Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
30 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AL HUTCHISON, PRESIDENT/CEO, ViSIT BALTIMORE • The shifting stance of some com- panies on DEI initiatives is a major concern that highlights a larger issue I have noticed over my years in the industry – leaders in the travel space have historically stayed away from discussing topics considered political, fearing it might alienate travelers. However, the reality is that we live in a society where both residents and visitors are affected by issues such as gun violence, reproductive healthcare access, and access to DEIA resources. • Over the last few years, I've seen more DMO leaders engaging in open forums to address these critical issues, recognizing that our communities and travelers are impacted by these reali- ties. This trend toward honest and proactive dialogue is essential, even if it may seem controversial. Unfortun- ately, some corporations may retreat from their DEI commitments due to external pressures or the belief that addressing these topics is too risky for their bottom line. But at Visit Baltimore, we understand that creat- ing an inclusive and welcoming envi- ronment is not only the right thing to do but also essential for the long-term success of our destination. • Absolutely. Visit Baltimore's commitment to DEIA remains a core aspect of the work we do everyday. We believe that DEIA is not just a trend but a fundamental part of our city's DNA, with Baltimore playing a pivotal role in shaping Civil Rights for our nation. Our work in this space has been ongoing, and we prioritize taking proactive measures to ensure that Baltimore continues to be a wel- coming and inclusive destination for all visitors, regardless of their back- ground. This dedication is more cru- cial than ever, especially in the face of recent challenges to DEIA education nationwide. • Visit Baltimore has put several initiatives in place to highlight the rich, cultural diversity within our des- tination and increase the number of BIPOC leaders in leadership posi- tions within the hospitality industry through cutting-edge workforce engagement initiatives. • Our Warm Welcome Program invites members of the local hospital- ity community to pledge their com- mitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all travelers, regard- less of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or abilities. Participants receive exclusive training toolkits developed by experts, covering topics such as race bias, allyship, disability inclusion, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Additionally, we established a Black- Owned Business Directory to pro- vide a comprehensive list of Black- owned businesses across Baltimore, ensuring that visitors can easily find and support these establishments. • Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the lack of BIPOC representation, especially in senior leadership roles. To address this gap, Visit Baltimore launched two key ini- tiatives: a diversity apprenticeship program and a data analytics fellow- ship. These 600-hour paid programs provide hands-on experience and guarantee job placement, creating clear career pathways for BIPOC stu- dents in hospitality. Our team works to reach these students at varying age and education levels, engaging Baltimore City High School students who are pursuing careers in hospital- ity through activities that highlight the long-term opportunities within the industry like a cooking and bak- ing competition, job fairs, and career shadow days with partners in varying positions within the industry. • Beyond our local efforts, I have also led national initiatives, including the creation of the first- ever Destinations International Foundation HBCU Scholarship program. This scholarship sup- ports students attending histori- cally Black colleges and universi- ties, helping to build a more diverse leadership pipeline for our industry. • Our initiatives have been well received, both locally and globally in the meetings and conventions indus- try. Over 100 local businesses have joined the Warm Welcome Program, reflecting the community's dedica- tion to fostering inclusivity, and we continue to evolve the program to meet the changing needs of our industry. • The Black-Owned Business Directory has also played a signifi- cant role in driving support for Black- owned establishments by making them more accessible to visitors. We measure the success of the directory by how many businesses opt in to participate, feedback from stakehold- ers, and increased engagement with local businesses. • On the workforce develop- ment side, we measure the success of these initiatives by number of students participating in each event, applications to our appren- ticeship programs, and most impor- tantly, how many apprentices receive job placements upon com- pletion of their apprenticeships. To date, every student who has partici- pated in the Visit Baltimore apprenticeship program has received a full-time job offer within the mid-Atlantic hospitality indus- try in various positions including sales, marketing, general operations and data analytics.