Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/29859
on the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center this summer for the National Baptist Congress. The Congress, serving the interests of African- American Baptists, June 12-17, will feature 100 classes on evangelism, finance, marriage, teaching ministries and other topics. Albert Tucker, vice president of Multicultural Business Development for the bureau, predicted the conference will generate $5 million to the local economy. Tucker has also helped attract several other Black conferences to the area, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which will bring an expected 10,000 women to Broward this spring. At the mid-winter conference of the Association of Executives of the National Urban League, over 100 select top leaders, including Broward County’s 35-year-old chapter, returned to Greater Fort Lauderdale to re-energize and strategize around key concerns and economic and social issues facing Black communities in the U.S. 2010 Florida Encounter, Fontainebleau Miami Beach and now in its 31st year, Florida Encounter offers atten- dees an opportunity to establish valuable contacts and explore Florida’s unsurpassed services and venues in a relaxed atmosphere, saving time and money in the process. Florida is a state that lives for tourism. Given the Sunshine State’s exceptional hospitality, unparalleled activities and attractions, convenient air accessibility and unsurpassed budget-friendly value, there’s little wonder meeting attendees invite their friends and fam- ily along to experience a memorable Florida getaway as part of their business or incentive travel planning. “It’s good business to do business in Florida” – choosing the Sunshine State means you are providing your employ- ees with not only a breathtaking setting for your meet- ing, but a world-famous destination for them to enjoy during their free time as well. For more information, please go to meetings.VISIT- FLORIDA.com or contact Joyce Stillwell at jstill- well@VISITFLORIDA.org and Steven Bonda, CMP at sbonda@VISITFLORIDA.org FORT LAUDERDALE TOPS AS MEETING DESTINATION The City of Fort Lauderdale celebrates its centennial in 2011, saluting the spirit of diversity in a friendly beach resort setting. Greater Fort Lauderdale has become the preferred site for some of the nation’s most prestigious and influential gatherings of African-American organizations. It’s a place with an inviting vibe where you can enjoy beaches, golf, and warm weather, while experiencing the flavors of culturally diverse activities as well asmap out plans for the future. Nearly 8,000 educators and church leaders will converge View of Fort Lauderdale harbor, Florida The 100 Black Men of America organization crafted its most ambitious meeting to date during a first-time stop in Fort Lauderdale in June. International members came from as near as the Caribbean and as far away as Europe to the 24th annual conference, which focused on the expansion of the group’s global education, men- toring and empowerment programs for African-American males. Members also gave back to the com- munity by participating in local proj- ects, leaving a lasting impact on the Fort Lauderdale area. Chairman Albert Dotson credits the organiza- tion’s partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau with making this year’s conference a community-wide ALBERT DOTSON effort, and one of the most exciting ever. Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 29 Photo Credit: Travelif