Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1039775
B M & T ••• September/October 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 14 B lack Meetings & Tourism presented their coveted Apex Awards for Distinguished Service in the travel, tourism, hospitality and meetings industry on July 28th at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel as part of the 5th Annual International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show. The BM&T Apex Awards were hosted by publishers Solomon and Gloria Herbert, with PJ Douglas Sands serving as mistress of ceremonies and Dr. William "Bill" Pickard, co-managing partner, MGM Grand Casino Detroit, and CEO of Global Automobile Alliances, as keynote. The BM&T Apex Awards are annually presented to a select number of individuals who have made out- standing contributions in their particular fields of endeavor that have positively impacted travel and tourism. To be considered for a BM&T Apex Award, candidates must: provide long-term benefits for the travel industry and the African-American market seg- ment; represent a national level of prominence; and demonstrate a track record of a minimum of two years. This year the awards recognized a cross section of professionals from many segments of the industry, including recipients from destination marketing organ- izations, a Caribbean ministry of tourism, meeting and event planning organizations, a top public relations marketing firm, an elected official, and the CEO of South African Tourism. T H E 2018 AP E X AW A R D R E C I P I E N T S A R E : • Marcus Margerum, vice president, Government and Community Affairs at the Atlanta CVB; • Kitty Ratcliffe, president of Explore St. Louis; • Marlinda A. Henry, president of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and director of Events and Planning for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship;