Oklahoma City Travel and Things to Do Guide

Oklahoma City's diverse mix of urban culture, Western heritage and world-class meeting facilities make it one of the region's foremost event locales. Thanks to three major interstate highways, a recently expanded international airport, and Amtrak service, arriving to Oklahoma couldn't be easier whether guests travel by car, plane or train. The city's over 2,400 miles of drivable roads have earned it a number 6 spot on MSN's most drivable cities in the country. Meanwhile, the well-appointed Will Rogers World Airport, the busiest in Oklahoma, has non-stop air service to over 15 U.S. destinations. Once inside the city, event attendees will find much to explore, starting with the Oklahoma City Convention Center, the city's premier event venue. Only a 15-minute drive from the airport and next door to the Omni Hotel and 606 guest rooms, as well as three additional hotels, the convention center is easily accessible by guests. Its 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, along with 27 meeting rooms and the state's largest ballroom, make this facility the venue of choice for tradeshows, conferences, receptions and more. The Oklahoma City Convention Center is one of many landmarks in the growing downtown entertainment district of Bricktown, part of the ambitious Metropolitan Area Projects redevelopment package. Started in 1993, the MAPS initiative has included the construction of a new baseball park, a central library, renovations to the civic center, convention center, and fairgrounds, and the addition of a canal to Bricktown. Exceeding $3 billion, MAPS is one of the most successful public-private partnerships in the city, and a true testament to its desire to evolve and expand. Planners can take advantage of MAPS' success by hosting an event in one of Oklahoma City's new or revitalized unique event spaces. Add excitement to events by renting a suite or lounge at the Bricktown Ballpark, home of the Oklahoma City Dodgers and frequent host to the Big 12 Baseball Tournament. Loosen up guests with a casual dinner or reception at Bricktown Brewery, where up to 320 people can enjoy fine food and the best beer in the city. Or, for a truly memorable group gathering, invite up to 35 attendees to sail down the Oklahoma River on the popular Oklahoma River Cruises. Beyond Bricktown, there is a plethora of Oklahoma City event venues that lend a unique twist to meetings and events. Up to 1,800 people can meet amidst awe-inspiring Western landscapes at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Meanwhile, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory transports guests to the tropics. Host an unforgettable meeting or reception among lush tropical plants, a 35-foot-tall waterfall and exotic animals, all of which reside in this seven-story attraction suspended over a two-acre lake. Oklahoma City's major industries include information technology, health services and energy exploration. The city serves as headquarters for such corporations as the American Education Corporation, Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Sonic Corp. Oklahoma City is also home to Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City Community College and Oklahoma State University at Oklahoma City.