Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1292971
3 CONTENTS 32 32 VOLUME 27, ISSUE 9, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 10 Newsmakers 22 Caribbean Corner 26 Travel Data 30 Cruise News 18 18 B M & T ••• September/October 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT New Leadership, New Perspectives on Diversity and Inclusion ushers in a new day in travel as African- American industry leaders speak out about a variety of issues, including the BLM movement and the COVID-19 pandemic. By Patrice Kelly 14 14 24 24 28 28 36 36 We Need Us! Campaign to Inspire Local Community to Keep Supporting Minneapolis Businesses is the city's effort to encourage residents and vis- itors alike to support the wide array of local businesses that make Minneapolis a vibrant place to live and work. 12 12 Black History Month may be many months behind us, but planners can celebrate African-American culture the entire year by supporting Black-owned businesses for their events. Have a Milwaukee Meeting That Supports Black-Owned Businesses tells how it's done. An independent study by industry experts Tourism Economics is explored in Tourism Generated $6.9 Billion in 2019, Proves Critical to Hillsborough County's Economic Recovery Following COVID-19 As destinations across the country begin to "open up" to again welcome visitors, in keeping with their commitment for "attention to details," meeting planners are finding it neces- sary to add more CLEANING & SAFETY procedures and protocols to their list of "must haves," for their group meet- ings. Mobile, Alabama: Meeting The Needs of Your Meeting: explains why Mobile should be top of mind for your next meeting. Carolyn Ash, the founder and CEO of #afreeblack- girl, explains how she inspires women to get free, using travel as their/our motivation in Travel is Good For My Health. Orlando, the no. 1 meetings destination in the United States (according to CVENT), is adding even more resources for meeting attendees, improvements at the conventions center, as well as new convention hotels, venues, and dining and attractions options throughout 2020 and beyond. Orlando Meetings: What's New & Next in 2020 and Beyond brings you up to date on developments there. 15 15 New Protocols Make Safety a Top Priority For Meetings in St. Louis reports on steps being taken to ensure your safe visit to the Gateway City whether for meetings or leisure travel. In the heart of South Carolina, tradition and tomor- row pair perfectly in Columbia. Real Meetings. Real Safe is Columbia's invitation for meeting planners to experience the city's charm and superior meeting facil- ities for themselves. 20 20