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3 CONTENTS 32 32 14 14 35 35 17 17 1 1 5 5 34 34 21 21 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 7, JULY/AUGUST 2023 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Center of Attention 10 Hotel Happenings 12 Newsmakers 46 Trave Data 47 Caribbean Corner 49 Cruise News 51 From Motherland 52 Barbados 53 Hawaii 54 Maryland 56 Michigan 59 New York 61 Oregon 62 San Antonio B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES 44 44 New Dallas Convention Center Expans- ion Coming in 2028 provides all the details about the $2 billion, the new 2.5-million- square-foot new Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and the new Convention Center District it will anchor. When it came to deciding where Kappa Alpha Psi fra- ternity would hold its next national event in 2024, it was a no-brainer for Ryan E. Tucker, deputy executive director of the group. New Orleans Celebrates GMID 2023 and its Theme, Meetings Matter" explains why The Big Easy is a perfect choice with all that it has to offer to visitors. By Edith Billups Temecula Valley: Southern California's Hidden Jewel reveals why this Southern California destination is the ideal location for your next meeting or conference. By Reginald Greene In Dayton, Ohio on June 27th of 1872, Joshua and Matilda Dunbar welcomed a son into the world. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar had both been enslaved in Kentucky and led lives of resilience. Paul Laurence Dunbar: An American Treasure tells their story and that of their amazing son. When it comes to her career, Melonie Johnson has rolled the dice and ended up with that magic seven or 11 every time. She's now at the top of her game as the pres- ident and chief operating officer (COO) of MGM National Harbor, which means it's a sure bet she knows a thing or two about the gaming industry. MGM National Harbor President and COO Melonie Johnson Has Earned Respect tells the whole story. By Darlene Donloe As elected officials in various places around the country are attempting to distort, eliminate, or in some way belit- tle the importance of African-American heritage and his- tory, as it relates to our existence in this country, BM&T's Black America 250 Column tells the true story about our contributions to developing and building the U.S. By Gloria & Solomon Herbert Choosing the right venue for your meeting or confer- ence is a crucial step in the planning process. Select a destination or facility that doesn't resonate with your tar- get audience and you very well may put a damper on attendance, no matter how spectacular your scheduled program may be. Great Gaming Roundup offers a few venues for your consideration Compiled by Solomon J. Herbert As we head further into 2023 many Meeting Planners are re-visiting the idea of coordinating meetings and events in slightly smaller yet substantial destinations. These destinations offer more bang for your buck and STILL maintain top-level hospitality serv- ices that many of the major metropolises of the United States do as well. Emerging Markets to Watch showcases some cities that are sure to satisfy your meeting needs! By Solomon J. Herbert II Palm Beaches County Convention Center photo credit: Palm Beasc C.C.C BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM LLC l