Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541144
B M & T ••• November/December 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 CONTENTS 17 17 VOLUME 32, ISSUE 6, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Newsmakers 10 Hotel Happenings 16 Local Hero 25 Vendor Profile 45 Cruise News 47 Caribbean Corner 49 From The Motherland 50 Fort Worth 51 Little Rock 52 Louisiana 54 Northern California 55 Ohio 58 Oklahoma City 59 Tennessee 61 Trinidad & Tobago 62 Wisconsin COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES 44 44 If success is a collection of problems solved, Guideon Toal Management Services -– An Amazing Success Story captures the true spirit of entrepreneurial excellence By Zyan Avraham 12 12 The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers is not merely a member group. It is a working institution where ownership, capital, and leadership are the agenda. NAB- HOOD Miami 2025 explores what took lace when the organization held its early conference recently. By Zyan Avraham 31 31 There are gatherings in our community that do not ask for permission to exist They are older than political cycles, steadier than the economy, and more enduring than trend. The African-American family reunion is one of them. It is not a vacation. It is not a casual weekend away. It is the preser- vation of memory in real time. BM&T's Annual Reunions Focus reports on this cultural phenomenon. By Zyan Avraham 19 19 As the travel and meetings market responds to world events and an ever-evolving economy, we feel it prudent to pause from time to time to assess what impact all these occurrences are having on our industry. A View From The Top shares thoughts about the state of the industry from some of it's most influential leaders. By Solomon J. Herbert Portland's visitor economy is being steered by a leader who refuses to waver on principle. James Jessie, Chief Operating Officer of Travel Portland, oversees convention sales and services, marketing, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Conversation With James Jessie tells the whole story. By Zyan Avraham Cincinnati's Convention Comeback: A City Playing The Long Game reports on how Cincinnati executes for planners who expect readi- ness, access, and ROI. By Zyan Avraham 30 30 With over 25 years of delivering impact, Event Audio Visual Services, Inc. (EAV) is a trusted name in the event production industry. Headquartered in Atlanta, this award-winning, full-service audiovisual company delivers cutting-edge AV production for live events, in-house services, and installation solutions nationwide. Event Audio Visual Services: Leading With Vision, Excellence, And Purpose explains how they do it. 26 26 The Northeast remains one of the most strategic regions for meetings and incentives, offering planners access to America's most storied cities and progressive cultural corri- dors. African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the Northeast goes into detail on what the region has to offer. By Zyan Avraham 35 35 BL ACK MEETINGS & TOURISM LLC MLK Moument, Wash. DC photo credit: PopmediaGroup/R.Ing