Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543954
of Black Meeting Professionals is a non-profit organization dedicated primarily to the training needs of Black meeting professionals. NCBMP has a network of more than 2,000 event professionals across the nation, representing events with over $49 billion dollars in revenue annually. The NCBMP Annual Conference brings together meeting profes- sionals, association executives, CEOs, event professionals, industry suppliers and hospitality students in an educational and networking environment. The announcement of the NCBMP Annual Conference is the latest success in Visit Baltimore's efforts to attract multi- cultural and diverse meetings and emphasize our standing as a welcoming destination for all. This year, Baltimore will host the BEYA Stem Conference in February, the National Society of Black Engineers Conference in March, the Islamic Circle of North America in May, Jack and Jill of America in July, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in August. In 2027, Baltimore will also welcome groups including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the National Medical Association and the Association for Asian American Studies. ABOUT VISIT BALTIMORE Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing arm for the City of Baltimore. The 501(c)(6) non-profit organization generates economic benefits for Baltimore and its residents through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visi- tors. In 2024, 28.5 million people visited Baltimore for overnight and day trips, generating a total of $4.3 billion to Baltimore's economy. For more information, please visit https://baltimore.org. CHOOSE CHICAGO LAUNCHES ALL FOR THE LOVE OF CHICAGO PODCAST New Long-Form Storytelling Platform Elevates Local Voices And Connects Chicago To A Global Audience Through The Power Of Podcasting Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, recently announced the launch of the All for the Love of Chicago podcast—an innovative expansion of the popular All for the Love of Chicago marketing initiative, B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 IN THE NEWS BALTIMORE TO HOST NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK MEETING PROFESSIONALS 2030 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Visit Baltimore, the official destination sales and market- ing organization for Baltimore City, and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) announced that Baltimore will be the host city for the NCBMP Annual Conference in 2030. The NCBMP Annual Conference is the largest annual gathering for Black meeting professionals in the United States and will take place December 4-7, 2030. "As someone who has had the privilege of working closely with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals for many years, I am thrilled that Baltimore will be the host city for the 2030 Annual Conference," said Kireem Swinton, Interim President and CEO of Visit Baltimore. "This reflects our city's dedication to being a welcoming destination for the meetings and events industry. We look forward to hosting NCBMP's incredible network of professionals and showcas- ing all that our vibrant city has to offer." "Bringing the NCBMP Annual Conference to Baltimore in 2030 reflects our belief that where we convene is just as important as why we con- vene," said Jason Dunn, president and CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. "We are intentional about align- ing with cities that respect the influence, innovation and economic power of our members. Baltimore demon- strates a clear understanding of that responsibility, not just in words, but in action. This conference is about advanc- ing business opportunities, expanding access through high-value professional develop- ment, and creating lasting pathways for talent across our industry. Hosting NCBMP is not a one-time event; it repre- sents a commitment to meaningful engagement and shared impact." Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, the National Coalition photo credit: Rogers-Centre-Ottawa