Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism June/July 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 CONTENTS C O V E R S T O R Y C O V E R S T O R Y B L A C K M E E T I N G S & T O U R I S M 42 42 When the economy is in a recession, every consumer becomes cost-conscious. Before they spend money on anything, they want evidence that it's good value. Cost Conscious Cities provides value minded planners the information they need when selecting destinations for their upcoming meetings and conferences. By Sonya Stinson Strategic alliances are simply a formal, or in some cases informal relationship between two or more parties for the pursuit of an agreed upon set of goals to meet their respective business needs while remaining independent organizations. Strategic Alliances Good Business Sense reviews several such partnerships that have worked well in the meetings industry. By Michael Bennett VOLUME 16, ISSUE 6, JUNE/JULY 2009 The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference: Creating a Timely Tourism Response reports on the upcoming ADHT conference taking place in Tanzania during October. By Cynthia J. Graddy 39 39 33 33 Recession Got You Down? Don't React-Act! explores how to be proactive in protecting your livelihood and career, even in the most trying of situations. 32 32 36 36 16 16 F E A T U R E S F E A T U R E S Trimming The Fat From Meeting Budgets offers a few tips on making those dollars stretch further during tough economic times. By Michael Bennett Black American Tourists Can Make The Difference in Loss and Profit for Caribbean examines the potential economic impact African-American travelers can have on the region. By Carol H. Williams 5 Calendar of Events 8 Newsmakers 9 Pacesetters 10 Association News 11 Cruise News 12 In The News 14 Arts & Entertainment 18 Speaking of People 19 Local Hero 20 Hotel Happenings 22 Caribbean Corner 24 Applause 25 Religious Review 26 Museum Notes 28 Fam Report Toronto 30 Conference Report 35 Vendor Spotlight 41 Site Review 57 Open Forum 58 Travel Data 59 From the Motherland AREA GUIDES 60 Michigan 61 Nevada 62 Portland 63 Baltimore 64 Caribbean Region D E P A R T M E N T S D E P A R T M E N T S Toronto, Canada Photo Credit: Douglas Brown

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