Black Meetings and Tourism

3 CONTENTS 20 20 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5, MAY/JUNE 2021 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 10 Newsmakers 35 Travel Data 36 Caribbean Corner 38 Center of Attention-Dallas 40 Cruise News 42 BVI 43 Chicago 44 Denver 45 Missouri 48 New Jersey B M & T ••• May/June 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES Meeting Planners and event organizers from across the country are always looking for unique des- tinations in the South to hold their meetings and events. This region of the United States is known for its impeccable hospitality, beautiful scenery and is home to a plethora of cultures. These qualities make the South a perfect region to hold a wide array of events from large corporate conferences to private family reunions and weddings. African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the South offers insight into this phenomenon. By Rufus McKinney 12 12 Spa Meetings: Mixing Business With Pleasure offers planners some ideas about infusing new life and energy into their meetings and a roadmap for trying something different to take their events to the next level. By Cletus Ramsey When things go wrong unexpectedly at a meeting or convention, veterans in the industry will tell you the most important thing to remember is not to panic. After months of planning, the day has arrived for your event and, as luck would have it, the keynote speaker's plane is delayed, there is a power outage, there's a fire in the kitchen, the Wi-Fi is down, there are transportation mishaps, the audio equipment doesn't work, the caterer's truck broke down, parking is a nightmare, there aren't enough rooms, your event is outside and it's raining like cats and dogs, there's not enough food, and most importantly, the bar is down to its last bottle of wine. Industry Vets Reveal What to Do When Things Go Wrong at an Event is a comprehensive primer on damage con- trol for meeting planners. By Darlene Donloe 15 15 At a recent press conference, NYC & Company, New York City's official destination marketing organ- ization and convention and visitors bureau, present- ed "NYC Reawakens," a new communications initia- tive to signal the City's reopening and comeback. Just prior, NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon joined Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chef Daniel Boulud at the Mayor's daily news briefing to announce the largest-ever $30 million marketing campaign for tourism recovery that will launch in June. NYC & Company Presents "NYC Reawakens" As New York City Begins Tourism Comeback give all the details. VISIT Milwaukee Launches New Campaign To Positions the City As Top Meeting Destination reports on the new advertising pro- gram designed to present Milwaukee as a bold, mod- ern, and experienced-obsessed location ready to safely host meeting and events. 15 15 32 32 Muhammad Ali Center photo credit: Louisville CVB

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