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•pg_3-13__BMT_pg3-58 6/22/13 1:34 AM Page 8 IN THE NEWS PRINCE HALL SHRINERS VOTE TO RETURN TO CINCINNATI USA FOR 2015 ANNUAL CONVENTION World's Oldest African-American Fraternal Organization Returns After Successful 2011 Convention in Cincinnati, Cites Strong Urban Development and Welcoming Community The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine – more commonly known as the Prince Hall Shriners – is returning to Cincinnati USA for its 2015 Imperial Council Session and Annual Convention. Total attendance is estimated at 25,000, which includes paid conference attendees as well as visitors to the Shriners Annual Street Parade and other public special events associated with the convention. Delegates are contracted to use more than 15,000 hotel room nights and spend nearly $6 million at local hotels, restaurants and attractions. The convention will be held at the Duke Energy Convention Center (DECC). The 2015 event marks the return of the Shriners to Cincinnati after the event was held here in 2011. And it was a vote of the delegates themselves that brought the 2015 convention back to the Queen City. "Cincinnati was an extraordinary host for us in 2011 and that experience left such a positive impression in the minds of our members," explained Homer Buchanan, Imperial Potentate (highest ranking official) of the Prince Hall Shriners. "The community was warm and welcoming. The hospitality staff and local ambassadors made us feel right at home. And now you add to that all the wonderful economic development and urban renewal projects, and Cincinnati USA continues to be a perfect fit for the Prince Hall Shriners." The oldest African-American fraternal organization in the world, the Prince Hall Shriners was founded in 1893 as a social, benevolent and charitable organization. Its membership – nearly 35,000 people in 227 Shrine Temples throughout North America, Europe and Asia – is dedicated to fostering civic, economic and educational development programs throughout the world. The organization's first-ever annual session was held in New Jersey in 1901 and was hosted in Cincinnati for the first time in 1961. In 2015, thousands of members from across the country will attend the Annual Convention, from both the Shrine Organization itself and its Auxiliary – the Imperial Court Daughters of Isis – which is composed of wives, sisters, mothers and daughters of the membership. "When high-profile organizations like the Prince Hall Shriners decide to return after a positive experience, it really validates our approach to developing Cincinnati USA into a world-class destination," said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). "It's an approach built around working collaboratively as a hospitality industry, constantly building new and exciting entertainment venues, and engaging our residents to show off their community pride. That's what made the difference with the Shriners membership and that's what will continue to drive convention growth for the region." The Prince Hall Shriners win adds another high-profile event to Cincinnati USA's convention roster. In 2013, the region will host annual conventions for the National Fraternal Order of Police, in addition to return visits by Educational Testing Service and the Midwest Homeschool Convention. In 2014, the National Urban League and the International Association of Fire Fighters bring their Annual Conventions to Cincinnati. "Our organization is actively involved in helping the communities we serve," added Buchanan. "The Prince Hall Shriners contribute millions of dollars to charitable causes each year, and when we select a host city, we look for one that reflects that same spirit of charity and community. Cincinnati was a perfect fit in 2011 and it continues to offer events and activities that speak to the heart of a great city." As it did in 2011, the CVB will decorate downtown for the Shriners visit as part of its convention welcome program, with welcome buttons, street banners and sidewalk stickers designed to help visitors navigate the city and find ambassadors with tips on restaurants, attractions and activities. Local residents will also be invited to the Prince Hall Shriners Annual Street Parade during the convention, as part of a full menu of community-minded events and activities. Highlights also include: 8 B M & T ••• May/June 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com