​Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau

2200 9th Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35203

Birmingham, Alabama, may not be top of mind when you think of inclusive meeting hosts, but you might be wrong. Like our convention guests of all persuasions, we prefer not to be stereotyped. It might come as a surprise that Birmingham has an involved LGBTQ community, leaders in the business community and across a spectrum of organizations in the city.

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is the state’s largest meeting facility. The campus, including two hotels, has 350,000 square feet of exhibition space, 90 meeting rooms, an 18,000-seat arena and 4,000 seats in two theaters. Known for its world-class dining, Birmingham also entertains guests with brewery tours, live theater, musical performances, and a wide-ranging assortment of clubs and bars.

Features: Meeting Rooms, Exhibit Space, Lobby Space, Lounge/Bar, Restaurant, Spa, Entertainment, Catering, Business Office, Wi-fi, AV Service, Car Service, Valet Parking, On-Site Parking, Elevators, Loading Dock, Nearby Public Transportation, Nearby Shopping, Nearby Attractions

Chianti Cleggett | ccleggett@inbirmingham.com | 205-214-9227

Travel Santa Ana

1631 W. Sunflower Ave., C-35, Santa Ana, CA 92704​

Located in Orange County, Calif., Santa Ana is unlike any other destination. You will discover a community that is rich in culture offering attendees authentic Hispanic flavors and an art scene that is a mix of funky and folk.

Santa Ana has become an increasingly popular destination for members of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its diverse population.

One of the main draws of Santa Ana for LGBTQ+ visitors is the city's thriving nightlife. There are numerous gay-friendly bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the city, many of which are located in the downtown area.

Santa Ana is also home to LGBTQ+ community organizations and events. The Orange County Pride Parade & Festival, for example, takes place each year and attracts thousands of visitors from across the region.

Santa Ana offers a variety of hotel venues to meet your needs. Offering nearly 42,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, and 2,463 sleeping rooms.

Along with unique venues from historic to art deco are perfect for off-site meeting locations.

Overall, Santa Ana's welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, combined with its lively downtown scene and cultural offerings, make it a great destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Let Travel Santa Ana help you with your meeting and event planning.

AnaLaura Becerra | analaura@travelsantaana.com | 714-242-3374

Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater

8200 Bryan Dairy Road, Suite 200, Largo, FL 33777

Best in the U.S. beaches, prevalent LGBTQ community, and an overlay of arts and culture that rivals America's most iconic cities, it's no wonder St. Pete/Clearwater is the most popular U.S. tourist destination on the Gulf of Mexico. Add 22 affordable meeting hotels, some of the largest venues on Florida's Gulf Coast, and direct flights from most major metropolitan cities, and St. Pete/Clearwater is a meeting planner's paradise.​

Hortensia Simmons | Hortensia@VisitSPC.com | 727-464-6556

BBJ Linen La Tavola Linen

In early 2020 BBJ Linen and La Tavola Linen united to create a vendor partner like never before. Uniting our two enterprises represented an exhilarating revolution in the events industry. Fusing together the inspiring fabrics you love, with the people you trust, to create linen design fit to bring any vision to life.

By joining forces, we combined the best in breadth of product, quality and service. Ensuring our clients gained unprecedented opportunities in innovation, inspiration, and collaboration from one source. Our unparalleled repertoire of services spans from specialty linen, linen accessories, chargers, spandex, chair deacute;cor, and set amp; strike production.

We take great pride in our role as partners in design to help celebrate lifersquo;s momentous occasions. Whether a private dinner or gala, we value each and every opportunity to bring beauty and joy to every story.

www.bbjlinen.com www.latavolalinen.com

800.592.2414

Eve Katz | ekatz@bbjlinen.com | 847.933.4605

Experience Prince George's

200 Basil Court| Suite 101 | Largo, MD 20774

Come discover Prince George’s County, MD; a vibrant destination located just outside downtown Washington, D.C. Explore exciting adventures from our legacy wine trails, stimulating golf courses, casino, art galleries, historical museums, boutique and outlet shopping to dining and entertainment; creating memorable endeavors! We are home to the National Harbor, an exquisite waterfront district featuring convention & exhibit space, boutique shops, restaurants, breathtaking views from the 180-ft Capital Wheel, entertainment and excitement for every attendee. Experience meetings and conventions for a few attendees or thousands! Explore one of our luxury Four Star Diamond hotels and expand your search with our collection of noteworthy venues from century old mansions, art galleries, distinguished ballrooms, arenas - You name it, we have an authentic site for every occasion. Experience the culture, Expand your meetings, Explore the excitement!

Features: Meeting Rooms, Nearby Shopping, Attractions, Winery, Golf, Museums, National Harbor and the MGM Casino

Rhonda Walker | RLWalker@co.pg.md.us | 301.583.9959

Marriott International

417 5th Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10011

At Marriott International, our 30 brands are differentiated by design, signature programming and personalized service. From the utmost in Luxury to the efficiency and value of Select Service, we offer every traveler and travel professional the right brand, in the right place, at the right price. With more than 8,000 properties spanning 132 countries and territories, we cover more of the world than any other lodging company. With Marriott’s unparalleled portfolio of destinations, best-in-class teams, innovative tools and unique event spaces, we have the venues that help bring your vision to life.

