Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1515188
28 B M & T ••• January/February 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com B lack Meetings & Tourism had another successful experience last year during IMEX America, which unfolded at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas during October. As we do each year, we had a BM&T booth on the trade show floor to distribute magazines as well as interact with meeting planners, travel agents, DMO reps and other attendees. We also used the opportunity to promote our new initia- tive – Black America 250 – that marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This program, which runs through 2026, was created by Black Meetings & Tourism to ensure that stories from a Black perspective are included in the conversation and semi- quincentennial celebration. BA250 Team Members who helped man the booth included Leroy Savage and Brenda Scott-Savage, as well as Katrina Ruff of Forums Meetings & Events. As part of this initiative, we are presenting Living Legend Awards to a number of deserving individuals from different fields of endeavor, including the Travel/Meetings/Hospitality industry. During IMEX we presented a Living Legend Award to Melvin Tennant, who is the first Black President/CEO of a CVB ever (Oakland CVB in the early 1990s)! He is currently serving as President/CEO of Meet Minneapolis since 2008. Once again, Black Meetings & Tourism held a Meet Up that brought together Black planners, association execs and industry professionals to network, enjoy food and drink, and learn about some of the latest developments impacting the African-American market segment. Because past BM&T Meet Ups have met with such great reviews, this year's event BM&T EVENTS A BIG HIT