Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1480919
Gateway Arch on summer morning. St. Louis, Missouri 3 CONTENTS 16 16 19 19 12 12 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 9, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 10 Newsmakers 15 Local Hero 18 Pacesetters 27 C enter of Attention 35 Travel Data 36 Caribbean Corner 38 Cruise News 40 Alabama 42 Arizona 44 Houston 45 North Carolina 47 South Carolina 49 USVI B M & T ••• September/O tober 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM LLC COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES When Chantel Ross Francois became Executive Director of the South Fulton Convent- ion and Visitors Bureau in April 2022, she brought decades of industry experience and an international background to the job. A Conversation With Chantel Francois introduces you to this seasoned industry leader. By Sonya Stinson The American Midwest symbolizes the American dream. It's a region of charming small towns, inviting urban centers and sheer natural beauty in a pastoral setting that's perfect for outdoor adventure. The African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the Midwest tells the whole story. By Rufus McKinney 31 31 Choosing the right venue for your meeting or conference is a crucial step in the planning process. Select a destination or facility that doesn't resonate with your target audience and you very well may put a damper on attendance, no matter how spectacular your scheduled program may be. Meetings Love Golf Resorts helps planners select the ideal venue for their conference. By Rufus McKinney Discovering New Perspective: Exploring Uganda, The Pearl of Africa reports on a popular tour operator that delivers an exciting and fascination experience in Uganda. By John Baker c