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26 26 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 CONTENTS 15 15 38 38 VOLUME 32, ISSUE 2 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Newsmakers 10 Hotel Happenings 12 Tour Operator Profile 37 Travel Data 45 Travel Agent Profile 46 Cruise News 48 Caribbean Corner 50 Washington DC 52 Connecticut 54 Delaware 55 Dominican Republic 56 Georgia 59 Jamaica 60 Kentucky 62 Mississippi 65 Nebraska 66 Pennsylvania COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES 32 32 Business and leisure travel, often referred to as "bleisure" travel, is important because it allows individuals to combine work obliga- tions with personal time off, leading to a better work-life balance, increased productivity, and the opportunity to explore new destina- tions while still fulfilling professional commitments; this can also benefit companies by boosting employee morale and potentially reducing travel costs by extending business trips with leisure time. Taking The Family: Travel For Business & Pleasure offers a few suggestions of family friendly meeting destinations. By Solomon J. Herbert ll 17 17 24 24 13 13 The Western United States stands as a premier region for corporate events and leisure travel alike. With its cut- ting-edge convention centers, diverse hotel offerings, and extensive transportation networks, the West provides meeting planners with venues that combine modern capacity with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. African- American Guide To Meetings, Incentives & Traveling In The West is our annual feature reporting on the treas- ure this region holds for meeting planners. By Zyan Avraham Nestled beneath a lush canopy of trees, Atlanta effort- lessly blends its natural beauty with a thriving urban and cultural landscape. Often hailed as the "City in a Forest," this dynamic metropolis is where history, innovation, and vibrant culture intersect. As a premier destination for meetings and conventions, Atlanta is set for an extraordi- nary revival. Atlanta: A Dynamic Symphony Of Culture, Innovation, And Southern Hospitality pro- vides an overview of the city By Zyan Avraham Tracy Berkeley doesn't look at her role as the CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) as a job. Instead, she sees it as a service to her country and the people. Berkeley was the interim CEO for nine months before tak- ing over the position permanently in March 2023. A Conversation With Tracy Berkeley tells the whole story. By Darlene Donloe As Every event planner knows that where they choose to host a meeting or conference is every bit as important as the event itself. Ask anyone who's been involved with the event industry for even a marginal amount of time, and they'll tell you as much. If you don't have a great location, then nothing else matters, right? Grand Venues For Great Meetings offers several examples of extraordinary meeting spaces. By Solomon J. Herbert ll BL ACK MEETINGS & TOURISM LLC Easy traveling, invigorating sunshine and an abundant array of activities make Florida the perfect state in which to hold a conven- tion or business meeting. Conventions in Florida tend to be hot attractions for one obvious reason: the potential for fun and relax- ation after a long day of getting down to business. Get all the info you need to meet in Florida in Florida Special Advertising Section. By Solomon J. Herbert ll Who says corporate meetings have to feel conventional? Picture swapping the sterile confines of a boardroom for the magic of Disney, the cinematic energy of Universal Studios, or the adrenaline-fueled charm of Six Flags. Do Meetings At Theme Parks Really Work? explores why these theme parks are proving they're not just playgrounds for fun—they're dynamic venues where business and creativity collide. By Zyan Avraham Hoover Dam, Navada photo credit: PopMedia Group/ R.Ingram