Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401511
I N T H E N E W S B M & T ••• July/August 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 FOUNDER OF TRUMPET AWARDS AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER HOSTED 90TH PRE-BIRTHDAY IN TAMPA JUNE 3-5 Dr. Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards and renowned civil rights activist, returned to Tampa Bay to celebrate her milestone 90th birthday. Birthday celebrations kicked off at the CURRENT Hotel June 3-5. A life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and former executive assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Dr. Clayton is a pioneer in the civil rights movement and a leader in broadcasting the accomplishments of African-Americans on national television through her Trumpet Awards broadcasted on TBS and worldwide in more than 185 countries. "We are elated to see Dr. Xernona Clayton return to Tampa Bay," says Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "Her legacy in civil rights is admirable and achievements in honoring African Americans in broadcasting are incomparable. As a melting pot of cultures with rich African-American history, Tampa Bay is honored to be chosen as the destination to celebrate her milestone birthday." Several celebrities and political dignitaries attended her birthday celebrations in Tampa as they honor Dr. Clayton's works and accomplish- ments over the years. ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY The heart of Florida's Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock sun, fun and culture in Florida's most diverse travel destination. As a not-for-profit corporation certified by Destinations International's Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits. DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL AND PCMA ANNOUNCE DATE AND LOCATION FOR DESTINATION SHOWCASE Destinations International and PCMA recently announced Destination Showcase, an annual event connecting business event professionals with des- tination organizations to drive successful meetings and events, will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Originally announced in 2019, the Destinations International and PCMA partnership is intended to further enhance Destination Showcase's impact to meeting planners and destination organizations. While the intent is to re-envi- sion the event for 2022, the focus for this year is to re-engage the industry in new and authentic ways.