Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1476179
3 CONTENTS 33 33 13 13 20 20 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7, JULY/AUGUST 2022 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 10 Newsmakers 15 Local 19 Pacesetters 35 From The Motherland 36 Caribbean Corner 38 Cruise News 40 Barbados 41 Hawaii 44 Maryland 46 Michigan 48 New York B M & T ••• July/August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM LLC COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES Leading a local visitors bureau is a demanding and complex job, but for Bennish Brown, President/CEO of Destination Augusta since July of 2018, its essence boils down to accom- plishing one goal every day. A Conversation With Bennish Brown explores his journey from his first position in the industry in South Carolina to his current role as president/CEO of Destination Augusta. By Sonya Stinson Walt Disney has been dubbed a genius and visionary for good reason. He absolutely was just that, an adult genius with a child's eye and heart. Disney knew instinctively what kinds of things make people happy. He was so focused and sure of his vision that years later, Disney is celebrated around the world as the gold standard of what entertainment should look and feel like. Schedule Your Next Meeting Where "Magic Happens" tells the whole story. By Armanda Herbert 16 16 Black Meetings & Tourism Media will present its BM&T Annual Apex Distinguished Service Awards at a gala luncheon event dur- ing the International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show on July 16th at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon in Miami, FL. The awards are presented each year to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their particular fields of endeavor that have positively impacted the travel industry. Apex Awards to be Presented in Miami fills in the details. By Buck Samuels Black Meetings & Tourism's annual Great Gaming Roundup reports on the main gaming industry players who service the M.I.C.E. market. By Solomon J. Herbert photo credit: PopMedia Group MGM gaint adverisement billboard, Las Vagas