Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/19029
CONTENTS C O V E R S T O RY 35 It’s been commonly referred to as “America’s Heartland”or just the“heartland.”TheMidwest came to be called such, because the patchwork of major urban centers and small towns are considered to be the broad- est representation of all that is American culture. African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the Midwest shows why the region is so pop- ular with planners for their conferences and travel agents and their vacation clients. By Michael Bennett F E AT U R E S 18 BM&T’s Q & A, A Conversation With Vincent Venderpool-Wallace, minister of Tourism and Aviation for the Islands of the Bahamas. By Michael Bennett 21 InMarch 2010, travel professionals of color were sur- veyed to ascertain their level of job satisfaction in the current economic climate, and to encourage reflection upon howwell theymanage time in theworkplace. Time Management ForTravel Professionals shares some inter- esting results of the survey. By Monique Y. Wells 24 Reunions Provide Strong Revenue Stream During UncertainTimes is the focus of this year’s reunion plan- ning feature. By Patricia Ann Jordan 45 The creative “Virginia is For Lovers” campaign has branded theOldDominion State as a place for thosewho love life, love fun and love the beautiful gifts of Mother Nature.GreatMeetings ComeNaturallyHere reports on the growing phenomenon that Virginia is also the place for planners who love to organize greatmeetings! 48 Looking for a recession proof business? The Dos and Don’ts of Planning For The Religious Market, which con- tinues to thrive during tough economic times, offers one promising possibility. By Michael Bennett Birmingham Civil Right Museum Photo Credit: Birmingham CVB Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 AREA GUIDES 57 Sitka 58 Birmingham 59 Arizona 61 Las Cruces 63 North Carolina D E PA RTMENT S 10 InThe News 12 Museum Notes 13 Speaking of People 14 Hotel Happenings 16 Site Review – Toronto 20 Gateway to Hospitality 22 Fam Report #1 – Ohio 23 Caribbean Corner 30 Fam Report #2 – Atlanta 32 Religious Review 44 Cruise News 54 From the Motherland 56 Travel Data 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 7 Letters to Editor 8 Arts & Entertainment 51 The Caribbean has been experiencing a growing interest in the meetings market, with more corporate meetings taking place in the region as well as a growth and expansion of conference centers that can attract and accommodate larger conventions according to one industry expert. African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the Caribbean tells the whole story. By Sonya Stinson BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010