Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545782
B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 CONTENTS 15 15 VOLUME 33, ISSUE 4,JULY/AUGUST 2026 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Newsmakers 10 Hotel Happenings 14 Center of Attention 42 Cruise News 44 Caribbean Corner 46 San Antonio 48 Rhode Island 49 Portland 50 New York 52 New Hampshire 53 Michigan 55 Maryland 57 Hawaii 58 Barbados COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES 22 22 In Virginia, meetings flow naturally. Your day might begin beside the soft rush of Atlantic waves, along brick-lined streets scented with coffee and sea air, or beneath the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia Special Section is for the those planners looking to host a meeting that feels sophisticated, yet feeds the soul. By Patrice A. Kelly In April 2026 Kireem Swinton capped his nearly nine-year tenure at Visit Baltimore with his appointment as President & CEO. He spent the previous months as the interim top leader of the bureau. A Conversation With Kireem Swinton tells the whole story. By Sonya Stinson On July 4, 2026 the United States celebrat- ed its 250th anniversary and a profound national jubilant awareness unfolded. At the forefront of this celebration stands Black America 250, a groundbreaking multi- year media and marketing initiative aimed at illuminating the rich impact of Black his- tory, culture, and achievements across the nation while envisioning the next 250 years of our contributions. A Designated Special Section of this issue is dedicated to celebrat- ing this 250th anniversary and acknowledg- ing the historical contribution of African 27 27 Ask any seasoned planner and they will tell you: where you meet is just as important as why you meet. For today's strategist, special- ized golf resorts have become much more than just a place to play a round of eighteen holes. Meetings Love Golf Resorts offers a few options for great meetings. By Cheray O'Neal 17 17 35 35 BL ACK MEETINGS TOURISM LLC When it comes to planning successful meet- ings, bigger is not always better. Across the country, a growing number of planners are dis- covering the advantages of destinations that deliver the infrastructure and professionalism required for productive gatherings without the challenges often associated with major conven- tion hubs. Second Tier: Top Choice provides some suggested destinations. By Patrice A. Kelly View of central Baltimore with historic and modern buildings.