Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1152980
B M & T ••• July/August 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 38 clients, because it is educationally and economi- cally beneficial, and it empowers the local com- munity." TPOC donates resources to local schools, orphanages, museums, organizations, and charities like Soulsville in Nashville, TN and art galleries that support local artists. www.TPOC Association.com Since 1998, Blue World Travel's "Festival at Sea" and "Friends of Festival at Sea" programs have hosted over 40,000 guests during the past 20 years. Experience what everyone loves about the #1 African-American Cruise. Patricia Yarborough, President of Festival at Sea touts content that includes top-name entertainment, DJ's spinning music in onboard clubs, and White Night and Costume Theme Nights. The days are filled with dozens of activities, shows and classes. For over 20 years, the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage, presented by Denny's, has donated proceeds to support stu- dents attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Through fundraising and donor development initiatives, $65 million has been raised to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs. The Foundation posits that, "By specifically catering to his audi- ence/passengers through all activities, media and even food and beverage, Joyner created an exclusive event that sells out annually and fea- tures an exciting lineup of activities and famed entertainers," Joyner's branded "Party with a Purpose," will sail from Miami on the Carnival Magic, with stops in the Caribbean's Amber Cove, San Juan and St. Thomas. This year's cruise will feature entertainment, seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, celebrities and theme nights. Tom Joyner stated, "I'm proud of a lot of things we've accomplished on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, but I think I'm most proud of all the stu- dents we've helped stay in school for the last 20 years, and our biggest fundraiser for HBCUs is the Fantastic Voyage cruise." The Fantastic Voyage was developed because Joyner believed "the needs of African-American cruisers were not being met." He combined purpose with entertainment and came up with the idea to sell cabins at a premium rate while underwriting the black colleges. National Professionals Network's Leader- ship Summit at Sea began 27 years ago, when a group of culturally diverse professionals came together, crossing the miles and professional dis- ciplines, to form the National Professionals Network. Since then, hundreds of professionals, historically 60% single and 40% couples from 65 major cities internationally and 30 different dis- ciplines, have sailed together for relaxation, edu- cational seminars and networking. In July 2019, they will sail to Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's recently revitalized 2,744-passenger Majesty of the Seas. In addition to African-American professional groups that meet annually and have already held a meeting a sea or are considering holding a con- ference onboard a cruise ship, there's a growing movement among many to plan family reunions at sea, with Disney Cruise line especial- ly well suited for such events. Welcome Aboard gifts etc.. Daily bulletins will be delivered to your groups cabins and a special TV channel can be devoted to your group. 2. All transpor tation, meals and Broadway style enter tainment are included which can save substantial dollars compared to doing these individually in a land hotel. 3. A variety of activities are available for all members of your group, which leads to a more enjoyable and valuable experience. 4. State of the ar t equipment and facili- ties are included in the price. LCD projectors and other top quality audiovisual equipment are included in your cost. Rental rates at hotels for this type of equipment can be quite high. 5. Shipboard events overall are less costly than land based events on a per person basis. They are a great value. For example, the only charge for meeting room refresh- ments is a set up fee of approximately $10 for 20 people. A hotel would cost significantly more. 6. Special amenities can be tailored to best serve your group. A high level of cus- tomization is available including predominant- ly displaying and using your company logo on napkins, butter, and a variety of ways to showcase your company. 7. The oppor tunity to visit several places without the hassle of packing and unpacking. 8. Security is greater on board a ship than at a land-based facility if security is an issue for your company. 9. If you're having a business related meeting or seminar on board the ship, you will have higher par ticipation by attendees who can't skip out of your program to go play golf or be interrupted with phone calls, etc. 10. Special activities such as Beach Olympics and other group events can help foster team spirit and boost morale leading to improved performance in the work place. They are fun, exciting and can maximize par- ticipation. Meetings on Ships is a division of CEALS (Corporate Event and Leisure Services), headquartered in the state of Washington. They are a specialized trav- el service offering small and medium sized meeting and incentive program event planning and execution. Disney Family Reunion