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In 2012, North Carolina will host one of the two most newsworthy conventions of the year when the Democratic Party holds its national convention in Charlotte in early September. The presidential election year convention of one of the two major political parties is obviously a remarkable get for any destination, but the achievement seems a culmination of meeting and convention interest in the Tar Heel State that has been grown significantly in the past few years.

New York – The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, as part of an agreement with American Express, will open an American Express OPEN Business Lounge in the Spring. The Lounge, available to American Express OPEN Card members and similar to exclusive lounges located in airports, will offer a quiet oasis for OPEN Card members, with such amenities as comfortable seating, Wifi, laptops, printers, coffee, tea and light snacks.

 Hotel Nikko San Francisco has been given the Annual Spirit Award, by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). The award, which honors an organization extensively involved in helping people in need, was presented at PCMA’s 56th annual meeting in San Diego. 

Nashville– Pre-opening sales for the Music City Center now 600,000 room nights, bringing it closer to an internal goal of booking one million room nights for the 1.2 million-square-foot convention complex prior to its opening in 2013, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Two months ago the CVB announced having reached 500,000 room nights, representing the half-way mark in pre-booking activities, and indicating the goal will be reached if bookings continue apace.