Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1356169
18 18 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 10 Newsmakers 15 Center of Attention 28 Caribbean Corner 42 Cruise News 44 Travel Data 45 Georgia 48 Anguilla 49 Minneapolis 50 Mississippi 52 Philadephia 53 Washington, DC FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES There are many reasons why a planner will take a closer look at a destination they may have once passed over for a meeting or conference. This is even more crucial as our industry gears up for an era of post pandemic travel and meetings. Emerging Markets to Watch explores destinations that have not only elevated visitor safety to the very highest priority, but also meet the definition of emerging mar- kets for meeting planners who are searching for des- tinations that are she right fit for their next meeting or conference. By Rufus McKinney 30 30 40 40 26 26 Millions of people from all over the world flock to Florida each year, and it's no wonder. Florida's Ambiance Offers Conference Attendees a Combination of Top Level Hospitality and Paradise All-In-One explains why. By Cletus Ramsey The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation together with Howard University announced recently the establish- ment of the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership in honor of Marriott International's (NASDAQ: MAR) beloved president and CEO, Arne Sorenson, who tragically passed away recently from pancreatic cancer. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will provide a $20 million endowment to launch the Center at Howard University, one of the nation's leading historically Black col- leges and universities. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Announces $20 Million Endowment at Howard University to Establish the Marriott-Sorenson Center For Hospitality Leader- ship tells the whole story. 12 12 Louisville Tourism, the marketing agency that pro- motes the city as a travel destination, is unveiling new programming this spring celebrating impact of the African American contribution to Louisville's history, heritage and culture. Louisville Launches Black Heritage Tour Collection tells the whole story. In recent years, theme parks have become a pop- ular meeting destination, hosting unique and memo- rable conferences that allow attendees to mix busi- ness with pleasure. Do Meetings at Theme Parks Really Work? explores the benefits to having theme parks as venues including their ability to make a con- ference special through remarkable experiences, and the fact that they're designed to engage and motivate attendees from start to finish, which leads to a pro- ductivity boost. By Darlene Donloe 16 16 Memphis, Tennessee Offers Great Spaces, Excellent Food, and Southern Hospitality explores the many reasons why this southern jewel is such a popular meeting destination. 3 CONTENTS VOLUME 28, ISSUE 3, MARCH/APRIL 2021 B M & T ••• March/April 2021 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM COVER STORY