Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/37469
pilation of the most preeminent U.S and Canadian events. The GFF theme for 2011, CARNIVAL per- fectly describes the Caribbean, Hispanic, African, African-American, and Asian cultural performers that visitors and residents will experience on stage and at the many fine eateries around town. We’ve addressed education at the K-12 level, but Philadelphia has some of the finest universities in the world, including theWharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where Ferguson has furthered his own executive education. And of course virtually everyone in our industry knows of Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM). How is the PCVB working with college students to pursue careers in our tourism and hospitality? “Our internship program at PCVB has been very suc- cessful in engaging college students and exposing them dents about the countless career opportunities that exist in the hospitality, travel and food services industries. Also the MAC recently established partnerships unique to any Convention and Visitors Bureau. The tourism agency has teamed up with Temple University’s STHM and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality to increase outreach efforts from industry professionals to aspiring mul- ticultural students. And finally, the MAC sponsors an annual “Be There or Be Square Luncheon,” which provides funds for local college students to attend the annual National Society of Minorities in Hospitality convention. With so many exciting opportunities ahead, who better to lead the PCVB than someone who has intimate knowledge, drive, determination and affec- tion for the city he calls home — Jack Ferguson is the best person for the job. to different aspects of the hospitality industry by provid- ing practical work experience for students interested in the field, which we believe very strongly in.” For more than 20 years, MAC and the PCVB have worked to heighten the value of multiculturalism in the hospitality and tourism industry. “Temple University’s STHM has proven to be an indispensable partner in our success to serve our stakeholders,” says Ferguson. MAC was the proud sponsor of Temple University’s School of Tourism & Hospitality Management’s 4th Annual “Forum for the Future of Tourism.” This forum provided professionals within tourism and hospitality- related fields, the opportunity to interact and discuss how the increase in multiculturalism will affect the future of tourism. Through the forum, Temple plans to continue the discussion to implement a multicultural tourism course within their hospitality programs, making them a leader among other academic insti- tutions. Additionally, the PCVB and MAC spend a size- able amount of time paving the way for the future hospitality and tourism workforce. It has made a tremendous impact in the area of work- force development. MAC’s annual “Hospitality Education Day,” educates hun- dreds of high school and collegiate stu- 44 Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com