Glenn Stress | glenn.stress@marriott.com | +1-646-768-2783

Experience Columbus

277 W Nationwide Blvd. #125 Columbus, OH 43215

Named one of the Travel Channel’s top domestic destinations to visit in 2020 and among Expedia's most exciting LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in the world, Columbus is a city unlike any other. The country’s 14th largest city is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit.  Centrally located within a half-day drive or two-hour flight from more than half of the U.S. population, Columbus is easily accessible for all. The Greater Columbus Convention Center is at the heart of the city’s lively urban entertainment districts and welcoming neighborhoods filled with incredible arts, entertainment, fashion, and culinary offerings; exciting collegiate and professional sports teams and events; and a spectacular downtown riverfront, all promising a truly unforgettable experience.

Columbus’ reputation for being an open and smart city is highlighted by its vast array of LGBTQ bars and nightclubs, some of which feature the best in entertainment from the country’s best drag queens, like Nina West, Columbus’ favorite drag queen, who you may recognize from season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Slammers, one of the country’s few remaining lesbian bars and one of the city’s oldest gay bars is located in downtown Columbus and right next door is one of the newest options, a drag bar by Virginia West (Nina West’s drag mom), District West. Home to one of the largest Pride festivals in the Midwest, attracting more than 700,000 people every June, the festival was named on the list of 11 Spectacular Pride Celebrations in Unexpected Cities by Fodors.

Columbus is no stranger to hosting large meetings, conventions and sporting events in the city. ASAE chose Columbus to host their 2019 annual meeting and we’re proud to have been selected by PCMA to host PCMA’s Convening Leaders in 2023. In late summer of 2021, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) returned to Columbus to host the world’s largest annual LGBTQ single-sport competition brings more than 5,000 participants from 45 cities competing in the Gay Softball World Series at Berliner Sports Park.

Find all there is to see and do in Columbus and start planning your next meeting at experiencecolumbus.com/meetings.

Taylor Savage |tsavage@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6156

Eugene, Cascades & Coast

754 Olive Street, Eugene, OR 97401

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region of Oregon offers an inclusive, integrated meeting experience with welcoming venues, an exciting city center and a spirited community.

The Eugene-Springfield metro area offers all the conference amenities of a larger city, while being surrounded by all the exquisite natural beauty that makes this region of Oregon a top destination.

Discover unique pre/post event activities like dune buggy rides on the coast or river rafting, and then enjoy world-renowned wineries, award-winning breweries, farm-to-table restaurants and tax-free shopping (and food amp; beverage).

Our professional services staff will go above and beyond to help make your event a success. Let us help find the perfect venue and build an itinerary your attendees will never forget. Come MEET & EXPLORE!

https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/meeting-planners/

Juanita Metzler | Juanita@EugeneCascadesCoast.org| +1-541-743-8758

Visit Pittsburgh

120 Fifth Ave, Fifth Avenue Place, Suite 2800, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Pittsburgh is a must-see destination full of Only in Pittsburgh venues, attractions, restaurants and activities that are sure to wow your attendees. Add to that the iconic David L. Lawrence Convention Center, an incredible array of accommodations and an engaged hospitality community and services team, and you’ve got the ideal meeting destination.

Pittsburgh is filled with innovative thought leaders and industry champions. From key market segments in the region including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, education and everything in between, our team can make the connections you need for engaging speakers and community leaders to help you deliver ground-breaking meetings.

GET TO KNOW PITTSBURGH

• Within 500 miles of nearly half the U.S. population
• Within a 90-minute flight to nearly half of North America’s population
• 125 daily nonstop flights to 59 airports
• Pittsburgh International Airport is the first airport in the world completely powered by solar energy and natural gas generated on site.
• Within a six-hour car or train ride from nine states, Washington, D.C., and Canada
• 6,100 Total Hotel Rooms; 4,000 Committable Rooms
• Home to incredible off-site venues including The Andy Warhol Museum, The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and Senator John Heinz History Center

DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER

• The DLCC holds the highest rating for LEED® Platinum Certification in the U.S.53 Meeting Rooms 1.5 million sq. ft 313,400 sp. ft. exhibit space The rooftop terrace can host 300+ people

Andrew Ortale | Chief Sales Officer | andrew.ortale@visitpittsburgh.com | 412-325-0277

Discover Puerto Rico

500 Calle de la Tanca Suite 402B, San Juan, PR 00901

​​Have we met yet? We should. Welcome to Puerto Rico, where a world of color, music, and dance await your attendees. From old-world charm to dazzling convention facilities, our island paradise will inspire any meeting. When the day is finished, your attendees will step outside to find stunning sunsets, warm weather, and a vibrant culture. Plan your next meeting in paradise and leave your worries - and your passports - behind.

