There’s plenty more music to dance the night away throughout downtown Dallas. Whether it's live jazz at local cocktail bars, neighborhood lounges to relax over conversation, or rooftop patios to toast to “day two”, there's no shortage of places to keep the night going. End the evening with even more music and dancing at Atlas, a sultry cocktail bar in the Bishop Arts District. The perfect finale to a day of memorable meals, music, and movement.

Day 3 | End On A High Note

As your time comes to a close, don’t miss your chance to add the pièce de résistance to your time in Dallas. Savor an elegant brunch at Bistro 31 in the upscale Highland Park Village. After a galette and maybe a glass or two of champagne, find a power suit fit for your next leadership conference among the area's many boutique stores. Immerse yourself in the last of the blues ballads and gospel harmonies of the jazz festival. And as the sun sets on your final day, filled with new connections, bold beats, and innovative flavors, find yourself relishing every moment with a nightcap at the Mansion Bar. Under the sounds of live jazz and with cigars on the patio worthy of a 1920s Harlem Renaissance painting, soak up the last moments of an occasion so memorable, you might forget it's part of the job. But no need to be sad it's over, Dallas is always waiting.