Sitting in the shadow of Cincinnati, its more familiar neighbor across the Ohio River, Northern Kentucky offers its own compelling package of amenities and attractions for meeting planners. Diverse dining, entertainment, and special events venues hug both sides of the river. Covington, site of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center (opened in 1999 with 110,000 square feet of space) is home to dozens of charming independent restaurants and boutiques in the MainStrasse Village historic neighborhood.

The nearby Newport on the Levee entertainment complex includes the stunning Newport Aquarium (available for private bookings) and more than a dozen restaurants and clubs. The first U.S. outpost of the Munich Hofbrauhaus opened in mid-2003. The 13,315-square-foot microbrewery/restaurant complex includes a festive 268-seat beer hall, a 108-seat dining area, and an outdoor beer garden (recently expanded to accommodate 450 guests) overlooking the river.

The new National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, set on the river, is available for events for groups of up to 300.

The Northern Kentucky University Metropolitan Education and Training Services Center for Corporate Learning in Erlanger, close to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, houses a “smart” auditorium that can seat 150 classroom-style, an 18-seat executive boardroom, and a number of breakout and banquet rooms. The center can cater up to 500 meals on site. A bonus for METS clients: The price includes all the technology — state-of-the-art AV equipment, computers, videoconferencing gear, and more — as well as a complimentary business center. www.nkycvb.com