Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
32 B M & T ••• November/Decembe 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com ELLIOTT FERGUSON, PRESIDENT/CEO, DESTINATION DC • While some companies may be scaling back DEI efforts due to potential backlash, many remain thoroughly committed to champi- oning diversity and inclusion. We know diverse companies are more profitable, and they are usually the places where most people want to work. The hospitality industry has an opportunity to lead the way in terms of understanding and valuing cultur- al differences. • DEI for DDC is not about any single initiative. Rather, it is built into everything we do. It is a guiding pillar of our workplace. • In DC, we are committed to sus- tainability and fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of business events initiatives. DEI is absolutely the responsibility of every- one in the meetings industry - from planners to destinations. • DDC has established a DEI Business Fellowship program to encourage diversity and inclusivity within the business events and suppli- er sector. • The DEI Business Fellowship program supports small businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, women and persons with disabilities. Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, • Our commitment to DEI has helped position Baltimore as a wel- coming, inclusive destination, attracting multicultural meetings and events including the National Council of Negro Women, the Kappa Alpha Psi National Conven- tion, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Islamic Circle of North America, and sporting events that promote HBCU attendance like Get in the Game and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Men's and Women's Basketball tournament. By partner- ing with diverse local businesses and highlighting Baltimore's rich cultur- al fabric, we can offer event planners a destination that reflects their val- ues and offers diverse experiences that you can't find anywhere else. • Our team continues to partner with Baltimore's small BIPOC owned businesses through activations at trade shows like ASAE, IMEX and PCMA, providing planners with a preview of the vibrant, diverse experi- ences they can offer their attendees. This approach has been critical in attracting events that seek to create inclusive, culturally rich experiences for their participants. CHANTEL FRANCOIS, PRESIDENT EAST POINT CVB • Corporate America's retreat from its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initia- tives can be attributed to several fac- tors that reflect broader social, polit- ical, and economic dynamics. • A few reasons on this trend are due to economic pressures and cost- cutting measures, political backlash, shifting priorities and lack of meas- urable outcomes. • At the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau (EPCVB), we remain deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as core principles that guide our mission. Our commitment stems from the recognition that embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment is essential not only for ethical and social reasons but also for driving success within the convention and tourism industry. • We have an inclusive vendor and partnership policy that leads to diverse representation in our marketing and advertising. This ensures the promotional materials, visuals, language, outreach strate- gies are inclusive and representa- tive of people from all racial, eth- nic, gender, and age groups. • We have measured success by tracking the percentage of minori- ty and underrepresented business- es that partner with our events, services, and vendor relationships. Our marketing efforts have received positive feedback for being inclusive and reflective of the community. Surveys show that visitors and locals alike feel that our campaigns accurately repre- sent the diversity of East Point. EPCVB's commitment to DEI has played a significant role in attract- ing more multicultural meetings and events to our destination. By fostering an inclusive and welcom- ing environment, we've been able to position East Point as an ideal location of "Where the World Meets" for organizations, busi- nesses, and associations that prior- itize diversity in their program- ming and want to host events that cater to a broad range of cultural, ethnic, and social groups.