Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1539265
6 B M & T ••• September/October 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com I N T H E N E W S LEGACY IN MOTION: HOW DIVINE NINE CONFERENCES SHAPE TAMPA BAYS CULTURE AND ECONOMY Historic Black Greek-Letter Organizations Bring Cultural Pride, Community Impact, and More Than 43,000 Room Nights to Tampa Bay Since 2022 When more than 6,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. descended on Tampa Bay for their 2025 South Atlantic Regional Conference, they brought more than signa- ture pink and green outfits—they brought a cultural and eco- nomic wave that rippled across the region. Held in April at the Tampa Convention Center, with nearly 60% of attendees traveling from out of state, the five-day event drew members from across Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Cities like Atlanta, Columbia, Savannah, and even New York were well represented. This isn't a one-time phenomenon. It's part of a growing trend as Tampa Bay becomes a premier host for Divine Nine organizations—historically Black fraternities and sororities that continue to shape professional, civic, and cultural life across the nation. With each regional or national conference, these groups bring not only spending power but service proj- ects, social impact, and a powerful presence rooted in legacy. But the true impact of this Divine Nine gathering goes far beyond the number of attendees. According to data from Zartico, a marketing technology company that highlights geolocation and visitor spending, attraction spending during the conference more than doubled compared to the same period the year before, with average visitor spend at attrac- tions jumping 58% year-over-year. Hotels, restaurants, retail- ers, including Tampa Riverwalk attractions, all saw significant boosts, affirming what local leaders already know: Black sororities and fraternities mean business. "The impact of these conferences goes far beyond the days they're here," said Santiago Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "They leave a cultural and economic foot- print that strengthens our community, celebrates the rich tra- ditions of historically Black fraternities and sororities, and inspires local businesses and residents alike. Every event adds to Tampa Bay's story as a welcoming, world-class destina- tion—and ensures we remain top-of-mind for future meet- ings, conventions, and cultural gatherings that matter." Tampa Bay has welcomed seven of the Divine Nine organ- izations in the past two years, including national conferences for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 2023, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 2024, as well as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. this year, all leaving a lasting economic impact on the Tampa Bay community. Since 2022, Divine Nine conferences have generated more than 43,000 combined room nights, leaving an enduring impression on Tampa Bay and paving the way for future gatherings that continue to drive business,