Black Meetings and Tourism

March/April 2010

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WR I T T E N A N D C O M P I L E D B Y V I C T O R I A H E A D Orange County Convention Center Photo Credit: O.O.C. CVB as important as the meeting itself. While some meeting planners have been deterred from holding meetings in Florida because of its reputa- tion as a resort destination, there are still several groups and organizations that choose to hold their meetings in the Sunshine State. Thriving on tourism because of its beau- tiful beaches, world-famous weather and air accessibility, Florida is no stranger to hosting large groups. According to the U.S. Travel Association, U.S. business travel is responsible for $246 billion in spending and L 2.3 million American jobs. More than $100 billion of this spending and nearly 1 million American jobs are linked directly to meetings and events. Of the 84.2 million visitors Florida welcomed in 2008, business travel represented nearly 17 percent – including more than 6.8 million travelers tied directly to meetings, conventions and training events. Realizing that business travel is a way to help drive tourism, Albert Tucker, Vice President of Multicultural Business Development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, combats the stigma that meetings shouldn’t be held in resort destinations like Florida by letting planners know that Florida is about business as well as pleasure. Florida is an easily accessible and affordable destination to hold meetings. Tucker works with meeting planners to assure they receive the largest bang for their buck by finding ways to decrease their bottom lines. “Most planners are looking for a decent rate, but we also offer ease of access,” Tucker said. “You could cut car rental costs if you stay in Downtown Fort Lauderdale because you could be from the hotel to the airport in seven minutes, while having dining and other activities within walking distance.” Tucker also uses relationship building to bring meetings to the South Florida area to help tourism dollars flow back into Florida’s economy. By cultivating relationships with leaders of large membership organizations such as 100 Black Men of America, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the National Black MBA Association, Tucker informs them of the benefits to hold meetings and conferences in a destination like Fort Lauderdale; this method has proven to be effective in securing 40 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com ocation is one of the biggest factors in selecting a meeting desti- nation; choosing the right destination is

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