Deborah Cohen | deborah.cohen@discoverpuertorico.com | 787-710-8280

Visit Knoxville

Knoxville may best be described as a southern small town that feels like a neighborhood of a big city. We boast a revitalized downtown district full of art, dining and cultural experiences and our history is rich and colorful. Knoxville has been the home of Alex Haley, Cormac McCarthy, Quentin Tarantino and other notables. It’s also the place where Dolly Parton got her start.

Honored to have been chosen as a “Top Ten Greatest Gay Cities in America,” Knoxville continues to produce a robust gay scene filled with arts, culture, history, musical events, shopping and culinary experiences that will blow your mind. “The greatest strength of our city is our diversity,” quoted Mayor Madeline Rogero. “We are all about justice and equality.”

Knoxville is a city that embraces diversity and respects the values of all of its citizens. Thanks to a robust gay scene, visitors and locals alike can experience a diverse nightlife or a daytime filled with adventure. The LGBTQ community would like for you to visit our ever expanding downtown which is home to Gay Street (listed as one of the most desirable streets by the American Planning Association in 2012), Market Square (the central hub of downtown life and several LGBTQ-friendly restaurants), the Old City (pub, clubs and eateries), Happy Holler (a revitalized area and home to downtown gay bar XYZ), and West Knoxville (home of The Edge).

Knoxville continues to be a trendsetter in LGBTQ functions with an annual PRIDE event that hosts over 34,000 people and was recognized in 2018 as #2 Pride Festival by College Magazine, and Knoxville also proudly supports the Gay Men’s Chorus. Knoxville is a city that welcomes you with open arms.

​Chemain Kellogg | ckellogg@knoxville.org | 865-342-9132

Visit Richmond

401 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219

​Named one of “the world's hottest LGBT-friendly destinations” by TTG Media, the Richmond region has every amenity your LGBT conference, group, event or tour could need. In the Richmond region, state-of-the-art technology intertwines with historical charm and vibrancy. Choose from versatile meeting facilities and venue options able to accommodate groups of all sizes and types. Richmond Region Tourism is committed to assisting meeting planners in every aspect of their convention, meeting or trade show. Attendance building, local liaison and unique services will enhance the attendance experience. Our unique attendance building strategy, relationships with the local business community, and our reputation as a leader in the Convention Services industry will promote higher attendance and provide a lasting memory of your brand and our region! Additionally, our OutRVA.com website provides helpful resources for LGBT visitors, including where to find gender-neutral restrooms, LGBT-friendly businesses, and nightlife when your meeting wraps up for the day and attendees are ready to play!

Jason Whitt | jwhitt@visitrichmondva.com | 804-783-7404

Meeting and Event Supplies by pc/nametag

124 Horizon Drive, Verona, WI, 53593

At pc/nametag, we believe creating safe, open, and inclusive event experiences is a must. Every attendee deserves to feel welcome and celebrated, no matter their background or identity.

We’ve spent 40+ years helping business and event professionals create meaningful connections through custom-branded products and unique service offerings. Best known for our customizable name tags, badges, lanyards, badge ribbons, promotional products, and office supplies, we help event organizers create memorable experiences that bring communities together.

We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to create a more connected world through socially conscious products and services. Reach out to a Tag Team member to discuss creative strategies for fostering diversity-friendly experiences that make an impact!

Nicole Jacobson | sales@pcnametag.com | 888.354.7868

WEBSITE

The Tourist Offices of Spain are the representatives abroad for the Instituto de Turismo de España (TURESPAÑA), which is the Administrative unit of the Central Government of Spain in charge of promoting Spain abroad as a tourist destination.

Spain’s importance as a destination for international meetings has increased notably in recent years. It is now among the top destinations in international sector rankings. In 2019, Spain was the 2nd most-visited country in the world in overall tourism figures, receiving 83.5 million overnight visitors. In meetings and conferences’ tourism, global rankings by the ICCA list Spain as the 4th destination hosting the most international meetings. In ICCA’s ratings for the top ten cities worldwide hosting international association meetings, two Spanish cities stand out: Barcelona (#4) and Madrid (#5).

In Spain, you will find extraordinary infrastructure, including unique venues with a surprising location, history, environment and gastronomic options.

To give your meeting a special atmosphere, there are numerous options available in historical buildings such as castles and palaces. You can also use cultural and artistic premises, including some of Spain’s most iconic museums, auditoriums, theaters and galleries.

Spain also has up to date transport infrastructures. With over 30 airports with connections to the most important cities in the world, an extensive freeway and railway network, including high speed trains connecting Madrid and Barcelona with most major cities in less than 3 hours.

Rudaina Ansari | Meetings and Incentives Department | Rudaina.Ansari@tourspain.es | 212.265.8822, Ext 110 | Monday - Thursday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Fridays 8:30am to 1:30pm