Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535167
42 42 B M & T ••• May/June 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 CONTENTS 15 15 56 56 VOLUME 32, ISSUE 3 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Newsmakers 10 Hotel Happenings 14 LBA 250 46 Pacesetters 58 Caribbean Corner 60 Cruise News 62 Southern California 66 Alberta 67 Missouri 70 Denver 71 BVI 72 Chicago 73 Atlantic City 74 Anguilla COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES 47 47 Texas doesn't follow a format—it creates its own frame- work. Across this vast state, meetings aren't just hosted— they're tied to place, shaped by story, and strengthened through experience. Whether you're charting strategy in Dallas, expanding global reach in Houston, or planning with purpose in San Antonio, Texas offers more than variety—it offers definition and distinction.Texas Gold Special Section is a roadmap of where to meet in the Gold Star State. By Zyan Avraham 12 12 17 17 The South doesn't audition for relevance—it claims it. From stone courthouses that once divided law from justice, to convention centers built within walking distance of oral history, the region offers more than settings—it delivers conditions. The African-American Guide to Meetings, Incent- ives & Traveling in the South provides a roundup of great destinations in the region in which to con- gregate. By Zyan Avraham In the vibrant world of tourism, few voices are as compelling as Leslie Wright's. Appointed President and CEO of the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board (MNTB) in early 2023, with more than two decades of experience in the industy, she is redefining the landscape of travel and tourism in the Minneapolis Northwest region. A Conversation With Leslie Wright tells the whole story. By Zyan Avraham As the world resumes moving at a rapid pace, the need to prioritize well-being has re-positioned the global wellness economy at the forefront of today and tomorrow's trends making it more rele- vant than ever. Spa Meetings: Adding a Well- ness Component to Your Conference offers several possibilities across the nation that focuson wellness. By Toni Walker BL ACK MEETINGS & TOURISM LLC In today's world, navigating racial insensitivi- ty—especially in professional or business set- tings—requires a strategic balance between self- preservation and advocacy. Noted psychologist Dr. Monica Larson offers some tips on handling those who can be difficult in How To Deal With People Who Area Racially Insensitive. By Toni Walker In the world of professional meeting and event planning, conversations are no longer confined to creativity, coordina- tion, and client satisfaction they've moved into the core of strategic business planning and the decision to invest in spe- cialty insurance becomes less about if, and more about when, how much, and what kind. Should Meeting Planners Get Specialty Insurance? is a short primer on ensuring not only financial protection but also business continuity, com- petitive advantage, and client confidence. By Toni Walker Jackson Convention Complex