Baltimore.

Baltimore is the perfect blend of traditional and modern, a vibrant metropolis with small-town character. This harborfront city is filled with a rich history, boasting some of this country's earliest churches and charming urban homes that reflect life in 18th century America. But more important, Baltimore is a city where exciting things happen every day. This activity-packed destination clearly is suited for the 2000 ACEI Annual International Conference & Exhibition.

The Inner Harbor is one of Baltimore's treasures and is the centerpiece of this vibrant city. Inner Harbor visitors can explore famous attractions such as Harborplace, featuring over 125 shops, as well as numerous eateries and restaurants, such as Planet Hollywood, and The Power Plant entertainment complex. Linked to Harborplace by a skywalk, The Gallery offers 75 shops and eateries on four levels in a glass-enclosed atrium.

Witness the mystery and majesty of underwater life at the world-renowned National Aquarium. Explore a South American rain forest; dive into a shark tank and gaze at over 5,000 creatures in themed exhibits. Bottlenose dolphins demonstrate their grace and agility daily in the Marine Mammal Pavilion.

Marvel at the unique hands-on exhibit at the Maryland Science Center. Discover the wonders of the cosmos at the Davis Planetarium and the Hubble Space Telescope exhibits, and thrill to a movie on the five-story screen of the IMAX Theatre.

Just minutes away from the harbor's many attractions, you can find the city's diverse, charming neighborhoods. Baltimore features quaint neighborhoods that retain the history of early America in their cobblestone streets and white marble steps leading to homes dating back to the 1700s, as well as many taverns and shops. Mount Clare Mansion contains the exceptional artifacts and possessions of Charles Carroll, the first American Catholic Bishop. Mother Seton House is the home of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born Roman Catholic saint, who founded a school, as well as the Daughters of Charity.

Baltimore also is home to the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and 1812 Museum. This National Historic Landmark was the home of Mary Pickersgill, who was commissioned during the War of 1812 to sew a 30' x 42' flag for Fort McHenry. The flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the U.S. national anthem.

Docked in the harbor is the only existing replica of a circa 1812 Baltimore Clipper topsail schooner, the Pride of Baltimore II. The ship travels the world on a mission of economic development for Maryland and Baltimore.

Some other key attractions include Lexington Market, established in 1782, America's oldest continuously operated market. Vendors will tempt your appetite with a fabulous selection of culinary delights, including fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood, produce, meats, deli, and baked goods. Druid Hill Park is the second largest urban park in America and dates from 1688. Canton, originally a shipping and trading center, has evolved into a charming residential neighborhood along the waterfront and is a quaint place for dining and nightlife, offering numerous restaurants for all tastes. Ladew Topiary Gardens, comprising 15 thematic gardens on 22 acres, welcomes guests to the Carriage Museum and the famous Manor House, which was built over a period of three centuries.

Evergreen House, an elegant Italian mansion showcasing 487 breathtaking rooms, is filled with decorative arts, antiquarian books, Tiffany glass, and theater art. Historic Hampton Mansion is home to a collection of decorative arts, furnishings, archives, and photographs from the Ridgely family. This premier example of 1700s Georgian architecture features farm buildings and two intact slave quarters.

Experience Baltimore's wide range of cultural activities such as art, music, and theater. The Baltimore Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of art, ranging from ancient mosaics to contemporary works. The James E. Lewis Museum of Art features an eclectic gathering of African, American and European art, including masks, furniture, artifacts, and drums. South Charles Street is home to the Watermark Gallery, which presents outstanding original artwork by professional artists working in water media and photography. The internationally acclaimed Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conducts a full calendar of instrumental, vocal, and other musical performances at the renowned Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Not to be outdone by New York, the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre hosts touring Broadway musicals, dramas, and dance performances. Dedicated to cultural arts in theater, dance, film, and music, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts offers opportunities for enjoyment and education.

Baltimore has something for everyone. Come experience this city and begin the millennium by discovering the past!