Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
MELVIN TENNANT, PRESIDENT/CEO, MEET MINNEAPOLIS • We have seen the awareness for the need of DEI efforts come and go in our travel and tourism industry and in the corporate com- munity at large over the years. The most recent surge of interest was fueled by the tragic murder of George Floyd here in Minneapolis. The fortuitous capturing of that heinous act by a teenager, made it impossible to explain away. • As we approach the five-year mark since the killing of George Floyd, we have seen evidence of individuals and entities who want to move on and put that tragedy behind them. Some try to elevate the token progress that has been made since that time, while others remain totally ambivalent to the fact that any changes need to be made. • It is imperative that we con- tinue to push for equity and social justice in spite of the movement to de-emphasize its importance. embracing diversity not only strengthens our communities but also boosts our economy. • Absolutely. A significant step forward for us has been hiring our first-ever Director of DEI and Community Engagement, Theresa Cunningham. She leads our award- winning, first-of-its-kind Tourism Accelerator, which empowers diverse local businesses to tap into San Diego's $22 billion tourism industry. Additionally, Theresa is spearheading our newly estab- lished SDTA Foundation, created to expand opportunity for resi- dents and visitors and better equip San Diego's travel and tourism industry for the future. • We take pride in our inclusive approach and representation across marketing, communications, and staffing. As we develop our 10- year San Diego Tourism Steward- ship Plan, we are committed to engaging the community at every stage of the process to ensure a more resilient and equitable San Diego. We have also embedded DEI into our member education and offerings. A current priority, for example, is working to ensure our events are accessible for all individuals. • The results of our Tourism Accelerator have been impressive: 65% of graduates report increased revenue, 45% have created new jobs, and 100% express increased confidence in conducting business. We are actively establishing key per- formance indicators (KPIs) to mon- itor our progress across various DEI initiatives. • Our commitment to DEI has effectively attracted more multicul- tural meetings to San Diego through targeted initiatives and partnerships. Our Sales Team now utilizes a tag in our database to identify clients engaged with DEI or social issues. When The Boulé had a conference in town, we facilitated connections among partners, local BIPOC busi- nesses, and city leaders to enhance their experience. #ATS2024 part- nered with SDTA's flagship Tourism • Accelerator program to sup- port and promote diverse local busi- nesses in San Diego. The Taco Bell Founda-tion Conference also hosted a pitch event for local, diverse entre- preneurs. B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 JULIE COKER, PRESIDENT/CEO, SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY • Diverse teams are proven to drive innovation and enhance busi- ness performance. DEI initiatives have frequently been underfunded and perceived as optional rather than essential, which hampers progress. In today's environment, concerns about public perception can lead to a lack of commitment or accountability, which ultimately stifles growth and inclusivity. It's imperative for organizations to prioritize DEI, understanding that Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) involved linking the association with local companies who could offer potential employment opportunities for the student attendees, creating mutual benefits. The conference was a success, leading to positive experi- ences for both the association and its attendees. This trusted partnership has secured SACNAS' return to Portland in 2028 and 2034. By engag- ing with the community and deliver- ing exceptional service, Portland has earned a reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination, leading other diverse organizations like The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) to host their annual conference in Portland in 2025. Our intentional DEI initia- tives and commitment have strengthened long- term relation- ships and ensured repeat business.