Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
were given a Certificate of Appreciation from Caesars and Meeting Professionals International; (MPI), as well as a Proclamation from Clark County Nevada and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. During November in Birmingham at the 41st Annual Convention of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, we have been informed my our dear Brother Jason Dun that we will be honored by receiving lifetime member- ships to the NCBMP. And then during December in Miami at the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMex), our dear Brother Bevan Springer has notified us that we will be honored with Leadership Award. We are so very thankful to all of these organi- zations and individuals who have or will bestow these honors on us. We work had to serve our community and our industry, and it warms our hearts to be recognized for our efforts. I must thank our dedicated team for making this all possible and helping to achieve the excel- lence that has been our trademark for all these years. I especially want to single out several of our writers for their fine work, including Darlene Donloe, Sister Moutique, and Zyan Avraham, as well as Robert Ingram of Pop Media who is responsible for laying out Black Meetings and Tourism. A thank you also goes out to my Daughter Bonnie Herbert, who has recently joined the BM&T team in a sales and marketing role. You will be hearing a lot from her in the months to come. We must also acknowledge our fabulous meet- ing planner, Katrina Ruff of Forums Meetings & Events for being our go to person for coordinat- ing our booth and Annual Meet Up at IMEX, in addition to the Hosted Buyer Events we offer each year. And last, but not least, I want to acknowledge the work of my son, Solomon II, for his numerous articles and spectacular cover designs. Solomon II has recently closed his own trucking business to devote full time to BM&T, and in the process is taking on more responsibilities. Again, thanks everyone for your support. We will strive to continue to be your voice in an indus- try that all too often does not acknowledge your presence or contributions. 4 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Black Meetings & Tourism is published bi-monthly by Black Meetings & Tourism LCC, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207 • Telephone: (818) 694-7830 • Copyright 2024 by Black Meetings & Tourism LCC. All rights reserved. Single Copies, $6.00 Subscriptions $45.00. Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA. •Postmaster send address changes to Black Meetings & Tourism, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207. A ny of you who are familiar Gloria and me know that we have not been publishing Black Meetings & Tourism since 1994 for the accolades. Our main mission and passion is to recog- nize the contributions to and accomplish- ments of African-Americans in the hospital- ity, meetings and travel industry, and to use our platforms to uplift and inspire our com- munity. That being said, we would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge those organiza- tions that have gone the extra mile to let us know how vital our work has been and the positive impact it has had on this industry we love. While we have received many awards in our 30 years of media efforts, during the last few months of 2024 we have received, or will receive a slew of hon- ors that have truly touched our souls. In October during IMEX America in Las Vegas, we were bowled over by our dear friend and colleague Reina Herschdorfer of Caesars Entertainment at the Media & Momentum: A Morning of Recognition and Impact breakfast event with several surpris- es. In addition to receiving the coveted Key to the Empire from Caesars, we also PUBLISHER'S Solomon J. Herbert Publisher/Editor-In-Chief E-Mail: BMandTMag@aol.com M E S S A G E