Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511108
S oon after Jason Dunn's appointment in Nov-ember 2022 as executive director of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, he decid- ed 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. He's also work- ing to create an organizational infrastructure to support that membership expansion. Another goal is to develop the financial stability required for the coalition to implement all of the strate- gies its board directs. Finally, Dunn would like to create a vehicle to advocate for education and government policies that will benefit future Black meeting professionals in their career development. Dunn says the NCBMP not only seeks to grow its membership beyond suppliers and planners to include others like human resources professionals and organization executives; it's also looking to increase its international footprint. "It is no secret that the demographics of the U.S. and the world is browning, which means there are Black and Brown professionals across the globe CONVERSATION WITH JASON DUNN A By SONYA STINSON who also need the support the coalition brings," Dunn says. "As we aim to become an interna- tional organization, we have to expand our infrastructure to welcome those international professionals." Dunn also thinks the times call for a broader view of the market that NCBMP members serve. As he points out, that market is not limited to Social, Military, Education, Religious and Fraternal meeting organizations but also includes corporate groups, medical associations, sporting events and more. NCBMP will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the national conference on December 6-9, 2023, in Atlanta. A highlight of the event will be the presentation of a lifetime membership award – the coalition's highest honor – to two of its founding members, George Turner and Sylvia Thomas. Among the featured confer- ence speakers are John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc.; Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destination International; Julie Coker, president and CEO of MPI; Aurora James, founder of The 15 Percent Pledge in support of Black fashion businesses; Tia White, general manager of AI and machine B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 30