Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
38 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com inclusion (DEI) commitments due to economic pressures and a focus on short-term profitability, leading to cuts in perceived non-essential programs. Pushback from certain groups questioning the value of DEI efforts has also contributed. • At Visit Tampa Bay, we remain committed to DEI because it's integral to our long-term suc- cess, ensuring Tampa Bay remains a vibrant, inclusive destination. • Absolutely. DEI is a core value at Visit Tampa Bay, and we actively integrate it into our strategies. Through local partnerships, diverse marketing campaigns, and our focus on inclusivity and accessibili- ty, we prioritize creating an envi- ronment where everyone feels wel- comed and valued. • For many years, we've main- tained DEI-focused policies reflect- ing our long-standing commitment to inclusivity. These include inclusive hir- ing practices, diverse board represen- tation, and strong partnerships with minority- and LGBTQ+-owned busi- nesses, alongside a robust supplier diversity program. Our marketing efforts consistently highlight Tampa Bay's diversity, and we've provided internal DEI training over the years to foster a sustained culture of respect and understanding. • Our success is measured through quantitative metrics like an increase in diverse business partnerships, board diversity, and the impact of DEI-focused mar- keting campaigns. Qualitative feedback from partners, employ- ees, and the community further demonstrates the success and value of our DEI initiatives. • Our commitment to DEI has attracted events like those from the Divine Nine, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Telangana American Telugu Association. Having hosted five of the Divine Nine groups in LESLIE WHITLOW GRAVES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPLORE PRINCE GEORGE'S • DEI is one of the most impor- tant initiatives, yet some businesses struggle to address it effectively. For DEI to truly make an impact, it is essential for leaders to prioritize these initiatives and actively incor- porate them into their organiza- tional culture, engaging employees, stakeholders, and the community in the process. • We firmly uphold the princi- ples of diversity, equity, and inclu- sion, recognizing the vital impor- tance of amplifying DEI voices is all that we do. • We provide an array of intern- ships for collegiate and high schools students, that include sup- porting the HBCU fund by provid- ing scholarships for students who are enrolled in hospitality majors; partnering with Howard University and its Marriott Sorenson Hosp- itality Program in hosting a student for our yearly summer internship program; and we also a local all- girls high school by providing internships for one to three stu- dents annually. • We measure our success through our commitment to recent years, we continue to draw multicultural groups to Tampa Bay by fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment. SANTIAGO C. CORRADA, PRESIDENT/CEO, VISIT TAMPA BAY • Corporate America may be scaling back diversity, equity, and mentation of these strategies. • While most of our evaluations are qualitative, except for the HRC Impact Score and Minority Spend reporting, we value the qualitative reporting methodology because it helps us to understand why, how, or what happened behind certain behaviors. Utilizing qualitative data helps us evaluate and strengthen our organizational and destination cul- ture. When we expand the depth of the understanding associated with the complexity of the human experi- ence, the hypothesis of generations, flexibility, insight, and the meaning behind the phonological processes, then and only then can growth be sustained and enhanced. • As we work to secure certain market segments, the ability to actively demonstrate ongoing EDI and social inclusion practices as a normalized business practice pro- vides confidence to meeting and event planners that Jackson, as a destination, has made ongoing and long-term commitments to "doing the right thing." In Jackson, when customers and other stakeholders request this data, we do not have to get ready, we attempt to stay ready. Our destination has chal- lenges that have been identified; as