Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1152980
B M & T ••• July/August 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 4 B lack Meetings & Tourism is exhibiting at IMEX America again this year. Touted at the nation's biggest incentive travel, meetings and events industry gathering, this ninth IMEX America will unfold once more at the Las Vegas Sands Expo. The vast majority of planners attending IMEX come from across North America to interact with the 3,500 sup- pliers from 150 countries who participate in the Trade Show. The event, which took place during October in previous years, has been moved to September 10-12 for 2019. In addition to a spectacular trade show, a wide array of workshops, seminars, keynote addresses and networking opportunities will be offered at IMEX again this year. When attending IMEX in past years, it was painfully clear to me that very few plan- ners of color were present to participate. At BM&T we have always encouraged plan- ners we reach and serve with Black Meetings & Tourism magazine and e- newsletter to support and participate in those industry organizations that represent our market segment – namely the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, Black Meetings & Event Professionals, National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Travel PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE Black Meetings & Tourism is published bi-monthly by SunGlo Enterprises, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207 •Telephone: (818)709-0646/Fax: (818) 709-4753 Copyright 2019 by SunGlo Enterprises. All rights reserved. Single Copies, $6.00 Subscriptions $45.00. Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA. •Postmaster send address changes to Black Meetings & Tourism, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207. Solomon J. Herbert Publisher/Editor-In-Chief E-Mail: BMandTMag@aol.com Professionals of Color, and International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network. That doesn't mean, however, that we think African-American planners and other planners of color should not attend general market events like IMEX America. In my opinion they will do them- selves a great disservice by not attending such events where they can broaden their network of industry contacts, further their education, and take advantage of the opportunities these events offer. With that in mind, Black Meetings & Tourism is planning to hold a reception for all members of the aforementioned organizations during this year's IMEX America so that members of the five associa- tions can network together, explore ways they can support one another, and hopefully attract new members who may be attending IMEX but are not affiliated with any of the groups. It is our way of rec- ognizing the importance of these iconic organiza- tions and the value they and their planner members bring to the industry. As I have repeated many times in the past, if we don't come together to sup- port one anther, then who will? BM&T's master meeting planner, Katrina Ruff of Forums Meetings & Events, is currently working out the details of the reception. As soon as a date and location are solidified, we will announce in the BM&T E-Newsletter, and notify the five organizations, which will then pass on this information to their respective memberships. So stay tuned. In the meantime, Black Meetings & Tourism, in collaboration with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, is presenting a Hosted Buyer Event in Fort Lauderdale August 14-16. This promises to set a new bar of excellence for events of this nature. We are confident that the meeting plan- ners will be blown away by this unique experience and crowing about it for many months to come, and that Fort Lauderdale will garner several lucrative pieces meeting business as a result of this effort. You will definitely be hearing more about this and other Hosted Buyer Events in my future Publisher's Messages.