Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511108
B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 CONTENTS 30 30 13 13 8 8 38 38 22 22 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 11 Newsmakers 20 Center of Attention 34 Travel Data 36 Cruise News 49 Caribbean Corner 51 Fort Worth 52 Little Rock 53 Louisiana 56 Northern California 57 Ohio 59 Tennessee 61 Wisconsin 62 Trinidad & Tobago COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES Each year in A View From The Top, we put sev- eral questions to some of the top CVB heads in the industry in the last quarter of 2023 in an effort to share their knowledge with those seeking solutions to the daunting challenges faced by many destina- tion reps and planners. By Solomon J. Herbert In this day and age destinations across the United States are determined to establishing themselves as the PREMIER locations to hold the greatest conferences and events with the most accessibility while maintaining top level hospitali- ty. African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the Northeast explains how this is being done. By Solomon J. Herbert II Soon after Jason Dunn's appointment in Nov- ember 2022 as executive director of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, he decided that four goals would receive top priority under his leadership. One of his major aims is to diversify the organization's membership base to reflect all Black meeting professionals, regardless of industry segment or position. A Conversation With Jason Dunn tells the whole story. By Sonya Stinson BM&T's Annual African-American Reunions Focus offers some tips to planers on where to hold and how to organize these popular events. By Solomon J. Herbert II BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM LLC Following the tremendous success of Amalfi by Bobby Flay, the award-winning chef will introduce a new French concept at Caesars Palace. Brasserie B by Bobby Flay will offer delicious and distinct French-inspired dish- es for brunch, lunch and dinner and is slated to open in late 2023. Caesars Palace Opens Brasserie B By Bobby Flay In Late 2023 shows how celebrated chef will bring French restaurant to the Las Vegas Strip. Washington National Cathedral photo credit: PopMedia Group/Ing