Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/646776
B M & T ••• January/February 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 34 experience the capital city. Our marketing efforts continue to include outreach to the African-American market in particular because Jackson appre- ciates the value of the market. We have proven over the years that our product has appeal and offers a genuine experience. The unfortunate recent terrorist attacks in Paris have everyone on a cautious edge. We understand that any city or country can be targeted. We will continue to be vigilant in our safety protocols and urge visitors to exercise diligence in their travels. JAMES T. WOOD, CEO, MEET AC Atlantic City will be hosting MPI WEC in 2016 because we understand that Meetings Means Business! Atlantic City is making major investments into the meetings market. Harrah's has added a 125,000 sq. ft.- Waterfront Conference Center, Resorts International and the B orgata have both added additional meeting rooms because there is strong demand for meetings into the Atlantic City market. Also, our hotel and casi- no properties have become very aggressive in attracting meetings and conventions to their properties. Now is a great time to hold a meet- ing in Atlantic City! Atlantic City continues to invest in the diverse market segments. We just recently hosted the National Hispanic Meeting Professionals Annual Conference at the Tropicana Resort & Casino. We are also sponsors of the Diversity Marketplace held by Collinson Media & Events. Atlantic City will also be hosting the African American Travel Conference in 2017. We see the signif- icant impact diverse groups can bring to Atlantic City and find that ethnically diverse groups very much want to bring their meet- ings, conventions and special events to our city. In addition, Meet AC offers a very attrac- tive incentive package to host ethnically diverse groups in general. On the contrary our meetings and con- vention business has seen significant growth over the past 18 months so the recent attacks have not dissuaded anyone from visiting Atlantic City which is terrific news in itself. However, public safety is very important to everyone so our leadership wants to insure our guests that our streets are safe by employ- ing a team of City Ambassadors who are in uniform and are visible on the streets throughout the day and evening. We also employ a police presence for all special events to insure that everyone participating in one of hundreds of our special events feels safe and can enjoy themselves free from worrying about s afety concerns. LARRY ALEXANDER, PRESIDENT/CEO, DETROIT METRO CVB If you consider the billions of dollars being invested in our downtown core, new restau- rants, attractions, hotels, entertainment options and one of the best airports in the country, it's time for people to see the come- back of one of America's great cities. We recognize that with the population base and historical background we have in Detroit it is vital to continue to promote to minorities and those of ethnic backgrounds. Our efforts include insuring that this critical segment is continually aware of the advances being made in this city. No, it has not impacted visitation to our city. Geographically Detroit has occupied a key and important border destination cross- ing and because of this our local law enforce- ment agencies, as well as border patrol and homeland security, have worked cohesively to protect domestic and international travel- ers arriving to this destination. These collec- tive efforts are ongoing and continually enforced to provide security for all travelers and residents. MONICA SMITH, PRESIDENT/CEO, MACON-BIBB COUNTY CVB With a central location at the crossroads of two interstate highways, just an hour and a half from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and just two and a half hours from Savannah, Macon commands interest from anyone planning a meeting in Georgia. Macon offers meeting space that can accommodate intimate meetings to conven- tions in a professional conference center, 100,000-sq. ft. convention center, or a 9,000- seat arena. Add to that the unique culture and history found only in Macon, with attractions such as the Tubman Museum, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Hay House and quite a few more. We promote and encourage groups of all types to visit Macon rather than focusing on any one particular segment. We have found that groups and leisure visitors from all back- grounds enjoy the Tubman Museum, Macon's music history, and the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds as well as our parks, historic